National Midwifery Officer (Education)
Organizational Context
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, aims to create a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. In Bangladesh, UNFPA has been instrumental since 1974 in achieving transformative results, including ending unmet need for family planning and preventable maternal deaths. The agency collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM) to enhance the national health system and expand a competent midwifery workforce.
Job Purpose
This role supports the Directorate General of Nursing and Midwifery (DGNM) in Bangladesh to strengthen its governance structure and capacity for improving midwifery education, regulation, and service delivery. The assignment addresses a gap in DGNM's ability to coordinate midwifery program components and stakeholders, including communication with 172 midwifery schools. The UN Volunteer will provide managerial support to enhance the quality of midwifery education and ensure alignment with international standards, contributing to improved Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRHR) outcomes in the country.
Responsibilities
The UN Volunteer will review and assist in updating the national pre-service midwifery curriculum to align with ICM and WHO standards, using the UNFPA ICM model curriculum as a guide. Responsibilities include supporting the Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council (BNMC) and DGNM in transitioning to BSc courses and exploring bridging courses for diploma holders. The role involves providing technical support to midwifery faculty for pedagogical skills enhancement, particularly in clinical skills labs and OSCEs, and facilitating Training of Trainers (ToT) on evidence-based practices and respectful maternity care. The volunteer will also support faculty in quality assurance activities for accreditation, provide technical support to national and district DGNM authorities, and assist in implementing quality assurance standards at service delivery points. Coordination with relevant directorates (DGHS & DGFP) to strengthen midwifery-led SRHR services and ensuring adherence to UNFPA policies and reporting requirements are also key duties.
Work Experience
A minimum of 7 years of progressive clinical experience in midwifery education and practice is required, with a strong background in curriculum development and clinical preceptor programs. Experience as a clinical preceptor, educator, or mentor in diverse settings is essential. Experience in health systems strengthening and policy advocacy in developing countries is also necessary. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.
Skills
Core competencies include accountability, adaptability, flexibility, creativity, judgment, decision-making, planning, organizing, professionalism, and self-management. Technical expertise areas include administration, community development, nursing, midwifery, paramedics, and medical technology. Strong communication and teamwork skills are also essential.