Pathfinder Overview:

Pathfinder International is driven by the conviction that all people, regardless of where they live, have the right to decide whether and when to have children, to exist free from fear and stigma, and to lead the lives they choose. Since 1957, we have partnered with local governments, communities, and health systems in developing countries to remove barriers to critical sexual and reproductive health services. Together, we expand access to contraception, promote healthy pregnancies, save women’s lives, and stop the spread of new HIV infections, wherever the need is most urgent. Our work ensures millions of women, men, and young people are able to choose their own paths forward.

Position: Reproductive Empowerment Lead

Reports: Family Planning/RH Technical Director

Location: United States.

Summary of Role:

Pathfinder International is seeking an experienced Reproductive Empowerment Lead for the anticipated USAID-funded Accelerating ChoiCe, Equity, and Sustainability for Services (ACCESS) project. The purpose of this project is to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and related health outcomes among adolescents and youth and other underrepresented and underserved populations by advancing excellence, innovation, and best practices in service delivery.

The Reproductive Empowerment Lead will spearhead efforts to enhance sexual and reproductive health outcomes for youth and marginalized populations in the ACCESS project. Responsibilities include developing advocacy and empowerment strategies, and leading innovative programs. The ideal candidate will have expertise in sexual and reproductive health, AYSRH programming, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to social justice. This role offers an opportunity to drive impactful initiatives and promote equitable access to reproductive health services.

Key Responsibilities:

Reproductive advocacy and empowerment leadership: 

• Develops and implement strategies to empower adolescents, youth, and underserved populations in making informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.
• Leads efforts to promote reproductive rights, gender equality, and social justice within the context of sexual reproductive health service delivery.
• Provides strategic technical leadership and expertise for the implementation of high-quality reproductive empowerment products and services.
• Builds on existing tools and develops or adapts innovative approaches to ensure the efficiency, acceptability, and impact of empowerment initiatives.

Program Design and Implementation: 

• Monitors and evaluates the impact of reproductive empowerment initiatives, using data to inform programmatic adjustments and improvements.
• Leads in the design, development, and implementation of innovative, effective reproductive empowerment appropriate FP/RH programming.

Technical Assistance: 

• Designs and delivers innovative programs and interventions aimed at improving access to comprehensive sexual reproductive health services.
• Provides strategic guidance to the teams to collaborate with stakeholders to advocate for policies and practices that support reproductive empowerment and address barriers to access and equity.
• Provides leadership and mentorship to project staff, fostering a culture of learning, accountability, and excellence in reproductive empowerment programming.

Liaison with Key Stakeholders:

• Liaises and coordinates with key stakeholders, including USAID, missions, and international and local partners to play a highly proactive role in repositioning reproductive empowerment initiatives and to share lessons and technical information.

Operational Support:

• Contributes to annual work planning, training plans, quarterly reports, and other required technical reports.
• Stays up-to date on global best practices, new developments and emerging issues that affect reproductive wellbeing.

Required Education and Work Experience:

• Master's degree in public health, gender studies, social sciences, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in sexual reproductive health programming, with a focus on reproductive rights and empowerment.
• Experience working with adolescents, youth, and underserved populations, preferably in international development settings.
• Demonstrated leadership and management skills, including experience leading and mentoring teams.
• Experience in developing and implementing programs to promote reproductive rights, gender equality, and social justice.
• Knowledge of adolescent and youth development theories and best practices in youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health service delivery.
• Familiarity with participatory approaches to program design and implementation, ensuring meaningful engagement of communities and beneficiaries.
• Fluency in verbal and written English; proficiency in additional is a plus.
• Experience working with international donors, particularly USAID-funded projects.

Preferred Competence and Work Experience:

• Experience in multi-country program management and working in cross-cultural environments.
• In-depth understanding of sexual reproductive health issues, including family planning, contraception, and gender-based violence
• Commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in all aspects of program design and implementation.

Other Information: 

Technology to be Used:

• Uses cellular and office phone, laptop, or desktop computer.

Travel Requirements:

• Travel required (10% or less)

Application procedure / How to apply:

• Interested applicants are requested to include the contact details for at least 3 references in their resume.
• Please submit your application via this website no later than May 31^st, 2024.

Safeguarding and Protection

Pathfinder is committed to the safeguarding and protection of the people we serve and our staff. We have zero tolerance for any type of behavior that inflicts harm on children, young people, adults, our staff, and partners including sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, and exploitation. We do everything possible to ensure that we recruit only those who are suitable to work with for us and expect that everyone we hire will abide by our safeguarding and related policies and will report any suspected or known violations. This job is subject to a range of vetting checks as legally permitted in the country where they are being hired. By applying, the job applicant acknowledges they understand our intent to verify suitability to work with us.