Details
Mission and objectives
Established in 1973, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Nigeria is located in the Federal Capital territory of Abuja, with four sub-offices, to respond to population issues throughout the six geo-political zones of the country: The North-West, North- East, North-Central, South-West, South-East and South-South. Currently in its 8th Country Programme (2018-2022), UNFPA Nigeria operations prioritize the humanitarian-peace-development nexus approach, particularly in addressing the subsisting crisis in the Northeast region of the country. In addition to the humanitarian support provided to the three worst affected states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa in the Northeast, UNFPA Nigeria supports implementation of the country’s development plans in 15 focal states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross Rivers, Ebonyi, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Sokoto, Kebbi, Bauchi, and Oyo as well as at the Federal level. However, it is pertinent to note that the Reproductive Health Commodities supply programme of UNFPA covers all the 36 States as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Consistent with the three organization-wide objectives to end preventable maternal mortality, end unmet need for family planning and end gender-based violence and harmful practices, UNFPA Nigeria also partners with non-government organizations including faith based, women and youth organizations, other UN agencies and major donors to meet the needs of the most vulnerable groups in the country including women, adolescents, and youths, as well as internally displaced persons (IDPs). The organizational goals call on holistic programming centered on building the capacity of national health systems and social structures in order to administer quality services around sexual reproductive health (SRH), family planning and Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention, mitigation and response.
Context
Nigeria experienced heavy rains and devastating floods that caused loss of life, population displacement and extensive destruction of houses, farms, and infrastructure. During the 2023 flooding, over three million people were affected in 34 states in the worst flooding the country has seen in over a decade. At least 603 people were reported as died and over 2,400 injured. According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), over 1.4 million people were reported to have been displaced due to the floods. Anambra, Bayelsa and Kogi states were among the 34 states in Nigerian that grappled with the devastating effects of the country’s worst flooding in a decade. In most parts of this states, the floods had submerged houses, farmlands, schools, health centres, police stations, churches and other critical infrastructures. It has been noted that women and girls are the most vulnerable in any disastrous situation compared to their male counterpart. It is evident in several studies that among all other natural disasters, flood causes immense sufferings for women especially in respect to their Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH). During floods, the challenges faced by women and girls, pertaining to their sexual and reproductive health needs are exacerbated. Given the lack of space, facilities and basic necessities, women and girls of reproductive age are unable to manage monthly menstruation in a safe, private and dignified manner. Additionally, in such situations, one in every five women in the childbearing age is likely to be pregnant. The risk of fatality and labor complications intensify during this time due to limited healthcare services. Other challenges include limited or no use of private and public toilets (since many are destroyed or submerged in water), rampant open defecation and compromised personal hygiene. Gender-based violence, including sexual exploitation and abuse is also exacerbated during such moments. Access to medical facilities will be a major challenge to women seeking anti-natal care or delivery services as many of the government health facilities in the area of return were badly affected by the floods. The ministry of health reported that a total of 44 health facilities were damaged by the floods. Sadly 85% of the affected population are women and children, the most vulnerable hit by this crisis. Seven hundred and nineteen (719) women were documented to be pregnant while 209 were lactating mothers. Based on MISP Calculation, an estimated 8,067 women of reproductive age, including some 985 pregnant women required essential lifesaving reproductive health services including emergency obstetric care. Reproductive health information and services will also be needed for the adolescents including provision of services on sexual transmitted Infection (STIs). Following the floods, UNFPA was requested by the Anambra State Government for support to mobilize some $320,000 for the flood response in Anambra through the UNFPA Emergency Fund. This fund will cover the immediate response which we just started with the FPA90 and also to support the state in their preparedness plan in our mandate areas towards the next rainy season.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Humanitarian Coordinator and Head of Office, the National Programme Officer SRH/GBV will provide oversight and technical leadership on UNFPA flood response activities on GBV & SRH in the State of Anambra, Bayelsa, Kogi and other affected states as directed by the Resident Coordinator. Key duties include: • Strengthen the state coordination mechanisms (GBV/SRH) including service mapping and updating referral pathway accompanied with an SOP on how to address GBV/SRH in emergencies, developing a response strategy to support the government. • Ensure pre-positioning of female dignity kits and other essential medical supplies for medical care to GBV survivors and other essential NFIs. • Ensure RH kits are positioned in health facilities in affected communities to meet the SRH needs of affected persons. • Participate and represent UNFPA in relevant state level Coordination meetings to ensure work to ensure that technical issues on SRH/GBV are incorporated into flood response plans. • Develop and implement capacity building plans for all areas of programming; GBV Case Management, Psychosocial Support PSEA and referral pathways, • Support to organize capacity building trainings for Health care providers (Doctor, Nurses, Midwives) on CMR, MISP. • Monitor, Evaluate and report on status of project implementation as needed. • Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.