UNFPA's collaboration with the Government of Ghana began in 1972  and has strengthened over the years with the implementation of five  year programme cycles starting from the mid-1980s.    The Joint UNFPA/ICM Initiative for Investing in Midwifery was| launched in 2008 as a partnership between UNFPA and the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM). This initiative sought; to improve the quantity and quality of skilled attendance at all births in low-resource countries by developing the foundation of sustainable midwifery workforce. It focused on three areas: strengthening regulatory mechanisms, developing or strengthening! education and accreditation mechanisms and promoting the development of midwifery associations. The first phase of the programme was implemented in Ghana by the UNFPA Country Office between 2008 and 2013, with support from key stakeholders in the health sector such as the GHS, MoH and N&MC. Currently, UNFPA Ghana with its partners implements the second phase of the programme.

Job Summary

Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Representative and direct  line management of the Chief Technical Specialist, the Country Midwife Consultant contributes to the effective implementation of: the second phase of the UNFPA Ghana Midwifery Programme in: 2015- This includes supporting the MoH Human Resource; Department (HRD) to plan, organise and conduct midwifery capacity-building activities with emphasis on pre-service education and; engaging with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Ghana Health; Service, Ghana Registered Midwives Association, Government Registered Midwives Group and other stakeholders on issues relevant  to midwifery education, regulation and association. S/he analyses and assesses relevant political, policy and social trends as they relate to midwifery and provides substantive inputs in the design and evaluation of midwifery related interventions.

Main Task And Responsibilities:
Technical Expertise:

•   Support the Government to develop, execute and periodically; review Midwifery Improvement Programme and continually align midwifery issues with relevant current national and sector strategic frame works and plans including National Development: Plan, Health Sector Medium Term Development Plan and MoH: Annual Programs of Work, Education Sector Strategic Plan, other thematic strategies and expenditure frameworks for midwifery issues with a view to improve policies and practices for midwifery training, recruitment, retention and motivation.
•   Support the generation of strategic information and evidence to  inform national policies and strategies for midwifery improvement. Document and share good (best) practices in midwifery with wider stakeholders, including other Country and Regional Midwifery Advisers.

Programme Management:    

•   Support MoH HRD Midwifery and Nursing Programme and M&E Heads to plan and execute its UNFPA funded 2015 annual work plan (AWP) on time and on budget.
•   Support the MoH HRD department to prepare for and steer the processes of developing and operationalising the eLearning and Midwifery Development strategies planned for 2015.
•   This includes support in designing ToRs, meeting agendas, financial  documentation and reporting as well as strategy dissemination, resource mapping and fundraising.
•   Participate in the identification and formulation of midwifery, component work plans and projects by compiling and analysing information, drafting project documents and work plans and preparing tables and statistical data.

Funds Management:

•   Prepare and manage midwifery programme related budget. Monitors programme expenditures and disbursements to ensure delivery is in line with approved programme budgets and to realize targeted delivery levels.
•   Ensures the timely and accurate reporting of financial information.
•   Raises  requisitions for relevant activities, travels  and procurement under the e-procurement module in Atlas.
•   Manages assets that have been procured by the UNFPA and supplied to the implementing partners.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Trained midwife. Registration with the NMCis required
•   Postgraduate training in Public Health is an added advantage.

Knowledge & Experience:

•   Minimum of three years of experience in practicing midwifery with strong knowledge of midwifery education, legislation and regulation
•   Minimum of two years of experience in health programme management and/or coordination.   Prior international experience will be a strong advantage
•   Knowledge of programme administration,  including small budget management
•   Demonstrated analytical and strategic planning skills

Languages:

•   Fluency in oral and written English. ,
•   A second UN language is an asset

Computer Skills:

•   Proficiency in current office software applications.
•   Proficiency in Atlas, PeopleSoft,  and other computerized applications used by the UN is an asset.

Required Competencies:

•   Values (Exemplify Integrity, Commitment, Embrace Diversity  and Change)

Core Competencies:

•   Achievingresults
•   Being accountable
•   Developingand applying professional expertise
•   Thinking analytically and strategically
•   Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships
•   Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies:

•   External and internal communication and advocacy for results; mobilization      Advocacy/advancinga policy-oriented agenda
•   Leveraging the resources of national governments
•   Delivering results based programmes Regional Midwifery Advisers.
•   Internal and external communication and resource mobilization
•   Strategically positioning UNFPA programmes etc

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Applications must include a cover letter and a completed UN Personal History Form (P-ll) available athttp://ghana.unfpa.org/index.php -(see Job Opportunities link - you may also download the full job description). Applications must be addressed to the Representative and sent through the following secure email address:

ghana.office@unfpa.org

Closing Date: 13 February, 2015

Should you require any further information, do write to; morcher@unfpa.org.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.