The Position:
The Republic of Haiti's population in 2022 is 11.8 million, with 57 percent living in urban areas.
Young people under 25 account for 51.4 percent of the population in 2022. Over the last two decades,
population growth has slowed down, due to declining fertility rates (from 4.8 in 1994 to 3 in 2017)
and increased out-migration flows. 32%, when the unmet needs remain high at 38% (EMMUS VI,
2016-2017).
There is therefore a need to provide health interventions in the humanitarian response, including the
full implementation of the Minimum initial services package (MISP) in Sexual and Reproductive
Health (SRH) at the first stage of an emergency situation (displacement due to gangโs violence or
natural disaster) in Haiti. Unfortunately, the MISP/SRH is not yet well known within the humanitarian
community among the various stakeholders in Haiti. A great effort has been made in advocating for
the integration of MISP/SRH into crisis preparedness and response plans, by strengthening the
capacities of MISP/SRH stakeholders and focal points in the country, but much remains to be done.
Under its global mandate to address GBV in humanitarian settings, and as the lead agency for multi
sectoral coordination of GBV, UNFPA is committed to ensuring that women and girls affected by the
different emergencies are protected and that the needs of GBV survivors are met through adequate
health responses, psychosocial support and case management in line with international guidelines and
best practices. It is vital that frontline local organizations and first responders have the capacity and
competency to provide quality response services and care for women and girls to ensure their right to
safety from violence and safety in emergencies.ย
As a result of current protracted humanitarian contexts, on top of limited health and social welfare
services, communities living in UNFPA target areas of humanitarian responses have been exposed to
numerous daily stressors, with repeated exposure to potentially traumatic events. ย This is particularly
the case for women and girls who are also caregivers and survivors of GBV.ย
UNFPA manages programmes to support women and girls in target departments as well as support
GBV SOPs at both national and departmental levels. In all these programme areas, UNFPA is
working with Government as well as international and national NGOs. This requires building
sustainable approaches to nationwide building of health and psychosocial care capacity and support
networks.ย
In 2025, UNFPA is appealing for US$28.9 million to strengthen and expand access
to life-saving SRH and GBV services in Haiti in 2025. To date, the total amount received by UNFPA
for Haiti was only US$2.6 million, representing only 8% of the required funding. With the needs
escalating in Haiti, additional funding is urgently required to ensure critical health and protection
services for women and girls.
47 health facilities supported in Metropolitan Zone of Port-au-Prince, Artibonite and South
Department with SRH and CMR services including human resources, IARH kits and essential
medicines.
Current efforts to address humanitarian needs in SRH and to protect women and girls from violence in
Haiti are also falling short, despite recent commitments by governments, UN agencies, and NGOs to
prioritize this critical issue. Currently, only 15 of the 85 displaced sites in Haiti are receiving SRH and
direct protection services, including services for survivors of sexual violence.
The multiplicity of actors on the ground means that there is a permanent need to coordinate the
humanitarian response according to the cluster approach where different clusters/sectors are dedicated
to the specific areas of their interventions (health, nutrition, water, hygiene and sanitation, food
security, education, logistics, early recovery, etc.).
Within the health cluster, there is a real need to operate a MISP/SRH working group in accordance
with the guidelines of the IAWG (Inter โ Agency Working Group) and the WHO. The MISP/ SRH
inter-agency Working Group serves as a platform, a consultation framework for the coordination of
emergency SRH interventions, advocacy for the consideration of SRH needs in the different phases of
emergency response, the capacity building and the improvement the maternal health quality services,
financial access for SRH services, and utilization, particularly for the poorest and the rural areas in
accordance with the principle to leave no one behind, will be the main priority.
Ongoing humanitarian crisis and response urgently requires UNFPA to take the lead on coordinating
the MISP/SRH response and to ensure SRH is prioritized in the humanitarian response. Therefore, the
Country Office requires additional support to coordinate the MISP/ SRH inter-agency Working Group
at national and departmental level in the affected areas such as Artibonite.
As a critical component of GBV multi-sectoral response, UNFPA will employ an ethnographic and
culturally sensitive stepped model of intervention to deliver appropriate health and psychosocial
services based on international standards (provision of critical post trauma support for an individual
survivor followed by interventions with the immediate family and community surrounding the GBV
survivor). This innovative approach in Haiti provides both immediate, critical and lifesaving
responses for the GBV survivor as well as ensuring a supportive family and community environment
enabling recovery and empowerment.
