Midwifery Research and Advocacy Officer

UNFPA is the lead UN agency dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and young people can reach their full potential. It expands opportunities for women and young people to lead healthy, productive lives by supporting access to reproductive health and youth-friendly HIV prevention services through strong national policies, strategies, and guidelines. UNFPA also champions high-quality, disaggregated data to inform policy and planning. Its programs strengthen responses to gender-based violence and empower women, particularly in rural areas. Since its founding in 1969, maternal mortality rates have been halved, families are healthier, and young people are more connected and empowered than ever.

The Rwanda Association of Midwives (RAM) was established in 2011 and officially registered as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) by the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB) on April 25, 2018. RAM joined the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) in 2013 and became a member of the Confederation of African Midwives Association (CONAMA) in 2018. As the professional organization representing midwives and the practice of midwifery in Rwanda, RAM plays a key role in advancing the profession. The UNV Midwifery Research and Advocacy Officer will work in the RAM office, focusing on strengthening the association by supporting research and promoting the midwifery profession at policy level. Before assuming duties, they must present a valid midwifery practice license from the Rwandan Council of Nurses and Midwives.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Specialist - Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

● Lead advocacy efforts for midwifery at the policy level, driving visibility campaigns, promoting career pathways, generating evidence, and spearheading innovative initiatives led by mid-wives.

● Oversee operational research and evidence-generation initiatives to strengthen midwifery practices and inform policy decisions

● Represent RAM at high-level policy dialogues and technical working groups, ensuring mid-wifery is prioritized in national health agendas.

● Implement strategic communication initiatives to elevate the midwifery profession, including radio campaigns, social media engagement, and school outreach programs.

● Coordinate RAM’s strategic initiatives, including income-generating activities, member mobili-zation, organizational development, and fostering knowledge exchange with Ghana through South-South cooperation

● Oversee operational processes to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of RAM’s pro-grams.