Maternal Health and Health Systems Strengthening Adviser, WCARO
Organizational Context
This role serves as the UNFPA regional Principal Lead Adviser for maternal and newborn health, Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and health systems strengthening in West and Central Africa. The adviser works collaboratively with regional and country office staff, reporting to the Deputy Regional Director. UNFPA's mandate focuses on ensuring every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, aligning with the ICPD Programme of Action and SDGs.
Job Purpose
The Regional Maternal Health and Health Systems Strengthening Adviser provides strategic technical and programmatic leadership to enhance the capacity of UNFPA's West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO) and country offices. The purpose is to deliver evidence-based policy and program advice to accelerate progress in maternal and newborn health, aligning with UNFPA's Strategic Plan, SDGs, ICPD Programme of Action, and Africa Union's Agenda 2063. The role leads efforts to end preventable maternal deaths by strengthening health, financing, governance, and accountability systems, and implementing regional roadmaps. It involves analyzing trends, identifying high-impact practices, and fostering partnerships to integrate SRHR within development frameworks.
Responsibilities
The role provides strategic technical leadership, monitoring, and oversight for maternal and newborn health, SRHR, and health systems strengthening in development and humanitarian settings. It strengthens UNFPA's thought leadership by providing evidence-backed advice for scaling up interventions through a multisectoral, human rights-based approach. Key responsibilities include leading policy and advocacy efforts to integrate SRHR into universal health coverage (UHC) and health system strengthening policies, and developing/implementing integrated strategies for technical assistance and sustainable financing to end preventable maternal deaths. The adviser manages regional initiatives, serves as a connector for global and regional programs, and contributes to health system strengthening by advising country offices on enhancing SRH services, workforce planning, facility readiness, emergency care, commodity availability, health information systems, and death surveillance.
Work Experience
Requires 10+ years of professional experience in maternal and newborn health, SRHR, and health system strengthening, with at least seven years at the international level. Proven experience in a lead maternal health or SRHR role, including health sector reform and systems strengthening, is essential. Experience with UNFPA's mandate areas, policy engagement in developing/middle-income countries, and established professional networks is required. Country and regional experience, ideally in West and Central Africa, is also necessary.
Skills
Core competencies include integrity, commitment, cultural diversity, change embrace, accountability, and results achievement. Technical skills involve analytical and strategic thinking, communication for impact, and knowledge management. Managerial skills include strategic vision, stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and decision-making. Expertise in positioning UNFPA programs, conceptual innovation, and strengthening country office capacities is crucial.