Security Situation Summary in country and main threats: (i.e armed conflict, terrorism, crime,
social unrest, hazard)
Indeed, the main threats to the safety and security of UN personnel and the local population stems
from criminality, knapping, and civil unrest. The country is also prone to natural hazards such as
tropical storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes. Since November 2024, there has been a resurgence of
violent crimes in Haiti, particularly on armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, and car-jacking
incidents, especially in the metropolitan areas of Port-au-Prince where majority of UN personnel live
and work. Criminal incidents affecting individuals on their way out of banking facilities and other
business establishments, including travelers arriving from International flights continue to pose a
serious security concern. Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent,
unpredictable, and can turn violent. Missions to the field are required to be SRM measures compliant
and should be conducted only during daylight hours. UN personnel should liaise with the UNFPA
Local Security Advisor and contact UNDSS SOC for latest security updates/ road status, prior to any
travel movements in the country. The use of local public transportation is forbidden for international
personnel. Security Clearance Procedure: All travel to and inside Haiti will be cleared through a TRIP
request via the UNDSS website https://dss.un.org. Note: For all international travel to Haiti, security
clearance must be requested a minimum of 7 days prior to travel but due to the emergency situation,
the staff should liaise with the UNFPA LSA to expedite the process with UNDSS.
The political and socio-economic crisis, food insecurity, gangsโ violence, disasters, climate change and the cholera endemic have contributed to worsen the precarious humanitarian situation. An estimated 6 million Haitians need humanitarian assistance (OCHA, 2025). Haitiยดs high vulnerability to recurrent disasters - especially hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes - contributes to deepening the cycles of poverty, inequalities, displacement, and migration. June-July 2025 marked an escalation of gangโs violence and a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Artibonite, west and Centre department leading to mass displacement of populations. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 1 Million people have been displaced across the country. The insecurity has sparked massive displacement with women and girls being the most affected. They have limited access to essential services including health, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) services. Despite limited humanitarian access, the UNFPA CO and its implementing partners are ensuring access to critical services through the deployment of integrated SRH/GBV mobile clinics, dignity kit distribution, coordination of GBV prevention and response services, and remote support for survivors of violence via a hotline. UNFPA is also supporting health facilities in Artibonite as well in Metropolitan Zone of Port-au Prince with the provision of Inter-Agency Emergency Health Kits (IARH) kits, essential medical supplies in order to ensure the continuity of SRH services and Clinical Management of Rape(CMR) services.The integrated mobile team SRH/GBV are also deployed in displaced sites for essential services provision including awareness raising, family planning services, referral, prenatal consultations and emergency obstetric assistance. UNFPA Haiti has been leading the Minimum Initial services package/SRH working Group in Haiti since July 2025 to strengthen the coordinated efforts and response to SRH issues in humanitarian settings. The 2030 Agenda and the ICPD Programme of Action are anchored in the main national policies, plans and strategies, such as the Haiti Strategic Development Plan (2012-2030), and the Health Master Plan (2021-2031). However, the maternal mortality ratio remains the highest in the region with 529 per 100,000 live births. The access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services is weak. Indeed, 65% of women received 4 prenatal care during their pregnancy, the proportion skilled births attendance is 42% and only 5 % of births in the last five years were by c-section. The contraceptive prevalence rate of modern methods is 32%, when the unmet needs remain high at 38% (EMMUS VI, 2016-2017).
Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA country representative, the direct supervision of the
humanitarian coordinator,
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.ย UNFPAโs strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to โbuild forward betterโ, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on womenโs and girlsโ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
Based in Port au Prince, under the direct supervision of the humanitarian coordinator and overall guidance of the deputy country representative, the emergency health specialist will work closely with the Program and Operations Teams in the UNFPA Country office. S/he will provide technical advice and support to planners, policy makers, programme managers and service providers on national policies and programmes in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health, and Maternal Health in the humanitarian setting. This will include conducting relevant research, analysis, and training to improve knowledge sharing in these areas. The incumbent will contribute to an enhancement of national capacity to mobilize and obtain social and political support for national policies and programmes in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health/Maternal health. The emergency SRH specialist is responsible for co-leading the MISP/SRH inter-agency working Group within the Health cluster. He/She is responsible for supporting the country office to better assume its role of lead of the SRH working Group plunged in cyclic conflicts, political instability and violence, as well as to be better positioned in the UN System and with humanitarian community in general as lead of SRH response coordination. He/She will assist the UNFPA in the planning, coordination and oversight of the humanitarian related interventions, including provision of overall coordination support related to undertaking of assessments, resource mobilization, integrated programme approach, joint programming, strategic partnerships, interagency coordination and advocacy. The MISP/SRH Specialist will ensure that the MISP/SRH coordination mechanism is established and properly supported.
