Developing national investment case on inclusion of modern contraceptives into the Universal Health Coverage plans

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to achieve three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health services, and it calls for a collective effort to build forward better while upholding human rights and ethical standards.

Job Overview:
The position involves developing a national investment case for the inclusion of modern contraceptives into Universal Health Coverage (UHC) plans in Kazakhstan. The role requires collaboration with the Ministry of Health and other national partners to ensure that the investment case aligns with national priorities and health system contexts. The national specialist will provide technical input, lead data collection and validation, and ensure that the analysis is consistent with national data systems and policy frameworks. The position is critical in addressing the stagnation and reversal of progress in family planning in Kazakhstan, particularly in light of recent declines in modern contraceptive prevalence and increases in unmet need for family planning. The consultant will work to leverage the existing healthcare delivery system to improve equitable access to family planning services and modern contraceptives, which are currently not included in the UHC/MSHI benefit package.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The national specialist will be responsible for several key components of the investment case development, including:

• Developing a methodological framework and analytical design for the investment case.
• Leading data collection, validation, and preparation to ensure accurate and reliable information is used in the analysis.
• Creating scenarios based on agreed assumptions to model potential outcomes of including modern contraceptives in the UHC/MSHI benefit package.
• Conducting modeling and impact analysis to assess the implications of various policy options.
• Performing economic and financial analysis to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of proposed interventions.
• Compiling and developing the final investment case document that presents findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in public health, medicine, epidemiology, health systems, or a related field. Additional specialization or training in sexual and reproductive health (SRHR), family planning, or health systems is considered an asset. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in public health, with a focus on SRHR and family planning, is required. Proven experience in data collection, analysis, and the use of health information systems is essential. Experience working with the Ministry of Health, national statistical systems, research institutions, or development partners is also necessary. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the SRHR and family planning landscape in Kazakhstan, as well as knowledge of the national health system structure, including UHC/MSHI mechanisms.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in public health, medicine, epidemiology, health systems, or a related field. Additional training or specialization in sexual and reproductive health (SRHR), family planning, or health systems is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in public health, particularly in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and family planning. Experience in data collection, analysis, and the use of health information systems is crucial. Familiarity with the Ministry of Health, national statistical systems, and experience in supporting analytical work, policy development, or health programs related to SRHR is required. Previous experience with UN agencies or international organizations is considered an asset, as is a strong understanding of the SRHR and family planning landscape in Kazakhstan.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian is required, along with a working knowledge of English. Knowledge of Kazakh is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package and is part of UNFPA's commitment to providing a work environment that 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 organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.