Consultant for Qualitative Validation and Operational Audit

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the UNFPA ESARO (United Nations Population Fund Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office), which is dedicated to promoting reproductive health and rights, and ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization operates in multiple countries across the Eastern and Southern Africa region, focusing on improving family planning access and addressing demographic challenges. UNFPA was established in 1969 and has since grown to employ thousands of individuals across various countries, working collaboratively with governments and other partners to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The primary purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a qualitative validation and operational audit of 30 years of demographic data to uncover the underlying reasons for structural inequities in family planning access across the East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR). The consultant will employ a person-centered approach to humanize statistical trends, focusing on the narratives of high-risk populations. The consultancy aims to bridge the gap between quantitative data and actionable policy, moving away from national averages to a sub-national model that prioritizes interventions for those most in need. The consultant will be responsible for validating findings from a 30-year secondary data analysis, conducting qualitative studies to understand barriers to family planning, and assessing the impact of UNFPA investments in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with conducting a technical review and validation of demographic data, performing qualitative studies including desk reviews and in-depth interviews, and capturing narratives regarding barriers to family planning. The consultant will also assess the alignment of national family planning action plans with WHO guidelines, measure provider bias against specific demographics, and develop a comprehensive report that synthesizes quantitative and qualitative findings. The consultant will coordinate with country focal points, conduct a desk review of relevant laws and policies, and present findings to stakeholders. Regular updates via email and virtual meetings will be required to ensure adherence to production schedules.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a Master's degree in population studies, statistics, public health, or a related field, with a strong background in interpreting demographic trends and social determinants. A PhD is preferred, with a minimum of 7 years of experience in relevant fields. The candidate should demonstrate proven analytical capacity, sector knowledge of the ESAR context, and methodological skills in qualitative research. Strong analytical writing skills are essential for translating data into actionable recommendations for policy dialogue.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's degree in Demography, Public Health, or Sociology, with at least 10 years of relevant experience, or a PhD with a minimum of 7 years of experience. The educational background should include technical literacy in demographic models and a deep understanding of family planning and reproductive health issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in maternal, newborn, or reproductive health programs, particularly in family planning. Experience conducting policy and investment analyses in low- and middle-income countries is essential, with a preference for candidates who have worked in sub-Saharan Africa or the ESA region. Proven capacity to manage multi-country analytical work and coordinate with various stakeholders is required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages relevant to the ESAR region is considered an asset. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken forms.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote consultancy position with a contract duration of three months, starting on May 15, 202

• The consultant is expected to deliver all work electronically by August 15, 202
• Payment will be structured in three installments based on deliverables: 20% upon submission of the Inception Report, 60% upon submission of the Draft Analytical Report, and 20% upon approval of the Final Report Package. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Population Dynamics Adviser and the Regional Family Planning Specialist, with no travel expected as all activities will be conducted virtually.