Consultant for Maternal Health Promotion

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide. The organization operates in over 190 countries and territories, with a mission to promote the rights and well-being of every child. UNICEF focuses on areas such as health, education, protection, and emergency response, striving to ensure that all children have access to essential services and opportunities for a better future. In Brazil, UNICEF works closely with federal, state, and municipal governments to improve the health and welfare of children and mothers, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of maternal health promotion activities within UNICEF's strategic frameworks in Brazil. This position focuses on enhancing the quality of prenatal and postnatal care through partnerships with local governments and health professionals. The consultant will be responsible for developing strategies to engage municipalities in achieving health indicators, creating educational materials, and supporting communication campaigns aimed at pregnant women and new mothers. The role requires a deep understanding of maternal health issues and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to improve health outcomes for mothers and children.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive workplan for the UNICEF Seal, including strategies for municipalities to improve maternal health indicators.
• Create training materials and conduct training sessions for health professionals in municipalities participating in the UNICEF Seal.
• Collaborate with local health secretariats to identify challenges and propose solutions for improving maternal and child health services.
• Support the implementation of the Child-Friendly Unit (UAPI) initiative by developing strategies and materials to enhance maternal health services in health facilities.
• Follow up on ongoing studies regarding childbirth decision-making and assist in the development of communication campaigns targeting pregnant women and health professionals.
• Plan and oversee the production of videocasts related to maternal and child health, including script development and logistical organization.
• Prepare reports summarizing the consultancy's findings, lessons learned, and recommendations for future actions.

Required Qualifications:
A university degree in public health, medicine, nursing, or a related field is required. A postgraduate specialization in maternal and child health or women's health is preferred. Candidates must possess strong oral and written communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively in a team, and the capacity to manage tight deadlines while working independently. Experience in UN agencies or similar organizations is advantageous, as is familiarity with public policies related to women's health.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a university degree in a relevant field such as public health, medicine, or nursing. A postgraduate specialization in maternal and child health or a related area is highly desirable, as it demonstrates a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in maternal health promotion and care.

Experience:
A minimum of four years of professional experience in public policies related to women's health is required. This experience should include work with maternal health programs, collaboration with health professionals, and engagement with governmental or non-governmental organizations focused on health services.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with local stakeholders and communities is essential. Proficiency in English or Spanish would be considered an asset, as it may facilitate collaboration with international partners and enhance the consultant's ability to access a broader range of resources and information.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be project-based, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined in the work assignments. The consultant will be required to submit a financial proposal that includes all costs associated with the assignment. UNICEF emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of various backgrounds. The selected candidate will not be considered a staff member and will not receive benefits typically afforded to employees, such as medical insurance or leave entitlements. Additionally, candidates must ensure they have valid visas and health insurance for the duration of the contract.