Local Consultancy – Perinatal Mental Health (PMH)

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on reproductive health and rights, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly through its strategic plan for 2026-2029, which emphasizes resilience and renewal in response to global challenges. UNFPA is committed to addressing issues such as family planning, maternal health, gender-based violence, and demographic changes through evidence-based policies and programs. The organization values principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are dedicated to delivering high-impact results and effective partnerships in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The primary purpose of this consultancy is to assess and enhance the awareness, response, and service readiness for Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) in South Africa. This role emphasizes the importance of aligning policies, improving data systems, and engaging stakeholders to inform programming and national dialogue. Given the pressing public health challenge posed by perinatal mental health disorders, which affect a significant percentage of women during pregnancy and postpartum, this position is crucial in addressing the gaps in service delivery and awareness. The consultant will work to strengthen integrated service delivery and data systems, ensuring alignment with national health priorities and commitments. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the health system's readiness to respond to PMH, mapping stakeholders, reviewing data availability, and providing evidence-based recommendations for scaling up PMH interventions within sexual and reproductive health and primary health care platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a series of key activities, including:

• Conducting a desk review and developing a study protocol that includes reviewing national and provincial policies related to mental health and maternal health, and creating methods and tools for data collection.
• Engaging in stakeholder consultations through key informant interviews with various government departments and civil society partners, ensuring ethical compliance with national health research ethics.
• Collecting quantitative data from health information systems and selected health facilities, as well as conducting qualitative interviews and focus groups with health providers and community members in high-burden provinces.
• Analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate software and triangulating findings with national surveys.
• Writing and disseminating a comprehensive report that includes findings, recommendations, and conducting a validation workshop with stakeholders to ensure alignment with national priorities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Global Health, Reproductive Health, Health Policy, Health Systems, or a related field. Additionally, they should have 6-8 years of professional work experience in maternal health and health systems strengthening, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and mental health. A strong background in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is essential, along with experience in engaging with government and civil society stakeholders. The ability to produce technical guidelines, documents, and reports is also required, as well as strong communication skills to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in relevant fields such as Public Health, Global Health, Reproductive Health, Health Policy, or Health Systems. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of maternal health and the broader health system in South Africa, as well as for developing effective strategies to address perinatal mental health issues.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience, specifically 6-8 years in the field of maternal health and health systems strengthening. This experience should include work related to sexual and reproductive health and mental health, ideally within the South African context. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of engaging with government departments, civil society stakeholders, and research institutions, as well as experience in producing technical documents and reports.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the consultancy and the need for clear communication with stakeholders. Additional languages relevant to the South African context may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last approximately 45 person-days from October to December 2025, with a contract duration starting from October 6 until December 15, 202

• The work will primarily be conducted virtually, with travel to the UNFPA office in Pretoria as needed. The consultant will be required to submit both electronic and hard copies of the final report and provide bi-weekly written progress updates to UNFPA South Africa. The position offers a competitive remuneration package, including health insurance and other benefits, and emphasizes a commitment to gender equality and diversity within the workplace.