National Consultant for Perinatal Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The position involves supporting an international consultant in assessing the effectiveness of national perinatal healthcare programs in Tajikistan. The consultant will work closely with UNICEF and WHO to analyze the quality of care, identify systemic bottlenecks, and develop recommendations for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes. The role requires a thorough understanding of the healthcare landscape in Tajikistan, including the challenges faced in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. The consultant will also engage with national partners to ensure the assessment is comprehensive and actionable, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of perinatal care in the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the international consultant to assess the impact of national perinatal healthcare programs.
• Conduct bottleneck analysis using WHO's framework to identify systemic issues affecting care quality.
• Work with national partners to identify root causes of successes and failures in sustaining quality improvements.
• Develop recommendations for scaling up effective practices and support the government in strengthening healthcare services.
• Assist in the organization of a country-level meeting to present assessment results and engage stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of reports and documentation related to the assessment process.
• Coordinate field visits to healthcare facilities and communities to gather data and insights.

Required Qualifications:
- Advanced university degree in health, public health, or a relevant field; PhD is an advantage. - At least 7 years of experience in health program assessment/evaluation, particularly in maternal, newborn, and child healthcare. - Proven track record in implementing quality of care improvement initiatives. - Strong skills in data collection and analysis, both qualitative and quantitative. - Experience working with government organizations, especially in maternal health programs, and familiarity with UN agencies. - Previous experience with UNICEF or similar organizations in assessments and evaluations is preferred. - Practical experience in conducting similar assignments is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in health, public health, or a related field. A PhD is considered an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant areas of health and maternal care.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of strong experience in the assessment and evaluation of health programs, particularly those focused on maternal, newborn, and child healthcare. Candidates should have a proven history of leading or participating in quality of care-related research and studies, as well as experience working with government organizations and UN agencies.

Languages:
Mandatory languages include a good command of written Tajik and Russian. Working knowledge of English is considered an asset, facilitating communication with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy duration is 77 working days, with specific deliverables and timelines outlined for each phase of the assessment. The consultant will be required to travel within Tajikistan for field visits, and travel costs will be covered as per the agreed travel plan. The position is expected to be full-time, and candidates must submit a comprehensive application including a CV, technical proposal, financial proposal, and references. Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 11 February 2026.