National Professional Officer (Maternal&Reproductive Health)

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

Contribute to the reduction of mortality and morbidity of maternal and newborns health and development by strengthening the national capacity in planning, implementation,monitoring and evaluation of interventions to improve the health status,building effective partnerships with health development partners for an integrated approach to Primary Health Care.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Support the development of, review and analysis of national sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health policies, strategies, plans and guidelines, programmes, and related legislation Lead national sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health care activities from WHO perspective working closely with the child health officer and ensuring timely reporting of progress. Advocate for, lead and advise the national sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health through existing platforms such as the task force on the development of strategies for national sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health including family planning, national working groups, partners coordination mechanisms, etc. Provide technical assistance in the development of operation plans and tools for SRMNH and facilitate the dissemination of maternal and newborn health including family planning strategies, plans and relevant tools. Provide technical assistance for the implementation of maternal and newborn health including family planning interventions Establish and coordinate effective partnership with key stakeholders and donor agencies involved in national sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health including family planning Promote and implement operations research for national sexual, reproductive, maternal, and newborn health including family planning Participate in monitoring and evaluation of maternal and newborn health including family planning programme Act as the WCO focal point and collaborate and support partners and the MoH in respect of all gender rights and gender mainstreaming issues as well as gender-based violence and female genital mutilation. Liaise with the three levels of the organization to ensure common understanding and timely information sharing, exchange of experiences and achieving the deliverables of WHO GPW.Perform any other duties as required for thesuccess of the programme.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: University degree in a degree in obstetrics andgynecology and Modern Training Skills;CommunityMedicine; Public Health or another related field from an accredited/recognized institute.
Desirable: Advanced degree inMedicine/Public Health

Experience

Essential: At least five (5) years ofprogressively responsible professional experiencein inmaternal, newborn health and sexual and reproductive health.
Desirable: Considerable experience in programme planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and supervision at national, state or local government area; Relevant work experience with WHO and/or UN agencies, health cluster partners; experience working in relevant nongovernmental or humanitarian organizations.

Skills

Proven knowledge of SRMNH management within the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ability to conduct research and analyse results, identify issues, formulate opinions, and make conclusions and recommendations for strengthening health care systems.Good knowledge of SRMNH health services and safety regulationsAbility to prioritize, organize, manage, and adapt management styleaccording to needs Ability to build and motivate teams and work under pressure

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
Ensuring the effective use of resources

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at KES 6,777,421 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any other personal characteristics.

The WHO is committed to achieving gender parity and geographical diversity in its staff. Women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of unrepresented and underrepresented Member States (https://www.who.int/careers/diversity-equity-and-inclusion) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations to enable participation in the recruitment process. Requests for reasonable accommodation should be sent through an email to reasonableaccommodation@who.int

• An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.

• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.

• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

• For information on WHO’s operations please visit: http://www.who.int.

• WHO also offers wide range of benefits to staff, including parental leave and attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work-life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.

• The statutory retirement age for staff appointments is 65 years. For external applicants, only those who are expected to complete the term of appointment will normally be considered.

• Please note that WHO’s contracts are conditional on members of the workforce confirming that they are vaccinated as required by WHO before undertaking a WHO assignment, except where a medical condition does not allow such vaccination, as certified by the WHO Staff Health and Wellbeing Services (SHW). The successful candidate will be asked to provide relevant evidence related to this condition. A copy of the updated vaccination card must be shared with WHO medical service in the medical clearance process. Please note that certain countries require proof of specific vaccinations for entry or exit. For example, official proof /certification of yellow fever vaccination is required to enter many countries. Country-specific vaccine recommendations can be found on the WHO international travel and Staff Health and Wellbeing website. For vaccination-related queries please directly contact SHW directly at shws@who.int.

• This is a National Professional Officer position. Therefore, only applications from nationals of the country where the duty station is located will be accepted. Applicants who are not nationals of this country will not be considered.

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