Consultant for Menstrual Hygiene Management

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. UNFPA aims to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization operates globally, with a strategic plan that emphasizes ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women and individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community. The organization values integrity, cultural diversity, and a healthy work-life balance, and it has a strong focus on achieving results and accountability in its operations.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on developing comprehensive, evidence-based national guidelines and tools for menstrual health and hygiene management (MHM) in Liberia, particularly targeting adolescent girls. The consultant will work closely with various government ministries, stakeholders, and community members to create user-friendly guidelines that address the challenges faced by adolescent girls regarding menstrual hygiene. The role involves conducting a desk review of existing policies, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and drafting guidelines that align with international standards. The consultant will also ensure the participation of marginalized groups in the guideline development process, aiming to create a standardized framework for MHM interventions across the country. The expected outcomes include finalized national guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and informational materials that promote good hygiene practices among adolescents.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including: conducting a desk review of current national MHM policies and global best practices; ensuring inclusivity by involving adolescent girls in the guideline development process; facilitating stakeholder consultations with key government ministries and partners; drafting comprehensive national guidelines and SOPs for MHM; finalizing the guidelines and materials based on feedback from validation workshops; and submitting all deliverables in a timely manner. The consultant will also be expected to employ a participatory approach, ensuring that the guidelines are practical and adaptable for various stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Education, or a related field. They should have 5 to 7 years of relevant experience, particularly in developing national guidelines, policies, and strategies. Proven ability to facilitate workshops and conduct multi-stakeholder consultations is essential. Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English are required, along with the ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, or Education is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of menstrual hygiene management and the associated health, social, and educational issues faced by adolescent girls.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 5 to 7 years of experience in relevant fields, particularly in developing national guidelines and policies. Experience in facilitating workshops and conducting consultations with diverse groups is essential, as is the ability to work independently and manage tight deadlines effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will need to communicate effectively with stakeholders and produce written guidelines and reports. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a period of 35 days, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined for each phase of the project. The consultant will work primarily in Monrovia, Montserrado County, and is expected to submit electronic copies of all deliverables. UNFPA will provide a working space and transportation during working hours, while the consultant is expected to use their own computer. The organization emphasizes a commitment to gender equality and diversity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.