Advisor, Maternal Health

$77,326 - $77,326/Yr

World Health Organization - Washington, DC

Full-time - Senior

Washington, DC

About the position

The Advisor for Maternal Health at the World Health Organization (WHO) is responsible for providing strategic guidance and technical support to national authorities in the development and implementation of policies and programs aimed at improving women's and maternal health. This role involves promoting data collection and analysis, capacity building, and collaboration across various health sectors to enhance maternal health services and reduce maternal mortality rates, particularly in diverse and underserved populations.

Responsibilities

• Advise national authorities on strategic actions and policies to improve women's and maternal health.
• Promote the collection and analysis of maternal health data, including maternal deaths and near misses.
• Support the preparation and evaluation of regional activities related to maternal health advocacy and protection.
• Provide technical cooperation in developing national policies and programs for women's health.
• Promote national strategies to reduce maternal mortality based on Primary Health Care principles.
• Facilitate collaborative actions within the organization to improve maternal health services.
• Support capacity building in maternal health at the primary care level, including training for health workers.
• Promote the availability of health technologies for quality maternal health care.
• Coordinate the maternal health CLAP Network and support the use of the Perinatal Information System.
• Contribute to training workshops on the Perinatal Information System and analyze generated data.
• Mobilize national and international resources for maternal health programs.
• Participate in identifying WHO/PAHO Collaborating Centers and support their work plans.
• Coordinate actions of sentinel centers for maternal health surveillance.
• Collaborate with UN agencies and NGOs to strengthen maternal health programs.
• Participate in the preparation of annual work programs and budget reports.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in medicine or health science with a specialized degree in obstetrics, gynecology, or midwifery.
• A master's degree in public health, family and community health, or related fields.
• Nine years of combined national and international experience in managing health projects in maternal and reproductive health.
• At least five years of experience in policy development and coordination with various sectors.
• Strong communication skills and ability to negotiate with government and international agencies.
• Expert knowledge of maternal, perinatal, and sexual and reproductive health programs.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.
• Familiarity with clinical aspects of family health and essential interventions.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Pension plan
• 30 days annual leave
• Dependency benefits
• Home leave for internationally recruited staff
• Travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation
• Education grant for dependent children
• Assignment grant and rental subsidy