International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a leading UN agency dedicated to ensuring 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 focuses on sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, aiming to improve health outcomes and ensure universal access to quality health services, particularly for the most vulnerable populations. UNFPA's mission is to expand choices and possibilities for women and young people, and it is committed to advancing health rights and achieving universal health coverage (UHC).

Job Overview:
The International Consultant will play a crucial role in mapping the landscape of sexual and reproductive health (SRH), gender-based violence (GBV), and family planning (FP) services within the context of universal health coverage (UHC) in the Arab region. This consultancy is part of the UNFPA Strategic Plan (2026-2029) and aims to ensure that comprehensive SRH services are integrated into country-specific policies and strategies. The consultant will engage with 15 UNFPA country offices across 20 countries, conducting a thorough analysis of existing literature, data, and policies related to UHC and SRH. The consultant will be responsible for generating a comprehensive report that identifies strategic trends, gaps, and best practices, ultimately providing actionable recommendations to enhance the accessibility and quality of SRH services in the region. This position requires strong analytical skills, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to work independently and remotely.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's primary duties will include:

• Mapping the SRH/GBV/FP–UHC landscape by reviewing existing literature, data, indices, policies, strategies, and legal frameworks relevant to UHC in the Arab region.
• Identifying and engaging key stakeholders, including government counterparts, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and healthcare providers, through in-depth interviews and consultations.
• Designing and implementing targeted data collection and analysis to assess the availability, accessibility, quality, and inclusion of SRH/GBV/FP services within UHC policies.
• Analyzing and synthesizing findings to identify strategic trends, implementation gaps, and legal barriers affecting service delivery.
• Producing a comprehensive analytical report that includes country-specific insights and regional overviews, along with actionable recommendations for strengthening SRH/FP/GBV services within UHC.
• Conducting webinars and one-on-one meetings with country offices to introduce the mapping exercise and share preliminary findings.
• Integrating feedback from stakeholders into the final report and preparing a concise presentation of findings for dissemination.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess the following qualifications:

• An advanced degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field.
• At least 15 years of professional experience in health systems research, particularly in sexual and reproductive health, within humanitarian and development contexts.
• Familiarity with the political, social, and cultural contexts of Arab countries, along with extensive knowledge of universal health coverage and relevant data and indices.
• Strong analytical and report writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable recommendations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities, demonstrating a commitment to serving the needs of diverse population groups.
• Proven capacity to work independently and remotely, with strong leadership and initiative.
• Experience in developing communication, advocacy, and training materials for policymakers in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
• Strong oral presentation skills and previous experience in delivering similar assignments.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of health systems, particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health and universal health coverage.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of 15 years of professional experience in health systems research, specifically in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and family planning. This experience should encompass both humanitarian and development sectors, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these fields. Familiarity with the political and cultural contexts of Arab countries is also crucial, as it will inform the consultant's approach to stakeholder engagement and data collection.

Languages:
The consultant must have an excellent command of both English and Arabic, as these languages are essential for effective communication and stakeholder engagement in the Arab region. Proficiency in French is considered an additional asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders and resources.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to be conducted remotely, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The position is full-time, and the consultant will report to the ASRO SRH Advisor. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and underrepresented groups. The organization is committed to gender parity and offers reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.