Technical Consultant for Health Information Delivery Systems

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) 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 in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to promote reproductive health and rights, and to support the health and well-being of women and youth. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in the areas of health, education, and gender equality. UNFPA Iraq has been actively involved in supporting the Government of Iraq in institutionalizing Youth Friendly Health Services (YFHS) since 2010, focusing on building capacity and integrating health services into primary care settings across various governorates.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Consultant for Health Information Delivery Systems at UNFPA Iraq involves leading a strategic assessment to measure the effectiveness and reach of innovative health information delivery systems for adolescents and youth. The consultant will operationalize a measurement framework to assess youth satisfaction with information received through various modalities, including digital education programs, mobile health applications, and counseling helplines. Additionally, the consultant will develop a strategic roadmap for institutionalizing Youth Friendly Services (YFHS) and provide evidence-based recommendations for integrating these services into school health programs, Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs), and multipurpose youth centers. This role is crucial in addressing the health needs of Iraq's youth population, which constitutes a significant demographic segment, and ensuring equitable access to health information and services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive study to evaluate youth satisfaction with health information received through innovative modalities. This includes assessing educational sessions, counseling helplines, and hybrid modalities such as telemedicine systems. The consultant will also develop a roadmap for YFHS that aligns with national health strategies and outlines steps for scaling pilot projects into a national program. Furthermore, the consultant will conduct a comparative analysis of institutional channels for delivering YFHS, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of school health programs, PHCCs, and youth centers. The consultant will ensure that the assessment is inclusive, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data from diverse youth populations across Iraq.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's or PhD) in Public Health, Sociology, Demography, Social Policy, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in designing and managing programs or research in adolescent and youth health is required. Demonstrated expertise in digital health transformation and evaluating innovative modalities such as apps and helplines is essential. Strong analytical skills and a proven track record of producing high-level strategic reports for UN or international organizations are necessary. In-depth knowledge of the Iraqi health system and socio-political context, as well as experience in conducting facility assessments and training health providers in youth-friendly standards, are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master's or PhD) in Public Health, Sociology, Demography, Social Policy, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively assess and improve health information delivery systems for adolescents and youth in Iraq.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant experience in designing and managing programs or research focused on adolescent and youth health. Candidates should have a strong background in digital health transformation and experience evaluating innovative health modalities. Familiarity with the Iraqi health system and the ability to navigate its socio-political context are crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic (both written and oral) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Kurdish is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with diverse youth populations in Iraq and enhance the effectiveness of the consultant's work.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will last for 3 calendar months, with a total of 40 working days starting from the contract signing date. The consultant will be based in Baghdad but will require frequent travel to Erbil and other governorates for data collection and facility assessments. The position offers a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other benefits as applicable. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.