Appui à la maternité et au point de triage SSR (DMU), CMH d'Obock
Organizational Context
The UNFPA Djibouti Country Office partners with government, civil society, and other institutions to implement its mandate, focusing on sexual and reproductive health, human rights, gender equality, and population and development issues. They provide technical and financial support for population data analysis and dissemination to aid effective decision-making. The office operates in a challenging environment, particularly in Obock, which has seen a significant influx of Yemeni refugees since September 2026, straining already limited health and social services.
Job Purpose
This role supports UNFPA's Pillar 1 by contributing to the objectives of the Displacement Management Unit (DMU) for preventing maternal and neonatal mortality and ensuring continued access to contraception. The volunteer will provide continuous presence and support to pregnant, lactating, and postpartum women at the Obock Health Centre's maternity and triage point. Working alongside midwives and UNFPA staff, the volunteer ensures that no reproductive health needs go unmet due to a lack of on-site support, facilitating timely referrals and access to essential services for a vulnerable population.
Responsibilities
The UN Community Volunteer will support the UNFPA SSR/DMU Focal Point and the Obock Health Centre midwife. Key responsibilities include: A. Maternal Care Support: Welcoming and orienting pregnant, lactating, and postpartum women, identifying danger signs for immediate referral, and assisting in identifying pregnant women for prenatal care and skilled birth attendance. Support the distribution of hygiene kits and provide clear messaging on facility-based delivery. Facilitate linkages to complementary services like nutrition, vaccination, and newborn care. B. Logistical Support: Organizing waiting areas to ensure privacy and dignity, maintaining non-medical attendance registers, and reminding clients of appointments. Prepare consultation spaces and report any needs or malfunctions. C. Supplies Monitoring: Assist in weekly inventory of reproductive health supplies and kits, tracking stock levels, expiry dates, and storage conditions. Report any stock ruptures or anomalies to the UNFPA Focal Point. D. Community Engagement: Disseminate information on available services in local languages. Engage traditional birth attendants and women leaders to encourage early referral to health facilities. Submit weekly aggregated activity data. Cross-cutting responsibilities include adhering to GBV guiding principles, PSEA standards, contributing to accountability to affected populations, ensuring inclusion of vulnerable groups, participating in coordination meetings, and collaborating with other UNVs.
Work Experience
No prior experience is strictly required, but at least one year of paid or volunteer experience in community health, health facility support, or with a community network is highly desirable. Experience supporting pregnant women, working with UN agencies, NGOs, or the Red Crescent is an asset. Basic knowledge of maternal health, danger signs, record-keeping, and stock management is needed. Excellent listening and communication skills, discretion, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to work in a challenging environment are essential.
Skills
Strong listening and oral communication skills, ability to convey simple information to low-literacy audiences, discretion, respect for confidentiality, non-judgmental attitude, cultural and social sensitivity, ability to work with community leaders, basic smartphone proficiency, and a strong awareness of safety are required. Interest in women's health and the UN system is valued. Experience with mobile data collection tools is an asset.