Consultant for Menstrual Hygiene Management

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. UNFPA's mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization is dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls, particularly in the context of reproductive health and rights. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes three transformative results: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet needs for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA is committed to addressing the challenges faced by women and girls, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and aims to build a better future for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.

Job Overview:
The 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 structures to create a standardized framework for MHM interventions. This role is crucial in addressing the significant barriers that adolescent girls face regarding menstrual health, including stigma, lack of information, and inadequate access to sanitary products and facilities. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a desk review of existing policies, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and drafting guidelines that align with international standards. The overarching goal is to improve MHM practices and outcomes for adolescent girls, ensuring they can manage their menstrual health with dignity and access necessary resources.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key tasks, including conducting a desk review of current national MHM policies and global best practices, ensuring the participation of marginalized adolescent girls in the guideline development process, facilitating stakeholder consultations with key government ministries and partners, and drafting comprehensive national guidelines and relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for menstrual health and hygiene management. The consultant will also be responsible for finalizing the guidelines and tools, ensuring they are user-friendly and culturally appropriate. Additionally, the consultant will prepare reports on the consultative workshops, validate the guidelines with stakeholders, and submit all deliverables electronically by the specified deadlines. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Program Specialist, SRHR, Quality of Care and Services, and will collaborate closely with the Programme Analyst, ASRH.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Education, or a related field. They should have a minimum of 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. The candidate must demonstrate excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English, as well as the ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines. Familiarity with menstrual health issues and the specific challenges faced by adolescent girls in Liberia is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in fields such as Public Health, Social Sciences, Gender Studies, Education, or a related discipline. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of menstrual health and hygiene management and for developing effective guidelines and tools that address the needs of adolescent girls in Liberia.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have substantial experience, specifically 5 to 7 years, in relevant fields. This experience should include developing national guidelines and policies, facilitating workshops, and engaging in multi-stakeholder consultations. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with diverse groups and stakeholders, particularly in the context of public health and gender issues. Experience in the West African region or similar contexts will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all communication, documentation, and reporting will be conducted in English. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of local languages may be considered an asset, particularly for engaging with community members and stakeholders during consultations.

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 key deliverables. UNFPA will provide a working space and transportation during working hours, while the consultant is expected to use their own computer. The organization promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.