You would be responsible for:
MISP/SRH Rollout and Programme Implementation:
Conduct/Lead rapid assessment/s of MISP/SRH needs of the affected population Co-lead with national partners the MISP/SRH technical working group under the Health Cluster that has been established for the response Oversee (in collaboration with the Logistics/Procurement officer) procurement of emergency RH kits, equipment and medical supplies as well as dignity kits; develop a distribution plan to meet the needs of implementing partners other identified NGOs for RH services, monitor distribution and ensure utilization reporting.Based on MISP/SRH projection and rapid assessment findings, implement the MISP (Minimum Initial Service Package) through SRH working group implementing partners
Oversee (with the M&E officer) the monitoring of MISP/SRH implementation. Explore other opportunities and entry points to deliver SRH services for specific at risk vulnerable groups affected by the crisis, e.g.: uniformed personnel, sex workers, ex- combatants, women associated with armed forces, persons with disabilities, etc. Initiate and coordinate training sessions on SRH in emergencies (for health care providers, community services officers, security personnel, refugee/IDP population, host population, etc.). Assist in developing/adapting protocols for selected areas in programme coordination (such as syndromic case management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), referral for emergency obstetric care, midwifery, fistula repair, medical response to survivors of rape, counselling and family planning services, etc.). Coach and support COs to strengthen the implementation of MISP โ sexual and reproductive health priorities and to assess progress towards achievement with technical tools and approaches, and to accelerate implementation of activities funded through CERF and UNFPA Emergency Response Fund. Provide inputs for SitReps and other communication products, as required. Ensure an effective response that integrates SRH (including ASRH), GBV and data interventions. Develop an exit strategy, which includes the transition to evidence-based, comprehensive SRH programmes.Psychosocial care program
Assist the Haiti Country office in supporting the implementation of mental,health and psychosocial care (MHPSC) interventions through sexual and reproductive health services and multi sectoral GBV response and prevention services supported by UNFPA.ย Support coordination among various actors to strengthen the availability of MHPSC services and systems, particularly to populations in affected areas. Undertake a range of activities to enhance the capacity of organisations implementing GBV and SRHR programmes to support compliance with IASC Guidelines for MHPSC in Emergency Settings as well as ensuring sustainable MHPSC interventions through building capacity of institutions including Ministries (MoH, Women, Youth, Humanitarian Assistance etc.).ย Collabore with other actors engaged in supporting MHPSC in Haiti including UN agencies, academic and non-governmental partners.Partnership:
Ensure SRH needs are addressed within the Health cluster (if cluster approach is activated in the emergency context) and within OCHA Situation Reports. Maintain working relationship and share relevant information with UN Health Cluster Liaise with UNHCR to provide SRH services and commodities (MH lifesaving medicines, contraceptives, male and female condoms under the existing UNHCR condom partnership, etc.) for IDP, refugee populations. Establish strong linkages between existing SRH and GBV programmes with regard to the health sector response for survivors of sexual violence.Monitoring and Evaluation:
Monitor SRH/HIV and AIDS assistance provided by UNFPA through implementing partners to crisis affected populations, in particular IDPs/returnees, and ensure adequate RH/HIV and AIDS requirements are being met. Conduct monitoring visits, if requested. Maintain a database on SRH commodities and supplies dignity kits and share information with coordinating UN agencies and host communities - NGO and government implementing partners.Leading and coordination of the inter-agency MISP/SRH working Group:
Take strong leadership to Roll out the inter-agency MISP/SRH working group within health cluster. This includes the consultation and meeting with stakeholders, UN Agencies (WHO,UNICEF, UNESCO, IOM, WFP, UNWOMEN, UNAIDS etc.) Ministry of health, mapping of SRH actors in Haiti,ย Finalize the terms of reference, annual action plan and strategy of inter-agency MISP/SRH working Group. Work in close collaboration with the Health cluster coordinator, OCHA health focal Point to ensure that the SRH issues are prioritized during the HNRP development. ย Provide technical support for the development of communication products on the MISP/SRH situation, needs and gaps, including in OCHA sit-reps and stories, in the health cluster page in humanitarian response website and other inter-agency communication products Identify key areas of UNFPA strategic positioning on MISP/SRH and support the development of proposals and engage in resource mobilization efforts Lead/conduct MISP/ SRH joint rapid needs assessments and disseminate the report for advocacyย Ensure the roll out of the IASC Guidelines on MISP/SRH, and in particular the mainstreaming of across other areas of humanitarian intervention including GBV Represent the MISP/SRH working in health cluster meetings, GBV meetings, OCHA-led meetings and other relevant meetings, including those called by the Humanitarian Coordinator Support the development of humanitarian action plan or development of the Strategic Response Plan or for Inter-Cluster Coordination to ensure that MISP/SRH issues/needs are integrated In consultation with non-governmental SRH actors and national civil society, identify appropriate mechanisms for working with and collaborating with national authorities on SRH issues.Strategic Planning
