Programme Assistant (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)

Our Mandate

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the UN's reproductive health agency dealing with population issues and it is responsible for expanding the possibilities for women and young people to lead a healthy sexual and reproductive life. UNFPA works to accelerate universal access to sexual and reproductive health, including voluntary family planning and safe motherhood; and seeks the realization of rights and opportunities for young people.

UNFPA is present in more than 150 countries, improving people's lives as a catalyst for action and advocacy of their issues. Acting through alliances and partnerships with governments, other UN agencies, civil society and the private sector, UNFPA makes a positive difference for billions of people, especially those most in need.

UNFPA also helps countries use population data to anticipate future challenges; offers technical assistance that strengthens and empowers its partners; supports policy formulation and national capacity-building, ensuring that reproductive health and the rights of women and young people remain central issues in the development agenda.

UNFPA is making progress - fewer women are dying during childbirth, more unwanted pregnancies are being avoided, and younger women are having their opportunities expanded. But it is necessary to expand these efforts so that we can reach a healthy and fair world.

UNFPA - Creating a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.

Mozambique has been facing a worsening humanitarian situation due to a combination of factors, including recurrent climatic shocks, insecurity, and violence in the northern region. These challenges have led to significant displacement, disruptions in livelihoods, and limited access to essential services, including sexual and reproductive and maternal healthcare.

The UN Volunteer will support UNFPA Mozambique in responding to humanitarian emergencies, mitigating immediate risks, and enhancing preparedness for future disasters. Working in one of the world’s most disaster-prone countries, the Program Associate will provide programmatic and administrative support for the development and implementation of UNFPA’s Humanitarian Programme. S/he will play a role in supporting humanitarian project implementation by utilizing appropriate mechanisms and systems while ensuring compliance with established rules, policies, and procedures. S/he will collaborate closely with the humanitarian team in Maputo and field offices, Technical Specialists, and the Operations Unit in the Country Office, contributing to the effective implementation of UNFPA’s humanitarian response in Mozambique.

Under the overall guidance of the Representative, the UN Volunteer will be part of the humanitarian preparedness and response team in the Country Office and will directly report to the Deputy Representative.
1. Increase use of modern high-quality family planning methods by women in Mozambique, especially amongst those most vulnerable (FCDO-funded project).
This project is designed to ensure contraceptive availability nationally and to strengthen the provision of family planning services in Mozambique. The project aims to ensure quality and integrated family planning services for women and adolescents in both national and target provinces (Zambezia and Nampula provinces) with both Government and non-governmental partners.
     
2. Health Improvements for Mothers, Neonates, and Adolescents in Niassa Province (HIMNA). This multi-year program responds to the needs of Niassa province, which is one of the most neglected provinces in Mozambique with the worst sexual and reproductive health indicators, addressing the sexual and reproductive thematic areas linked to family planning and maternal mortality such as demand, use, and availability & quality of data, and brings into consideration key intersections between gender, poverty, educational attainment, and one’s geographic location. The intervention in four districts of Niassa province (Lichinga, Mandimba, Cuamba, and Mecanhella districts) includes activities to generate demand and support advocacy efforts at the community and secondary school level regarding the use of modern contraceptives. The project will also support community dialogues about access to sexual and reproductive health services and information sharing through the mobile brigade activities.

Under the direct supervision of the SRH Specialist, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Programme management support
• Support implementation, including budget analysis, regular monitoring of project implementation, planning and reporting on SRH-related program interventions, and follow-up with field colleagues as required;
• Assist with general administrative duties, including fund allocation in the Results and Resources Plan (RRP), review electronic Funding Authorization and Certificate of Expenditures (e-FACE), and organize meetings and logistics of events;
• Assist in initiating procurement requests for emergency commodities, following up on the procurement process, delivery of items, and distribution, and ensuring compliance with UNFPA procurement procedures;
• Assist in organizing and maintaining records of donor agreements, project timelines, and milestones;
• Assist in compiling a list of lessons learned and best practices from ongoing programs to help inform programming, communications, and advocacy work.

2. Monitoring and reporting
• Support the analysis of data to identify trends in needs, vulnerabilities, and response gaps;
• Compile reports on program progress, challenges, and good practices;
• Assist in preparing country office updates, including humanitarian situation reports for donors and partners.

3. Resource mobilization
• Participate in and support resource mobilization efforts as requested, including by providing inputs to donor reports, minute-taking from donor meetings, development of new proposals, or other support to advance partnership discussions;
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. 

During the first month of the assignment, the UN Volunteer will work closely with his/her direct supervisor to finalize an agreed-upon work plan. The work plan should outline key objectives and activities and include regular check ins with the supervisor to review progress and receive performance feedback.