Consultant for Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the leading UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, gender-based violence prevention, and population dynamics. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of data and evidence in shaping policies and programs, and it collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to achieve its goals. UNFPA is committed to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing health issues, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In Papua New Guinea, UNFPA is actively involved in maternal health initiatives and works closely with local partners to improve health outcomes for women and children.

Job Overview:
The position involves supporting the UNFPA Papua New Guinea Country Office in developing a national Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) for Family Planning (FP) and updating the provincial CIP for Eastern Highlands Province. The consultant will engage in a consultative process that includes stakeholder meetings, data collection, and analysis to ensure that the plans align with national goals for family planning and reproductive health. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society organizations, to validate and update the plans. The consultant will also be responsible for preparing a comprehensive report on the fiscal space for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) financing in Papua New Guinea, which is essential for guiding policymakers in resource allocation and planning for health services. This position is critical in addressing the challenges faced in maternal health and family planning in the country, particularly in light of the high maternal mortality rates and the need for improved access to reproductive health services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a comprehensive Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) for Family Planning in Papua New Guinea, ensuring alignment with national health policies and goals.
• Update the existing CIP for Eastern Highlands Province, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and ensuring it serves as a model for other provinces.
• Conduct consultations with UNFPA, government counterparts, and civil society organizations to gather insights and validate the CIP.
• Lead a two-day stakeholder consultation meeting in Eastern Highlands to finalize the CIP, including the development of targets, strategies, and implementation plans.
• Prepare a detailed report on the fiscal space for SRHR financing, including key findings, conclusions, and recommendations for policymakers.
• Collaborate with the UNFPA team and other stakeholders throughout the process to ensure effective communication and coordination.
• Provide a final report summarizing the CIP development process and the outcomes of the stakeholder consultations.
• Debrief with UNFPA and the National Department of Health to discuss findings and next steps.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Public Health, Social Work, or a related social science field focusing on reproductive health, demography, or sociology.
• At least seven years of relevant experience in reproductive health, with a strong emphasis on family planning and SRHR financing.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in preparing Costed Implementation Plans, particularly in the context of family planning.
• Familiarity with UN policies and principles, as well as the planning processes of the Papua New Guinea government, is advantageous.
• Willingness to travel within Papua New Guinea for consultations and stakeholder meetings.
• Proficiency in current office software applications is essential for data analysis and report preparation.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Social Work, or any related social science field that pertains to reproductive health, demography, or sociology. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and the socio-economic factors influencing reproductive health outcomes in Papua New Guinea.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the area of reproductive health, with a strong focus on family planning and the development of Costed Implementation Plans. Candidates should have at least five years of experience specifically in preparing such plans and reports related to SRHR financing. Familiarity with the UN system and the health planning processes in Papua New Guinea will be beneficial, as will a demonstrated ability to engage with diverse stakeholders in the health sector.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with stakeholders and the preparation of reports will be conducted in English. Additional language skills relevant to the local context may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position offers an attractive remuneration package in accordance with UNFPA's internal compensation policies. The work environment at UNFPA promotes gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and emphasizes 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 process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application or recruitment process.