Consultant for SRH in UHC Initiatives

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization is committed to achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA seeks to build forward better in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring that women and girls have access to essential health services and rights.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the SRHR Programme Specialist at the UNFPA Country Office. The primary purpose of this role is to conduct an in-depth assessment to identify missing elements of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) within Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiatives, particularly focusing on UHC benefit packages, financing, and financial risk protection arrangements. The consultant will utilize the WHO’s UHC Compendium and UNFPA ESARO’s draft SRHR across the life-course matrix to guide their assessment. The consultant will also prepare a report on the status of comprehensive SRH within UHC and develop a policy brief with actionable recommendations for integrating comprehensive SRH into UHC frameworks. This role is crucial in addressing the gaps in SRH services and ensuring that UHC initiatives are inclusive and equitable, particularly for marginalized populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant is expected to undertake several key tasks, including:

• Conducting an in-depth assessment to identify missing elements of SRH in UHC initiatives, focusing on UHC benefit packages, financing, and financial risk protection arrangements.
• Carrying out key informant interviews as necessary to gather qualitative data.
• Preparing a comprehensive report on the status of comprehensive SRH within UHC, detailing findings and recommendations.
• Developing a policy brief and PowerPoint presentation in consultation with UNFPA, outlining evidence-informed actions to progressively integrate comprehensive SRHR into UHC.
• Completing a country-specific SRH in UHC rapid assessment report, identifying critical policies and systems related to UHC.
• Conducting an in-depth review of identified policies and systems to pinpoint missing SRH service elements.
• Presenting draft reports during consultative meetings with stakeholders to gather feedback and inputs.
• Submitting final reports, policy briefs, and presentations in both hard and soft copies by the specified deadlines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant Master's degree in fields such as public health, health economics, public policy, epidemiology, medicine, international development, economics, or demography. Additionally, candidates should have at least seven years of experience working with UHC policies and programs, particularly in supporting UHC benefit packages and financial risk protection. Significant knowledge and/or experience in sexual and reproductive health and rights is essential, along with previous experience in conducting secondary reviews and developing policy briefs. Familiarity with the UN system and experience with UNFPA on similar assignments is highly desirable. Strong knowledge of Ethiopia’s healthcare system and SRH is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as public health, health economics, public policy, epidemiology, medicine, international development, economics, or demography. This advanced education is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and policies, particularly in the context of UHC and SRH.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in UHC policies and programs. This includes experience in supporting UHC benefit packages, financing, delivery, and financial risk protection systems. Candidates should also have significant knowledge and/or experience in sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as previous experience in conducting secondary reviews and developing policy briefs. Experience working with the UN or UNFPA on similar assignments is preferred, along with a strong understanding of Ethiopia’s healthcare system and SRH.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Ethiopian regional languages is considered an asset, as is proficiency in another UN language. Effective communication skills in multiple languages will enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and ensure the successful dissemination of findings and recommendations.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to adhere to ethical considerations and maintain confidentiality throughout the assignment. The work will be monitored by UNFPA CO, and the consultant will be required to submit detailed reports based on agreed deliverables. The consultancy is expected to be conducted in a full-time capacity, and the final remuneration will be determined based on the candidate's profile and the requirements of the consultancy. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women and persons with disabilities, and emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection.