Mission and objectives
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nationsContext
The UNV Primary Health Care Specialist will primarily support the implementation of the project to ensure every mother and child survives through the promotion of Primary Health Care in Sierra Leone. This is for an anticipated project to be funded by the Government of Japan covering all 16 districts in a phased manner over three years (2026-2029): 5 districts – Bo, Moyamba, Bonthe, Pujehun and Kenema in year 1 and then scale up in all 16 districts in year 2 and 3. This role will provide oversight and technical support during the planning, implementation, and monitoring of the Primary Health Care project whose emphasis is on rolling out the Maternal and Child Health Handbook. This Handbook offers comprehensive integrated health and nutrition service provision as a ‘one stop single window’ for mother’s and child health and nutrition services at facility and outreach levels, bringing the best results in a cost-efficient manner. Over the past few years, the Ministry of Health (MoH), with support from JICA and in close technical collaboration with key Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) partners, including UNICEF, has developed and refined the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook to be used as a health education and self-learning tool aimed at promoting a continuum of care across the life course and empowering families and communities to take charge of their health. Building on promising results from pilot implementation in 2022-23 by JICA, MoH and UNICEF, the MoH plans to roll out the MCH Handbook nationwide in a phased manner. Meanwhile, it is recognized that in order to do this and ensure effective utilization of the MCH Handbook, there is a need to strengthen the functionality of the Primary Health Care (PHC) system and to enhance planning and budgeting at district and health facility levels. Consequently, the PHC Optimization Model for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) piloted in a few districts has demonstrated the importance of community participation and data-driven decision-making. The 10-point Call to Action endorsed during the October 2023 dissemination by senior MoH leadership reaffirmed national commitment to scaling the PHC model to all districts. The project will therefore build on learnings from two successful pilots implemented by the MoH with technical and financial support from JICA, UNICEF, and partners – namely, the MCH Handbook and PHC optimization model. It provides an opportunity to leverage these positive results to generate tangible improvements in health outcomes for mothers, children, and families. The PHC model strengthens governance, accountability, and equitable resource allocation, while the MCH Handbook serves as a holistic, integrated, and user-friendly tool that enhances caregivers’ knowledge, empowers communities, and addresses underlying gender and power dynamics that influence health-seeking behaviour and decision-making within households. Overall, the aim of the project and the role of the PHC Specialist will be to contribute to the acceleration in the introduction and institutionalization of the MCH Handbook in Sierra Leone as a core communication, self-learning, and health system strengthening tool – ensuring client-centred services and continuity of care throughout the life course.Task Description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the MNCAH Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Primary Health Care Specialist will work in collaboration with other Heads of Unit in the H&N Section, MOH, JICA and / or other relevant Sections such as the Education Section to support implementation of the Primary Health Care project objectives. Specifically: (A). Provide technical assistance and support towards the scale up MCH handbook scaled up as part of the comprehensive and integrated PHC package across all 16 districts based on the learning from first stage of piloting in 2 districts and MCH handbook pre-testing in 5 PHUs Responsibilities: • Work alongside H&N Section colleagues across all units, MOH and other stakeholders to roll out the MCH handbook. • In collaboration with relevant MOH Directorates, contribute towards and support the creation of an enabling environment for Quality of Care around MCH care services. (B). Provide technical support and contribute towards district-wide health system capacity strengthened in all 16 districts based on the PHC ‘optimization’ model pilot. Responsibilities: • Provide technical support to ensure capacity building on Quality of Care in an integrated manner. • Develop and implement an enhanced performance management and accountability approach for improved quality of care. • Provide technical assistance and contribute towards local level decentralized planning, budgeting, implementation of integrated services and monitoring. (C). Support communication and community engagement approaches for families, including males, and communities to empower them on ‘positive parenting’ with knowledge and skills to provide ‘nurturing care’ for young children across 16 districts. Responsibilities: • Collaborate with the MOH and relevant UNICEF Sections including the Social Transformation and Education Sections or other relevant stakeholders to support the development of a Community Engagement approach for positive parenting. • Provide technical assistance in the implementation of the Community scorecard. (D). coordination and Partnership Engagement: Objective: Support strengthen partnerships and coordination mechanisms to improve the efficiency in the attainment of the MCH Handbook and PHC project’s goals and objectives. Responsibilities: • Participate in regular coordination meetings at MOH and wider stakeholder engagement on the MCH Handbook and PHC implementation to harmonize project implementation. • Serve as a UNICEF alternate focal point in the national level and or district level PHC forums, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s and/or JICA’s & Government of Japan strategies and objectives. • Promote a collaborative approach to address challenges in service delivery and data management with district teams and partner organizations. • Identify coordination gaps and provide solutions or strategies to improve coordination between partners and between H&N programme components. • Support capacity building of DHMTs and partners to strengthen governance and oversight in the roll out of the MCH Handbook and PHC model promotion. Key End-Results Inputs Required: With experience in integrated Health and Nutrition Service delivery in a developing country context, health systems strengthening, relationship-building skills and knowledge of the Primary Health Care (PHC) model, and experience working with government and community partners. Additionally, provide technical and operational support during program implementation and monitor relevant Direct Cash Transfers, oversee programme innovations, knowledge management and capacity building. As an active UNICEF team member, the UNV Primary Health Care Specialist will ensure that efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support