National Consultant for RMNCAH Monitoring and Evaluation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where 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 mission to promote reproductive health and rights, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls. The organization is committed to achieving three transformative results in its strategic plan for 2023-2027: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet needs for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, and who are dedicated to delivering high-impact results.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for RMNCAH Monitoring and Evaluation will be based at the Family Health Unit within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Suva, Fiji. This role involves overseeing the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) processes related to Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Adolescent, and Sexual Health (RMNCAH) initiatives. The consultant will collaborate closely with Programme Officers at headquarters and divisions, as well as with clinical service networks. The primary objective is to ensure that all M&E activities align with the Family Health Unit's goals and support the overall programmatic areas for M&E. The consultant will also play a crucial role in enhancing the unit's M&E capabilities, ensuring quality service delivery, and reporting RMNCAH M&E activities to the UNFPA PSRO Fiji Country Office. This position requires a proactive approach to program development, implementation, and communication with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive work plan in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Family Health Unit, actively contributing to the development and implementation of the M&E framework for RMNCAH indicators. Key duties include liaising with partners to foster collaboration, designing data collection methodologies, compiling relevant data elements, and ensuring equitable access to health services. The consultant will maintain an accurate and complete database, develop validation rules, and create Standard Operating Procedures for data management. Additionally, the consultant will assist in managing RMNCAH project expenditures, ensuring alignment with approved budgets, and tracking the effectiveness of social behavior change interventions. The role requires effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve programmatic results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level degree or higher in Public Health, Social Sciences, Health Information Management, or a related field, along with a minimum of four years of relevant work experience. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in health information management, data analysis, and program evaluation. Familiarity with Fiji's government structures and policies is advantageous. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management systems is essential, as well as knowledge of public health approaches and methods. Experience with geospatial data and SRH/RMNCAH initiatives is a plus. A postgraduate diploma or master's degree in public health or a related field is desirable but not mandatory.

Educational Background:
A first-level degree or higher in Public Health, Social Sciences, Health Information Management, or a related field is required. Candidates with additional postgraduate qualifications in public health, international relations, or communications will be viewed favorably, although they are not mandatory for the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant work experience in health information management, including data handling, analysis, and evaluation. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in health information systems and data management, preferably within the context of Fiji's health sector. Familiarity with national and international stakeholders and experience in SRH/RMNCAH will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be seconded to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and will be provided with a workstation, necessary materials, and access to equipment such as printers and copiers. Payment will be made on a monthly basis upon satisfactory delivery of associated deliverables. The work environment at UNFPA promotes gender equality, diversity, and a healthy work-life balance, encouraging applications from women and underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.