Individual Consultant for Alert System Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing approximately 4,000 staff members. The organization aims to achieve transformative goals related to maternal health, family planning, and gender equality, aligning its mission with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its commitment to addressing complex global challenges and enhancing resilience and renewal in the face of evolving needs.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is aimed at developing an innovative alert system or application that connects accredited GPRTU and local transport providers with pregnant women and healthcare providers. This system is designed to facilitate service requests and payments, focusing on four key areas: linking parturient women to health facilities, connecting health facilities to blood banks, and establishing a payment system for transport services. The initiative is part of the TIMER (Transport Innovation for Maternal Health Emergency Rescue) project, which seeks to address the high maternal mortality rate in Ghana, particularly in the Greater Accra and Ashanti regions. The consultant will work closely with TIMER partners, pregnant women, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the system meets the needs of its users and effectively reduces delays in accessing healthcare services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for developing an Uber-like alert system that connects parturient women to transport operators, including the GPRTU Tap and Go system and local transport providers such as Aboboya and Okada drivers. Key responsibilities include creating a health facility alert feature that allows parturient women and their families to notify health facilities in advance, linking health facilities to the national blood bank database for easy blood requests, and implementing a payment functionality that triggers payments for transport services through existing mobile money platforms. The consultant will also engage with stakeholders to gather feedback and ensure the system is user-friendly and effective in addressing the transportation needs of pregnant women.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in telecommunications or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of experience in developing similar applications or projects within the country is required, demonstrating a strong track record of successful implementation. Experience in providing public health and social development technology solutions is essential, along with familiarity with maternal and reproductive health issues and their impact on women and youth. Previous experience working with UN agencies, government institutions, NGOs, or donor organizations will be considered an advantage.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree in telecommunications or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of developing the alert system and ensuring its effectiveness in connecting pregnant women with necessary services.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in developing applications or projects similar to the one being proposed. This experience should include a strong understanding of public health and social development technology solutions, particularly in the context of maternal health. Familiarity with the challenges faced by pregnant women in accessing healthcare services is essential, as is experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government and non-governmental organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with stakeholders and team members is crucial for the successful development and implementation of the alert system. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in hiring, training, and compensation, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.