UNFPA·Apr 24, 2026

Specialist in Integrated Reproductive Health Services

On-siteInternationalSpecialist UCoS from Apr20263. Good health and well-being

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On-site

Benin

Cotonou

Duration

365 days

Extendable

Positions

1 Available

Deadline

May 17, 2026

5 days left

🎯

Sustainable Development Goal

3. Good health and well-being

General Information

Description of assignment title

Specialist in Integrated Reproductive Health Services

Assignment country

Benin

Expected start date

Jul 15, 2026

Sustainable Development Goal

3. Good health and well-being

Volunteer category

Specialist UCoS from Apr2026

Host entity

UNFPA

Type

onsite

Duration

365 days
(with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments

Duty stations

Cotonou

Assignment Details

Mission and Objectives

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the United Nation’s lead Agency in responsible for sexual and reproductive health. It works to uphold the rights and choices of women, girls and young people across more than 150 countries. UNFPA aims to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person can fulfil its potential. UNFPA's strategic plan (2022-2025) focuses on three transformative results: ending unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal death and; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices including child marriage and female genital mutilation.

Context

UNFPA has been present in Benin since 1972. Its 10th cooperation program (2024-2026), currently underway, is aligned with the national priorities of the National Development Plan (PND) and the Government Action Program (PAG) 2021-2026. This program is based on four strategic pillars: 1) Enabling institutional environment: Support policy and financing coordination; 2) Transformation of social norms: Foster a sociocultural environment conducive to the use of basic social services; 3. Integrated service delivery: Strengthen and integrate service delivery, including in areas with security challenges (the north); 4. Evidence generation: Support the collection of evidence to measure, monitor, and plan progress. The UNFPA office in Benin is structured around six main components: 1. Health: Covering reproductive health, maternal health, adolescent and youth health, and sexual health education; 2. Youth: Focused on youth participation and empowerment; 3. Advocacy, Partnerships, and Strategic Communications; 4. Planning and Coordination; 5. Cross-cutting pillar: encompassing gender, inclusion, human rights, and dignity; data, innovation, and resilience; and monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. 6. Operations. Based in Cotonou, the Office also has a decentralized office in Parakou and a branch in Natitingou. The volunteer recruited will be assigned to the decentralized office in Parakou. He or she will be responsible for supporting the development of policies and strategies, the implementation of integrated reproductive health/family planning (RH/FP) services, and the collection of data on sexual, reproductive, maternal, neonatal, adolescent, and youth health. The volunteer will be co-supervised by the Health Team Lead and the Coordinator of the decentralized office in Parakou. In addition, a “Rafiki” (mentor) will be assigned from among colleagues to provide special support.

Task Description

Under the direct supervision of the Health Team Leader, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: 1. Technical Support and Planning: - Provide technical support to Health Zones, school infirmaries (middle schools, high schools, campuses), and Social Promotion Centers supported by the program, with a view to planning innovative initiatives for access to integrated reproductive health (RH) services, family planning (FP), and gender-based violence (GBV) in their Annual Work Plans (AWPs), with a specific focus on women and young people in vulnerable situations. - Participate in the formulation of strategies to improve access to and use of integrated reproductive health, family planning services. 2. Data Collection, Analysis, and Management: - Provide technical support for the collection and analysis of data related to access to and use of integrated RH, FP, and GBV services, including monitoring the implementation of clinical mentoring and maternal and neonatal deaths in Health Zones. - Support research efforts, leverage existing reproductive health study and research data in the country, and maintain related statistics. This includes data on GBV, birth registration, obstetric fistula, and female genital mutilation, to feed into the program's database and indicator monitoring and guide actions. 3. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: - Participate in the implementation, supervision, and monitoring of AWPs activities by conducting field visits, attending review meetings, and participating in supervision missions. - Prepare quarterly and annual reports on the progress of activities.

Eligibility Criteria

Age

18 - 80

Required experience

3 years

Nationality

Open to all nationalities

Assignment Requirements

Relevant experience

3 years

Language Requirements

EnglishRequired

Fluent

FrenchRequired

Working knowledge

Required education level

Bachelor's degree

Area(s) of expertise

Health, Development programmes, Information technology

Driving license

Competencies and values

Competencies and Values ☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☒ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Empowering Others ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Leadership ☒ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Vision ☒ Working in Teams

Skills and experience

o Programme Management: Proven experience in planning, managing, monitoring, and evaluating health programmes is essential. o Field Experience: Practical experience working on reproductive health programmes. o Specific Knowledge: Expertise in areas such as adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health, family planning, maternal and newborn health, and gender equality. o Technical Skills: Proficiency in office software and project management systems.

Additional Information

Living conditions and remarks

Benin is a country in West Africa, bordered by Togo to the west, Nigeria to the east, Burkina Faso, and Niger to the north and by the Atlantic Ocean to the south. Most of its population lives on the southern coastline of the Bight of Benin, part of the Gulf of Guinea in the northernmost tropical portion of the Atlantic Ocean. The capital of Benin is Porto-Novo, but government and administrative offices are in Cotonou, the country's largest city and economic capital. The official Language is French and the time Zone is GMT + 01:00, WAT. Currency used is FCFA (XOF). Cotonou is situated between Lake Nokoué and the Atlantic Ocean. Covering 79 km², it embodies cultural diversity. Citizens from African countries and territories can visit Benin without a visa for up to 90 days. Nationals requiring a visa can apply for an electronic visa at evisa.bj or contact evisa-dei@gouv.bj. Cotonou is served by most major international airlines and river transport companies. Transportation includes also affordable motorcycle taxis ("zémidjans") for short trips, more comfortable traditional taxis, and a network of buses and minibuses for longer distances, with car rental options also available. A convenient app-based taxi service called Gozem and Yango are also available. Telecommunications facilities (landline and mobile phones, internet) are available, and housing is relatively affordable. There are several recognized schools, such as “Le Lycée Français, le Lycée Pierre Manoel Talon, and the American School. Benin is a democratic and peaceful country. In Cotonou, February to May sees hot weather with temperatures ranging between 26°C and 32°C. Kindly stay hydrated. As of June 16, 2022, entry into Benin is free of COVID-19-related documents. Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for all travelers to Benin. All travelers must bring its vaccination card and present it to health workers upon arrival in Cotonou. Vaccines against hepatitis A and B are strongly recommended as well as antimalarial treatment. Benin (Cotonou) is in Security Level Area – 2 “Low”. Security clearance is required for UN staff members before traveling. UN security policy requires that all personnel eligible under UN security arrangements traveling on official business obtain a security clearance online at https://dss.un.org A briefing will be provided by UNDSS.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity without distinction.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to vaccination requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19), in line with the applicable host entity policy.

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