Maternal & Reproductive Health (MRH) Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to deliver a world where reproductive health is a priority, and it works towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing issues such as maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's Strategic Plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the need for resilience and adaptation in the face of climate change and humanitarian crises, particularly in vulnerable regions like Afghanistan. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and civil society, to implement programs that enhance the well-being of women and girls, especially in challenging contexts.

Job Overview:
The Maternal & Reproductive Health (MRH) Consultant position at UNFPA Afghanistan CO is designed for an international expert who will provide technical assistance in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The consultant will play a crucial role in managing and implementing UNFPA’s donor-supported projects, particularly in the context of Afghanistan's complex humanitarian situation. The consultant will work closely with humanitarian agencies, national partners, and civil society organizations to scale up existing maternal and reproductive health initiatives, including family planning and maternal nutrition interventions. The role requires a deep understanding of the integration of UNFPA's mandate within program delivery, ensuring effective coordination of projects with various stakeholders, and overseeing the management of the MRH Unit. The consultant will also be tasked with developing strategies to adapt service delivery points to become climate resilient, addressing the impacts of climate change on health services in Afghanistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including:

• Conducting initial consultations with UNFPA CO to understand the context and expectations.
• Reviewing existing documentation related to service delivery points (SDPs) and climate impacts.
• Evaluating the current and potential impact of climate change on SDPs, focusing on drought and extreme weather events.
• Conducting site visits and interviews to gather information on vulnerabilities and operational challenges.
• Developing a strategic plan to enhance the resilience of SDPs to climate change, particularly drought.
• Proposing specific interventions and adaptations to address identified vulnerabilities.
• Creating a detailed action plan outlining implementation steps, timelines, and resource requirements.
• Engaging stakeholders through workshops and meetings to present findings and gather feedback.
• Preparing comprehensive reports detailing findings, recommendations, and action plans. 1
• Developing a framework for monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of the implemented strategy. 1
• Presenting the strategy and action plan to key stakeholders and decision-makers.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master's degree) in Environmental Sciences, Sustainability Studies, Engineering, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience at the international level in the field of climate change, preferably in humanitarian settings. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in climate change strategy development, vulnerability assessments, and impact analyses are essential. Familiarity with Afghanistan's socio-political context and experience working in similar settings are highly desirable. Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills in English are mandatory, along with the ability to work harmoniously in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree) in a relevant field such as Environmental Sciences, Sustainability Studies, Engineering, or Business Administration. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of climate change and its impact on health services, particularly in a humanitarian context like Afghanistan.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience at the international level, specifically in the field of climate change. Candidates should have proven experience in conducting climate change vulnerability assessments and impact analyses, particularly in complex humanitarian environments. Familiarity with the socio-political context of Afghanistan and experience working in similar settings will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and spoken communication skills. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be home-based with specific tasks requiring presence in Kabul. The consultant is expected to provide their own equipment, including a computer and software. UNFPA will supply relevant background information and documentation necessary for the assignment. The deliverables will include an inception report, assessment report, strategic plan with an action plan, and a monitoring and evaluation framework, all of which must be submitted in English and in electronic format. The consultant is expected to adhere to agreed-upon timelines throughout the consultancy.