Facilitate implementation of Standard Operating Procedures. Regularly review and revisit SOPs at strategic points throughout the crisis response. In collaboration with national and international MISP/SRH actors, map current institutional response capacities, including facilitating mapping of MISP/SRH-specific 5Ws, SRH services mapping, MISP/SRH data and referral pathway, Lead a process to develop a realistic, evidence-based multi-sectoral and inter-agency prevention and response plan. Promote engagement of a range of sectors and ensure realistic benchmarks and timelines for achieving set objectives. Regularly monitor progress against plans during coordination meetings. Allow space for new actors to engage with a plan over the course of the crisis response. Work with partners to continually identify response gaps in line with proposed work plans (including geographic coverage and programmatic scope) and seek solutions to fill gaps.ยNational capacity developmentย ย
Strengthen the technical and programme management capacities of UNFPA Haiti staff and implementing partners in order to ensure universal access to reproductive health emergency preparedness and response, including minimum initial service package. Identify, develop and/or adapt training materials and manuals in substantive areas.ย Strengthen the capacity of national institutions in the areas of needs assessments, resource mobilization and monitoring and evaluation.ย ย ย Revise existing training materials according to local context and ensure partnersโ access to relevant training sessions. Provide coaching to newly recruited staff and consultants, where appropriate. Coach and build capacity of staff members and staff of implementing partners responding to humanitarian/emergency crises, as needed. Support efforts to strengthen the capacity of MISP/SRH working group members on reproductive health, emergency preparedness and response, including minimum initial service package and on safe and ethical SRH information management. Ensure all MISP/SRH sub-sector partners and others are aware of relevant policy guidelines, technical standards, and other resource materialsAdvocacy, networking and knowledge MISP/SRH servicesย ย ย
Foster partnerships and build networks with communities of practice on SHRH with government counterparts, national and international development partners, academia, institutions, NGOs, Media, other relevant CSOs, and the private sector.ย ย Collaborate and coordinate with other relevant stakeholders and UN agencies.ย ย Maintain close coordination and collaboration with UNICEF, UNAIDS and WHO health cluster Hold regular monitoring meetings with high-level officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other key stakeholders and ensure strong networking among partners.ย ย Provide technical support to the development of relevant advocacy and policy documents to address MISP/SRH in the context of broader gender inequality issues. Assist the MISP/SRH coordination in preparing relevant advocacy materials and updates for relevant stakeholders and partners including donors. Represent UNFPA humanitarian team in key humanitarian forum and meetings on SRH as delegated by the UNFPA Haiti Humanitarian coordinator.Resource Mobilization:
Assist CO in developing proposals and fund raising for SRH programming.ย ยTechnical Advice:
Provide technical and managerial leadership for the GBV program in line with UNFPA best practices and policies. Ensure ethical data collection and information management systems are in place to support GBV analysis, planning, evaluation, and advocacy. Maintain regular communication with the Humanitarian Coordinator to integrate the technical and strategic priorities of the humanitarian unit into program implementation.Staff Supervision and Development:
Maintain open and professional relationships within the team, promote teamwork, and provide supervision and guidance to help staff successfully carry out their responsibilities. Ensure training and capacity-building opportunities for staff on technical GBV prevention and response, including case management and emergency GBV programming. Directly supervise program managers and regularly review their performance. Communicate regularly with the Humanitarian Coordinator to provide updates on staff needs, challenges, and program activities.Planning and Grant Implementation:
Oversee the overall implementation of all program activities in the field. Support program implementation and ensure compliance with work plans, budgets, and monitoring and evaluation requirements of grants. Work closely with Operations and Finance departments to ensure grant compliance. Submit consolidated work plans regularly to the Humanitarian Coordinator for validation and integration into the UNFPA officeโs overall plan.Monitoring and Reporting:
