JOB DESCRIPTION – FIELD SUPPORT OFFICER - RH
Position description
Post Title: –Field Office Co-coordinator
Level: Service Contract (SB4/SB 5)
Location: Dhaka
Reporting to: Chief - RH
Background
In order to provide more efficient and effective programme assistance around a UNFPAmandated development priority, the UNFPA Bangladesh Country Office, under its 8th
Country Programme (CP) (2012-2016), has developed concrete ‘products’ to better deliver on
a set of development results. In the area of reproductive health (RH), two major ‘products’
were developed on Family Planning (FP) and Maternal Health (MH). The product on FP aims
to revitalize the national family planning programme in Bangladesh, with a special focus on
reducing unmet needs in underperforming areas of Bangladesh, reducing dropouts, reducing
adolescent fertility, and increasing post-partum family planning, while the product on MH
aims to support the country in reaching MDG-5 by: (i) ensuring skilled care for delivery with
emphasis on ‘midwifery’ and 24/7 EmONC, and (ii) mitigating disease burdens among
women with special attention to fistula, cervical and breast cancer.
Given the presence of significant geographical disparity in development outcomes, including
RH outcomes and service utilization, addressing equity through targeted interventions for the
geographically excluded population is the central theme underpinning the 8th CP. Above all,
Local Level Planning (LLP), a process that promotes local health and family planning team’s
empowerment for decentralized planning, financing, implementation and monitoring along
with community participation and civil society involvement in the 13 priority districts 1, will
be the core implementing strategy to be supported by field offices under the direct
supervision and guidance of the Field Support Officer and the Chief – RH.
Organizational Setting
Under the direct supervision of the Chief - RH, the Field Support Officer is responsible for
the coordination of the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the RH
programme in 13 UNFPA priority districts. By providing day-to-day support to the fieldbased RH officers, who also serve as head of the respective district offices, s/he will act as
the main liaison between UNFPA field offices and the head office in Dhaka. The incumbent
will operate as an integral part of the UNFPA RH team, and will be based in the UNFPA
Bangladesh head office in Dhaka.
Duties and Responsibilities
A. Coordination and technical guidance of field-level RH interventions
1
After analysis on MDG progress and of past cooperation between UNFPA and the Government, the following priority
districts have been identified: Bagerhat, Barguna, Cox’s Bazar, Jamalpur, Maulvibazar, Narail, Patuakhali, Panchagor,
Rangamati, Sirajganj, Sunamganj, Sylhet, and Thakurgaon.
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Ensures effective coordination of the field-level RH interventions managed by field-based
RH officers in 13 districts as per district plans and Annual Work Plans (AWPs) in
accordance with UNFPA rules and regulations.
Provides overall guidance to the field offices for facilitating the full cycle of Local Level
Planning (LLP) processes (from planning, financing, and implementation, to monitoring)
under the guidance of Chief - RH, and in collaboration with WHO and UNICEF staff, as
relevant. Ensures that district work plans are incorporated in the Country Programme
AWPs.
Coordinates with her/his colleagues in the RH team to facilitate field-based RH officers in
the provision of technical advice and assistance to local authorities and partners in the
planning, management, monitoring and evaluation of programmes.
B. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
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Undertakes field visits to monitor programmes, participate in periodic programme
reviews with government counterparts and other partners, and advise field-based RH
officers and Dhaka-based RH team members on required corrective actions.
Ensures effective monitoring of UNFPA supply, financial, technical and other assistance
managed by the field offices in consultation with the Chief-RH, Chief-Gender, and
Operations. Ensures timely reporting by the field offices on accounting utilization of
UNFPA’s assistance by counterparts.
With the support of the Country Office (CO) M&E unit, monitors and reports on field
implementation to assess progress to ensure achievement of objectives. Based on
analysis, provides observation and technical/programmatic advice to accelerate the
progress and to promote integration of the UNFPA programmes in the field.
Monitors and analyzes the social, political and economic trends which may affect RH
outcomes of the target population in the 13 priority districts.
C. Liaison between field and head offices
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Ensures that two-way feedback system between field offices and head office is instituted
for UNFPA Bangladesh CO. This will include:
o Regular communication and information flow between the field and head office
o Integration of LLP in CP planning, implementation, and monitoring process
o Systematic identification of the lessons learned and best practices in the field and
their translation into the CP programming, policy and advocacy agenda
o Timely application of the relevant policy decisions in the field implementation
D. Supervision and performance management
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Mentors and coaches field-based RH officers of the UNFPA Bangladesh in order to
strengthen or further develop their capacity.
E. Other
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Actively participates in UNFPA humanitarian assistance in time of emergency as it
pertains to the 13 UNFPA priority districts
Any other activities/responsibilities as assigned by her/his supervisor/CO management.
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Functional competencies
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Results-based programme development and management
Innovation and marketing of new approaches
Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/Building strategic
alliances and partners
Job knowledge/technical expertise
Corporate competencies
Values
 Integrity/commitment to mandate
 Knowledge sharing/continuous learning
 Valuing diversity
Managing Relationships
 Working in teams
 Communicating information and ideas
 Conflict and self management
Working with People
 Empowerment/developing people/performance management
Personal leadership and effectiveness
 Strategic and analytical thinking/ability to conceptualize
 Results orientation/commitment to excellence
 Appropriate and transparent decision making
Job requirements
Academic requirements
 Advanced degree in public health, medicine, and or other related social science field.
Experience
 5+ years of professional experience preferably in programme/project management in
public or private sector.
 Practical and proven experience in health programming with strong programme
management background.
 Field experience is strongly desired.
 Demonstrated experience in coordination and liaison with government counterparts and
other stakeholders, including NGOs and communities, is a big advantage.
Job knowledge
 Solid knowledge on health systems and sexual reproductive health and rights, particularly
in the context of Bangladesh.
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Excellent understanding of human rights based approach and results based management.
Strong communication and writing skills in English and Bangla.
Initiative, strong conceptual and analytical abilities, sound judgment, liaison skills,
negotiation skills, administrative and management skills, organizational skills, and
interpersonal skills.
Languages
Fluency in oral and written English and Bangla.
Computer skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
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