International Consultant for Nursing and Midwifery Strategy Review

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 reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) commitments. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, emphasizing the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a comprehensive review of the existing Iraq Nursing and Midwifery Strategy and Action Plan (2017–2027) and developing an updated, evidence-based national strategy that aligns with global standards and national priorities. The consultant will assess the current strategy's relevance, effectiveness, implementation progress, and gaps, and propose a new strategy that strengthens nursing and midwifery services, particularly in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), maternal health, and birth spacing. The consultant will work under the guidance of the UNFPA Representative and the SRH Program Specialist, collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders. The role is primarily remote, with periodic office space in UNFPA if available, and requires weekly progress calls with the SRH team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for reviewing the existing strategy and action plan, conducting stakeholder consultations with government, academia, NGOs, and UN agencies, assessing workforce capacity and training systems, analyzing policy and regulatory frameworks, and developing a revised national Nursing and Midwifery Strategy for 2027–2035 or similar. The consultant will also propose a costed and implementable action plan, integrate SRH, women, children, and adolescent health, and BCC priorities, and ensure alignment with national health policies and WHO guidelines. Specific tasks include document review, stakeholder consultations, data analysis, benchmarking against best practices, drafting strategy documents, facilitating validation workshops, and finalizing the strategy and action plan based on feedback.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in public health, nursing, midwifery, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required, with proven experience in health strategy development and familiarity with SRH and maternal health programs. Knowledge of the Middle East context is preferable. Candidates should demonstrate strong analytical and research skills, excellent report writing abilities, and effective stakeholder engagement and facilitation skills. Additionally, candidates must exemplify integrity, commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, and embrace cultural diversity and change.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in public health, nursing, midwifery, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively review and develop health strategies related to nursing and midwifery in Iraq.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in health strategy development, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and maternal health programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles and possess familiarity with the Middle East context, which will aid in understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within Iraq's health system.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic (both written and oral) is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, conducting consultations, and drafting reports and strategy documents. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive net salary, health insurance, and other applicable benefits. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and 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 to applicants with disabilities upon request to support their participation in the recruitment process. The selection and appointment process may be subject to background checks, medical clearance, visa issuance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.