Consultant for Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan

Job Posting Organization:
The UNFPA Papua New Guinea Country Office is the leading United Nations agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV), and population dynamics in Papua New Guinea. Established to address critical health issues, UNFPA operates with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organizations, and international partners, to implement programs that improve health outcomes, particularly for women and youth. UNFPA has a strong presence in Papua New Guinea, leveraging its expertise in areas such as gender equality, health financing, and population data to drive impactful change. The organization is committed to addressing the challenges faced by the health sector in Papua New Guinea, particularly in maternal health, and works towards mobilizing resources to support sustainable health initiatives. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 emphasizes the importance of achieving transformative results in maternal health, family planning, and the elimination of gender-based violence, aligning with global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan at UNFPA Papua New Guinea involves supporting the development of a national Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) for family planning and a provincial CIP for Eastern Highlands Province. The consultant will engage in a consultative process that includes collaboration with government counterparts, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that the plans are comprehensive and aligned with national health goals. The role requires the consultant to facilitate stakeholder consultations, validate and update existing plans, and prepare detailed reports on the fiscal space for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) financing. The consultant will play a crucial role in advocating for increased domestic resources for family planning and maternal health initiatives, contributing to the overall goal of reducing maternal mortality and improving health outcomes for women and youth in Papua New Guinea. This position is vital for enhancing local ownership of family planning programs and ensuring that they are effectively integrated into broader health financing strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including: (a) Developing a comprehensive Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) for Family Planning (FP) for Papua New Guinea, which outlines the necessary program activities and associated costs to achieve national family planning goals. (b) Updating the existing CIP for Eastern Highlands Province, ensuring it serves as a model for other provinces and includes validated targets, strategies, and implementation approaches. (c) Leading a two-day stakeholder consultation meeting in Eastern Highlands to validate and finalize the CIP, including securing budget support from local authorities for future implementation. (d) Preparing a detailed report on the fiscal space for SRHR financing in Papua New Guinea, which will provide policymakers with insights and recommendations for increasing domestic resources for health initiatives. (e) Collaborating closely with UNFPA, government agencies, and civil society organizations throughout the process to ensure alignment with national health policies and effective stakeholder engagement. (f) Debriefing with UNFPA and the National Department of Health to present findings and recommendations from the consultations and reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Social Work, or a related social science field that pertains to reproductive health, demography, or sociology. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience in reproductive health is desirable, with at least five years specifically focused on preparing Costed Implementation Plans, particularly in the areas of Family Planning and SRHR Financing Reports. Familiarity with UN policies and principles, as well as the planning processes of the Papua New Guinea government, will be advantageous. The consultant should also demonstrate proficiency in current office software applications and possess a willingness to travel as required for stakeholder consultations and meetings.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in fields such as Public Health, Social Work, or any social science discipline that is relevant to reproductive health, demography, or sociology. This advanced education is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development of family planning implementation plans and health financing strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically at least seven years in the field of reproductive health, with a strong emphasis on the preparation of Costed Implementation Plans. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on family planning initiatives and SRHR financing, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex health systems and engage with various stakeholders effectively. Experience in conducting consultations and facilitating workshops is also essential, as the role involves significant interaction with government officials, civil society organizations, and other partners.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for engaging with stakeholders and preparing reports. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages spoken in Papua New Guinea may be considered an asset, particularly for enhancing communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position offers an attractive remuneration package in accordance with UNFPA's internal compensation policies. The work environment at UNFPA reflects the organization's commitment to gender equality, diversity, and integrity, promoting a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The selection and appointment 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.