Consultant for Constitution Development

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, aiming 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, employing thousands of staff dedicated to advancing global health and human rights. The organization is committed to achieving transformative results in maternal health, family planning, and gender equality, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the need for principled and ethical staff who can deliver high-impact results and manage resources effectively, especially in the wake of challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on enhancing the professional voice and institutional capacity of midwives in South Africa, which is crucial for improving access to sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and adolescent health (SRMNAH) services. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive organizational review of the Society of Midwives of South Africa (SOMSA) to address challenges related to governance, membership engagement, and strategic positioning. The role involves developing a strategic roadmap that aligns with national and global health priorities, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 3, which targets reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including SOMSA leadership, midwives, government partners, and academic institutions, to gather insights and develop actionable recommendations for strengthening SOMSA as a professional association.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a series of key tasks, including:

• Conducting a comprehensive assessment of SOMSA’s current institutional status, focusing on governance structures, organizational mandate, membership engagement, operational systems, and partnerships.
• Reviewing existing documentation such as constitutions, strategic plans, and governance documents.
• Conducting stakeholder consultations with SOMSA leadership, midwives, government partners, and academic institutions to identify challenges and opportunities.
• Benchmarking against successful midwifery associations globally to identify best practices.
• Developing recommendations for SOMSA’s strategic positioning, including mission, vision, governance structures, membership engagement, resource mobilization, and advocacy roles.
• Facilitating a strategic planning process and developing a medium-term strategic roadmap for SOMSA, culminating in a final draft constitution ready for validation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of five years of experience in organizational development and management or a related field. A Master's degree in Business Administration, management, organizational development, or a relevant area of study is required. Proven experience in drafting organizational strategic documents such as strategic plans, constitutions, and governance frameworks for professional associations is essential. Familiarity with midwifery and health professional bodies, as well as knowledge of African regional cultural and linguistic diversity, is highly desirable. Strong writing skills in English are mandatory, and proficiency in French is considered an asset. The ability to work collaboratively and integrate diverse feedback is crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, management, or organizational development is required for this consultancy position. This educational background should provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively conduct organizational assessments and develop strategic documents for professional associations.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least five years of relevant work experience in organizational development, governance, or a related field. This experience should include a proven track record of working with professional associations or similar organizations, particularly in the context of health and midwifery. Familiarity with the challenges faced by such organizations and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments is essential.

Languages:
Strong proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to produce written reports and engage with stakeholders effectively. Additionally, working knowledge of or fluency in French is considered a valuable asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate with a broader range of stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 20 working days, scheduled between April 3 and April 30, 202

• The work will be conducted online, and the consultant will be responsible for their own workstation and tools. Payment will be structured based on deliverables, with 10% for the inception report, 50% for the draft report, and 40% for the final report. Regular virtual check-ins with SOMSA leadership will be scheduled to monitor progress, and the consultant will provide written updates alongside draft deliverables. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.