in relation to the roll out of the MCH Handbook and promotion of the PHC model project is rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the delivery of her/his functions, including: • Scaled up MCH Handbook roll out in the country in line with the project goals and targets. • Health system capacity strengthened in all 16 districts based on the PHC ‘optimization’ model pilot. • Community engagement activities rolled out systematically for families, including males, and communities to empower them on ‘positive parenting’ with knowledge and skills to provide ‘nurturing care’ for young children across all 16 districts, Provide a final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. UN Volunteers will be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: • Introductory briefings about the organization and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment. • Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity. • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal. • Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address. • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning. • Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations. • Leave management. • DSA for official travel, when applicable. • All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme.Competencies and values
Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Building Trust ☐ Client Orientation ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning ☒ Communication ☒ Ethics and Values ☒ Integrity ☒ Judgement and Decision-making ☒ Knowledge Sharing ☒ Managing Performance ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☐ Vision ☒ Working in Teams The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person who supports UNICEF with professionalism, dedication, client orientation and who must be willing both to work on programmatic/substantive aspects and to provide operational/logistical services. The following competencies are required: • Respect for Diversity: Treats all people with dignity and respect; shows respect and sensitivity towards gender, cultural and religious differences; challenges prejudice, biases and intolerance in the workplace; encourages diversity wherever possible. • Integrity: Maintains high ethical standards; takes clear ethical stands; keeps promises; im-mediately addresses untrustworthy or dishonest behaviour; resists pressure in decision-making from internal and external sources; does not abuse power or authority. • Professionalism: Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results, shows pride in work and in achievements, is motivated by professional rather than per-sonal concerns, shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges, remains calm in stressful situations • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments, delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards, operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules, supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments, takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. • Communication: Speaks fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; presents information with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience; presents information in a well-structured and logical way. • Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow; empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands • Working with people: Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports and cares for others; consults others and shares in-formation and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well.Living conditions and remarks
Freetown is a vibrant, hilly city, with a population of just over one million. Set on a peninsula, you can see the sea from almost any point in the city and you are never far away from some spectacular beaches for swimming and surfing. There are good supermarkets and restaurants, and mobile and internet services are available for a fair price. The number of international flight connections to Sierra Leone is increasing, with more airlines flying to Europe and within Africa. The general security situation is peaceful, and the overall Security Level in Sierra Leone is classified as Low (Level 2) as per the UN security management system. Crime is classified as moderate, with incidents primarily related to property thefts, house break-ins and robberies. Housing in Freetown ranges from independent houses to apartments – available furnished and un-furnished. Most long-stay accommodation are rented by the year or the half-year. Most staff stay in apartments, which come equipped with generators, a water supply, and security guards. The housing situation is constantly improving, with new apartment complexes being built to an increasingly high standard. There are a limited number of international schools in Freetown, with options including American and British international schools, as well as a few smaller independent schools which follow either American or British curricula. UN staff children attend a variety of schools. Staff can access a limited number of healthcare facilities. Access to healthcare in Sierra Leone can be limited, particularly in rural areas. It is essential to have adequate health insurance coverage before moving to the country. Local clinics and hospitals are available but may not offer the same standard of care as in developed countries. Take preventative measures, such as vaccinations and regular check-ups, to maintain your health. Conditions of Service Initial contract is issued upon arrival for the period indicated above. The contract can be extended depending on continuation of mandate, availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectancy of renewal of the assignment. A UN Volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), which is composed of a Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three). The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities, transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be calculated using by applying the Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate. The VLA base rate is a global rate across the world, while the PAM is duty station/country-specific and fluctuates on a monthly basis according to cost of living. This method ensures that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations irrespective of varying costs of living. The PAM is established by the Inter-national Civil Service Commission (ICSC and is published at the beginning of every month on the ICSC website – http://icsc.un.org. In non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, international UN Volunteers receive a Well-Being Differential (WBD) on a monthly basis. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are provided a settling-in-grant (SIG) at the start of the assignment (if the volunteer did not reside in the duty station for at least 6 months prior to taking up the assignment) and in the event of a permanent reassignment to another duty station. UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual leave, full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security reimbursements).
