Consultant for Midwifery Education and Practice Centers of Excellence Program (MEPCEP)

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, working towards the realization of universal human rights and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The organization is committed to promoting gender equality, reproductive health, and rights, and it plays a crucial role in addressing population issues and ensuring that individuals can make informed choices about their reproductive health. UNFPA's mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, which is reflected in its strategic plans and programs.

Job Overview:
The position involves working closely with the Ministry of Health to develop comprehensive guidelines for the Midwifery Education and Practice Centers of Excellence Program (MEPCEP). This program, initiated in 2023, aims to enhance midwifery education institutions and clinical sites in Ghana, transforming them into Centers of Excellence (COEs). The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough review of foundational documents, engaging stakeholders, and aligning the guidelines with international best practices. The role requires a strategic approach to ensure that the guidelines are practical, culturally relevant, and aligned with national policies. The consultant will report directly to the midwifery adviser and will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation and sustainability of the MEPCEP program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of the MEPCEP project foundational documents, including the needs assessment report and roadmap, to inform the development of guidelines. This will involve stakeholder engagement and alignment with global standards (5 days).
• Develop draft guidelines based on international best practices, covering essential areas such as curriculum and pedagogy, clinical practice, mentorship and preceptorship, governance and leadership, infrastructure and resources, and monitoring and evaluation (8 days).
• Validate the draft guidelines by presenting them to key stakeholders for review and revision, ensuring that the document is practical, culturally relevant, and aligned with national policies (2 days).
• Finalize the guidelines to incorporate stakeholder inputs and ensure clarity and consistency across the program sites (5 days).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in a relevant field such as midwifery, public health, health sciences, or education. A PhD or progress towards a doctoral degree is highly advantageous, indicating a strong foundation in research and advanced practice. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of professional experience is required, with a significant portion dedicated to midwifery education and curriculum development, particularly in competency-based education (CBE) aligned with International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) standards. Experience in similar roles within sub-Saharan Africa is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, public speaking experience, and fluency in English and any local language. Strong analytical, deductive, and strategic planning skills are necessary, along with knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for documentation and report generation. Skills in team and consensus building are also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as midwifery, public health, health sciences, or education. Candidates with a PhD or those who are working towards a doctoral degree will be viewed favorably, as this demonstrates a commitment to advanced study and research in the field. The educational qualifications should reflect a strong understanding of midwifery education and practice, as well as the ability to develop and implement effective educational programs.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with a significant focus on midwifery education and curriculum development. Candidates should have experience in competency-based education (CBE) that aligns with ICM standards. Additionally, experience working in similar roles and contexts within sub-Saharan Africa is essential, as it provides the necessary understanding of the regional challenges and opportunities in midwifery education and practice.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Candidates who are proficient in any local languages will have an advantage, as this will facilitate better communication with stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the guidelines being developed.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA is committed to ensuring gender parity and encourages women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.