Adolescent Health Specialist - UNFPA

Terms of Reference 

Position Title: ADOLESCENT HEALTH SPECIALIST

Place of posting: Patna, Bihar

No. of positions: 1 (one) 

Background: 
The confluence of key factors creates a pivotal opportunity to accelerate progress toward achieving the government of Bihar’s (GoB) 2017 targets for reductions in rates of mortality, fertility and malnutrition, and improve adolescent health in the state. 

These factors include: 
a) Consistent political support from GoB to improve the health of women ,children and adolescents , exemplified most recently by the launch of the Human Development Mission (Manav Vikas Mission) under the chairmanship of Chief Minister in the state; 
b) Recent launch of the government of India’s (GoI) RMNCH+A strategy; 
c) Agreement with GoB on a Common Minimum Package(CMP) formulated by all development partners to support these goals

To capitalize on this opportunity, CARE will lead the establishment of a Technical Support Unit (TSU) constituted with major development partners[1] (DFID/BTAST, UNICEF, UNFPA, NIPI and WHO/NPSP), that will closely work with and support the Health and Social Welfare (ICDS) Departments of the GoB in their endeavour to achieve rapid and sustainable change in health and nutrition. The proposed TSU will provide catalytic support to the two departments to refine policies, systems and processes, transform capabilities and behaviours, and build ownership to unlock the potential of both public and private sector providers to effectively implement solutions. The work of the TSU will focus on effective technical interventions in maternal and child health, adolescent health , family planning, immunization and nutrition. Key drivers of change will include the transfer of skills and building ownership of approaches and solutions by Health and Social Welfare (ICDS) Departments. 

The State RMNCH+A Unit (SRU) of the TSU will consist mainly of technical experts from CARE and other development partners who will work closely with GoB to develop effective strategies to achieve GoB’s 2017 targets for reductions in rates of mortality, fertility and adolescent health.

Job Summary:
The Adolescent Health Specialist, under the supervision of the Director SRU and in close collaboration with SPO AH at SHS, TSU and UNFPA state office and the other team members in SRU will play a critical role in ensuring that the adolescent health receives sufficient technical support to achieve high rates of coverage and the program is continuously supported with state of the art knowledge, best practices and new and adapted tools &technologies. S/he will co-ordinate integration of adolescent health interventions with other technical areas such as maternal health, newborn care, family planning and nutrition.

Job roles and responsibilities: 
i. Work closely with the SPO –AH from SHS to do a gap analysis for developing action plan with specific timelines for the same for various components of Adolescent Health.
ii. Under the supervision of Director SRU and in collaboration with the State Program Officer- AH, implement adolescent health strategy for improving health status of adolescents in the 10 RMNCHA HPDs and in the overall State.
iii. To provide programmatic directions to the state health society from learning experiences from other parts of the country. 
iv. Establish a seamless link between SRU and SHS for better communication, sharing of ideas, understanding needs and timely response. 
v. Work closely with UNFPA and SHS to include new interventions areas for implementation of various AH interventions under national framework.
vi. Design and Develop capacity building interventions for the Medical officers, Health workers, teachers and AWW for providing adolescent health counseling and services, in collaboration with other technical experts for the Program Team.
vii. Work closely with SPO and other development partners to develop an exhaustive supportive supervision plan both at State and District level for focused and effective supportive supervision and using monitoring data for action
viii. Technical support to GoB and SHS in designing newer interventions on demand generation for adolescent health services offered through various platforms.
ix. Technical support to SHS in establishing the effective and functional convergence with Education and social welfare department for implementation of various activities under school health and WIFS.
x. Guidance to SHS for development & roll out of state specific communication plan including advocacy, BCC for existing and newer interventions on AH. 
xi. Support SHS and SRU in establishing the strong logistic management system for various logistics under adolescent health for ensuring regular services at the field.
xii. Support any specific techno-managerial efforts of the SRU that come up from time to time.
Candidate should be willing to travel in state of Bihar for more about 30 % of time.

Qualification:
MBBS/AYUSH/Post graduation in Health Management/ Post graduate in Rural Management/ Post graduate in Social Sciences (MSW/Social Work/Sociology)

Experience: 
10 -12 years of Public Health in the area of Reproductive health and over 5 years in adolescent health which include the following: 
i. Demonstrated experience and knowledge of adolescent health programs and policies in India 
ii. Demonstrated expertise in strategic program planning, implementation and Technical Assistance provision
Preferred:
i. Working experience in EAG states, preferably in Bihar 
Demonstrated expertise in undertaking research studies

Other Competencies:
i. Proven ability to conceptualize, analyze, innovate, plan, write and execute ideas, as well as impart knowledge and skills
ii. Demonstrated ability to objectively analyze data and has an eye for detail
iii. Demonstrated ability to present complex data into simple understandable information for diverse audience
iv. Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills 
v. Ability to function effectively as a team member
vi. Exhibits humility while holding position of authority 
vii. Demonstrated learning agility, pro-activeness and openness to embrace new technologies at work
Fluency in Hindi and English is essential.

Reporting officer: 
State Nodal officer for Adolescent Program.

Remuneration: 
Rs. 9,60,000 to 13,20,000 per annum. TA/DA for official travel will be provided as per rules.

Duration of contract:
Initially for one year. On satisfactory completion of the tasks and on review of performance appraisal, could be extended further on recommendations of the state government in consultation with UNFPA. 

Selected consultant will be hired through an outsourced agency hired by UNFPA

CONTACT INFORMATION: 
Operations Manager, 
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 
55 Lodi Estate, 
New Delhi 110 003. 

Email: jobs.india@unfpa.org 

LAST DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 07 March 2014 

Candidates should also complete a United Nations Personal History Form (P-11). The P-11 form is available at the UNFPA website at http://www.unfpa.org/employment/docs/p-11.doc. The completed P-11 form with an updated resume should be submitted along with the application.

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.