National Programme Specialist - Maternal and Newborn Health Advocacy, Temporary Appointment, NOC-Dodoma,Tanzania

Organizational Context

UNFPA Tanzania seeks a National Programme Specialist to lead advocacy for maternal and newborn health (MNH) and essential commodities. Reporting to the Assistant Representative, the role supports UNFPA's mandate to ensure every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, aligning with the 2022-2025 strategic plan to end preventable maternal deaths and unmet needs for family planning.

Job Purpose

The National Programme Specialist - MNH Advocacy will spearhead advocacy and coordination efforts to advance midwifery models of care and ensure sustainable access to essential MNH commodities in Tanzania. This role involves designing and implementing evidence-based advocacy strategies to increase government investment in midwifery and MNH commodities. By integrating these priorities into national health frameworks and policy agendas, the Specialist will enhance sustainability, improve access to life-saving commodities, and contribute to reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates in alignment with Tanzania's health sector strategies.

Responsibilities

The Specialist will develop and implement integrated advocacy plans for midwifery and MNH commodities, ensuring alignment with national health strategies and UNFPA's country programme, specifically supporting the Every Woman, Every Newborn Everywhere (EWENE) Acceleration plans. Key duties include providing technical input into policy reforms, advocating for sustainable MNH commodity financing and affordable healthcare policies within universal health coverage, and tracking financial and policy goals. The role involves shaping advocacy messages based on cost-effectiveness and political economy analyses, advocating for commodity inclusion in essential medicines lists, and supporting government efforts to strengthen supply chains and reduce commodity stock-outs. Furthermore, the Specialist will build and sustain partnerships with key national stakeholders, including ministries, parliamentarians, and professional associations, to strengthen midwifery services and maternal health initiatives. Evidence generation, knowledge sharing, and programme management, including reporting and applying best practices, are also integral to the role.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of relevant experience is required, with a strong understanding of advocacy work, including policy research, strategy formulation, and public communication. Experience in coordinating evidence-based advocacy campaigns and advocating for sustainable MNH commodity financing is highly desirable. Experience working with UN agencies, government institutions, NGOs, or civil society groups, and a proven ability to build national advocacy coalitions are essential.

Skills

Core competencies include integrity, commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, embracing cultural diversity and change, achieving results, accountability, professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, teamwork, and effective communication. Functional competencies encompass policy advocacy, partnership building, results-based programming, and internal/external communication.

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