Consultant for Maternal Health and Sexual and Reproductive Health

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 to address global population issues, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly those related to health and well-being, gender equality, and reducing inequalities. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its response to a complex global environment, emphasizing resilience and renewal through four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies. UNFPA seeks principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring effective external relations, communication, and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the UNFPA's 9th Country Programme Document (CPD) for Angola, which aims to achieve transformative results in maternal health and sexual and reproductive health. This position focuses on the Norway-funded project aimed at reducing preventable maternal deaths and increasing access to family planning services in five provinces of Angola. The consultant will provide technical assistance in planning, implementing, monitoring, and reporting on activities related to quality sexual and reproductive health services. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health, implementing partners, and community leaders, to ensure the successful execution of project objectives. The consultant will also integrate gender perspectives into the project to enhance the capacities of women and girls regarding their sexual and reproductive rights, particularly in relation to maternal health.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key activities, including:

• Providing technical assistance to achieve the expected results of the Norway-funded project, focusing on maternal health and sexual and reproductive health components.
• Supporting advocacy efforts with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to promote maternal health initiatives.
• Collaborating with health professionals to implement training programs aimed at reducing maternal mortality and improving emergency obstetric and neonatal care.
• Conducting assessments and monitoring the implementation of the project, including data collection and analysis.
• Developing advocacy strategies based on evidence from project activities to enhance maternal health services.
• Facilitating community mobilization efforts to raise awareness about sexual and reproductive health and rights.
• Establishing a real-time monitoring system for maternal health indicators at the provincial level.
• Participating in programmatic and operational meetings to ensure alignment with UNFPA's goals and objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 2-3 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health, project management, or related fields relevant to sexual and reproductive health and maternal health. Practical experience in designing, monitoring, and evaluating development projects is essential. The ability to collaborate effectively with government entities, civil society organizations, and youth-led organizations is crucial. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills are required, along with the capacity to work independently and exercise sound judgment. Familiarity with UNFPA's policies and procedures, as well as proficiency in office software applications, is necessary. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in health, education, population studies, demography, project management, or a related social science discipline is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of maternal and reproductive health issues and the skills needed for effective project management and implementation.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 2-3 years of relevant professional experience, particularly in public health and project management. Experience in sexual and reproductive health, maternal and neonatal health, and HIV prevention is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of working collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government agencies and non-governmental organizations, to achieve project goals. Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes in development projects is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Portuguese is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, reporting, and documentation of project activities. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be full-time and may involve travel to various provinces in Angola. The consultant will be required to submit monthly reports detailing progress on project activities and deliverables. The position emphasizes the importance of gender equality and diversity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women and individuals from minority communities. UNFPA promotes a healthy work-life balance and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and ensures equal opportunities for all candidates.