Mission and objectives
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Operating in the Pacific for over 30 years through its Pacific Sub-regional Office (PSRO) in Suva and field presence in 9 Pacific Island Countries (PICs), UNFPA serves as the sole intergovernmental agency substantively dedicated to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The organization’s regional strategy is articulated through its 7th Multi-Country Programme (MCP7) for 2023–2027, which covers 14 Pacific Island Countries, including the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, RMI, Micronesia (Federated States of) FSM, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Vanuatu, Nauru, Niue, Tokelau, Tuvalu, and Palau.Context
UNFPA Pacific’s MCP7 programme aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023–2027 and contributes to UNFPA’s global Strategic Plan (2026–2029) by assisting Member States in achieving three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending the unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. Central to UNFPA’s mission is a partnership-based approach, working closely with national governments to expand local capacities and secure sustainable, rights-based responses to SRHR across the Pacific. The SRHR landscape of FSM is marked by geographic dispersion and urgent health trends that demand focused interventions. FSM reports a sharp spike in maternal deaths reaching 334 per 100,000 live births in 2024, alongside a skilled birth attendance rate of 85%. While the country grapples with a 33% prevalence rate of violence against women and girls, it simultaneously faces critical gaps in service readiness. Currently, only 37% facilities are cervical cancer screening ready, 23% of health facilities are antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) service ready, while only 20% of all health facilities providing deliveries are ready to provide for vaginal deliveries. These indicators are further complicated by high sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevalence, such as chlamydia rates of 16% among the population, signaling a critical need for integrated health system strengthening. The SRHR Officer will be based in the UNFPA Country Office in Pohnpei, FSM. As part of a team providing integrated health system strengthening support, contributing to the coordination and smooth implementation of the Japan-funded “Strengthening Maternal Health Care Services in FSM” project. S/he ensures effective support to the UNFPA-supported interventions, translates political and social trends into programmatic action, and fosters collaborative partnerships to achieve universal access to SRH services.Task Description
This assignment will be located within the United Nations Population Fund Country Office in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. Under the overall guidance and direction of the Chief of Health, United Nations Population Fund Pacific based in Suva, Fiji, the incumbent will report to the Federated States of Micronesia-based Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Technical Specialist and work closely with the Assistant Representative in Federated States of Micronesia and the Reproductive Health Commodity Security Specialist based in Suva, Fiji. The SRHR Officer will provide support to the implementation and management of the “Strengthening Maternal Health Care Services in Federated States of Micronesia” project by undertaking the following tasks: Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response • Support the development of Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response tools and training of healthcare workers to build their capacity to implement the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response system. • Support the establishment of Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response committees in the five main hospitals across the four states of Federated States of Micronesia. • Coordinate the development of national Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response guidelines and annual reports to track maternal health trends. • Oversee the digitization of the data-capturing system to facilitate real-time action at the decision-making level. Clinical Capacity Building and Upskilling • Support training for healthcare providers in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care, Antenatal Care, Postnatal Care, and respectful maternity care. • Support workshops on postpartum family planning and Human Papillomavirus Deoxyribonucleic Acid “screen and treat” protocols. • Support the development of training packages for the comprehensive management of Gender-Based Violence cases and the training of the health sector response to Gender-Based Violence. Availability of essential Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent Health and Gender-Based Violence supplies • Oversee the availability of essential Sexual, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Adolescent Health and Gender-Based Violence supplies. • Support Health Facility Readiness and Service Availability Assessment. Establishment of Maternity Waiting Home • Oversee the refurbishment and remodeling of a maternity waiting home in Pohnpei to serve high-risk mothers from outer islands. • Support the strengthening of the referral pathways to ensure the timely transfer of mothers during obstetric emergencies. Community Engagement and Advocacy • Support community awareness campaigns regarding birth preparedness, danger signs in pregnancy, cervical cancer, and Gender-Based Violence prevention. Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the senior management and the supervisor.Competencies and values
Values: Exemplifying integrity, demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN System, embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change Core Competencies: Achieving results, being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, thinking analytically and strategically, working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impact Functional Skill Set: Leveraging the resources of national governments & partners/Building strategic alliances; Results-based programme development and management; Technical knowledge, Internal and external communication and advocacy.Living conditions and remarks
Living and working in Pohnpei, the “Garden Island” and capital of the Federated States of Micronesia, offers a unique opportunity to serve in a lush, tropical environment known for its vibrant rainforests and significant rainfall. As the administrative hub of the FSM, Pohnpei is the centre for national government operations and international organizations, providing a peaceful and generally safe atmosphere for expatriate staff. The lifestyle is modest and laid-back, with a tropical climate where temperatures seldom exceed 35°C, often cooled by evening trade winds. While one or two-bedroom houses and apartments with electricity and hot water are available, the cost of imported goods and appliances can be high. Daily transit is easily managed via local taxis within the relatively small city area. Although reliable basic healthcare is available at the Pohnpei State Hospital, residents typically travel to larger regional hubs like Hawaii or Australia for specialized medical complications or major surgeries.