Support effective monitoring, quality assurance, and reporting systems and processes. Ensure high-quality reporting on activities, indicators, and achievements. In coordination with the PM&E Officer, assess program indicators to ensure they meet program and donor requirements and that collected data are appropriate. Contribute to the humanitarian unitโs monthly report by sharing achievements, gaps, and planned actions. Work closely with the PM&E Officer and Information Management Specialist. Contribute to the development of fact sheets and SitReps on project activities. Coordinate GBV needs assessments with teams and implementing partners; ensure analyses are conducted and reports shared to address identified gaps.Coordination and Representation:
Regularly participate in GBV Sub-Cluster meetings at various levels to ensure program needs and priorities are considered. Ensure field concerns and challenges are communicated to the Humanitarian Coordinator to support the implementation and coordination of GBV standards and procedures in the field.Program Development:
Lead the development of the national GBV program strategy. Contribute to the development and monitoring of the 2023 humanitarian response plan in collaboration with the Humanitarian Coordinator. Participate in developing new proposals (narratives and budgets) through planning with supervised staff to ensure technical aspects are addressed before submission. Coordinate with other UNFPA sectors to provide relevant contributions and support improvements for women and girls affected by GBV.Any Other Duties:
Perform any other duties as required by the direct supervisor and/or the Representative. Play OIC roles of UNFPA Humanitarian Coordinator or GBV Sub Cluster coordinator, when needed.Qualifications and Experience
Education:ย
Advanced university degree in any of the following areas - public health, medicine, social sciences, psychology, clinical psychology, clinical social work or mental health, pharmacy, or other related fields. A training in essential drugs, health system strengthening and financing, MISP/SRH and or GBV Mental/Psychological care is an advantage.
Knowledge and Experience:
Knowledge of reproductive health issues and/or protection issues in humanitarian settings, and of humanitarian emergency operations and roles/responsibilities of humanitarian actors preferred.ย Demonstrated experience in humanitarian financing, Humanitarian program cycles, Emergency Fund, CERF, ECHO and other funding mechanisms is an asset. Demonstrated knowledge of IASC Guidelines on Mental Health & Psychosocial Services in Emergency Settingsย is an asset. Demonstrated experience on Counseling skills and clinical supervision of lay counsellorsย is an asset. General knowledge of the principles and operational aspects of integrated MISP/SRH and GBV Mental/Psychological care.ย A formal training on MISP.SRH is an asset. Familiarity with UN development, humanitarian and peace continuum, and working procedures, especially UNFPA policies and programming procedures is an asset. Demonstrable knowledge of the critical components to facilitate effective inter-agency coordination. Demonstrable knowledge of humanitarian emergency operations, including the Cluster System and Humanitarian Program Coordination-HPC, and roles/responsibilities of key humanitarian actors. Experience designing and managing SR|H and/or GBV Mental/Psychological care programmes in an NGO is an asset. At least 7 years of professional experience and increasing responsibilities in coordinating health interventions in emergencies and\\or transition and post-conflict settings.ย At least 3 years of national and/or international experience working on MISP/SRH or GBV Mental/Psychological care or GBVcommunity based psychosocial support interventions in a humanitarian context.ย Demonstrated experience engaging with and providing technical assistance to national/ governmental actors and counterparts.ยLanguages:
Fluency in written and spoken French, and English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language, will be an advantage. Working knowledge of Haitian Creole is an asset.ย
Required Competencies:ย
Values:
ย ย Exemplifying integrity,ย
ย ย Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,ย
ย ย Embracing cultural diversity,ย
ย ย Embracing change
Core Competencies:ย
ย ย Achieving results
ย ย Being accountable
ย ย Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen
ย ย Thinking analytically and strategically
ย ย Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships
ย ย Communicating for impact
ย ย
ย ย Functional Competencies:
ย ย Advocacy/advancing a policy-oriented agenda
ย ย Engaging internal/external partners and takeholders
ย ย Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships
ย ย Delivering results-based programmes
ย ย Internal and External communication and advocacy for resource mobilization
Managerial Competencies (if applicable):
ย ย ย Providing strategic focus
โข ย Engaging internal/ external partners and stakeholders
โข ย Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance
โข ย Making decisions and exercising judgment
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
ย
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - clickย hereย to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.ย
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.ย
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.