Local Consultancy: Maternal and Newborn Health Consultant, UNFPA Pretoria

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Jan 17

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Senior Level
Research & Development
Healthcare
Pretoria
Remote

Requirements

Must have demonstrable previous experience in SRHR and/ or HIV programmes.
Have a postgraduate degree in Medicine, Public health or Epidemiology.
Experience working in collaboration with government (particularly, the Department of Health, development partners (especially UNFPA), civil society organizations (organizations implementing Public Health programs in South Africa)
Demonstrated strong report writing skills and evidence of reports produced.
Excellent knowledge and at least 7 years’ experience working in family Planning, Maternal and Child Health.

Responsibilities

Act as a liaison between various stakeholders, including UNFPA Country Office, government, and other partners involved in health system strengthening, with a specific focus on health programmes (e.g. NHI, MNH and SRH).
Provide technical guidance on roll-out of Integrated Maternal and Perinatal Care guidelines for South Africa.
Contribute to the operationalization of UNFPA Country Office (CO) Maternal and Newborn Health Fund activities.
Encourage and support research initiatives and innovative solutions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
Lead teams in the design, implementation, and evaluation of UNFPA programs in partnership with Department of Health counterparts and other institutions.
Participate in and provide strategic leadership and technical assistance through technical working groups (TWGs), workshops, campaigns and evaluations that support and/or involve system strengthening.
Identify and document technically sound, cost-effective, and practical approaches to programming consistent with UNFPA policies and priorities. This includes assisting in the preparation of design and developing concept notes for specific project interventions.
Remain informed and up to date on technical and management issues affecting the design, implementation and evaluation of UNFPA’s activities in the 2025 workplan with particular focus on system strengthening; and
Participate in the UNFPA Programme Review meetings and other strategic discussions with regional office and the MIC Hub.

FAQs

What is the duration of the consultancy position?

The consultancy will last for eight months, from 1 April to 30 November 2025.

What is the primary focus of the consultancy?

The consultancy focuses on providing integrated technical, policy, and program advice on Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH) and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH).

Is travel required for this consultancy?

Yes, the consultant is expected to travel for field work and stakeholder engagement as appropriate.

What are the key deliverables of this consultancy?

Key deliverables include producing concept notes for MNH and SRH projects, developing research protocols, and reviewing and contributing to UNFPA CO quarterly and technical health reports.

What qualifications are required for this role?

A postgraduate degree in Medicine, Public Health, or Epidemiology is required, along with demonstrable experience in SRHR and/or HIV programmes.

What kind of work environment does UNFPA promote?

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.

What kind of experience is preferred for applicants?

Applicants should have at least 7 years of experience in family planning, maternal, and child health, along with experience collaborating with government and civil society organizations.

Will I receive technical guidance from UNFPA during this consultancy?

Yes, the consultant will receive technical guidance and support from UNFPA, particularly from the Assistant Representative/Head of Programmes.

Is there an expectation for report writing as part of this role?

Yes, the consultant is expected to have strong report writing skills and will be responsible for contributing to UNFPA's health reports.

What is the location for the consultancy services?

The consultancy will primarily be virtual, with travel required to Pretoria or UNFPA-supported provinces as needed.

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