International Consultant - Consultancy on Mapping Sexual and Reproductive Health Indicators

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes evidence-based programming and aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to family planning, maternal health, and gender equality. UNFPA is committed to promoting human rights and gender equality, and it seeks to build a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position involves coordinating a comprehensive mapping of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) indicators captured through routine health information systems (RHIS) and health management information systems (HMIS). The consultant will work closely with UNFPA's Arab States Regional Office (ASRO) to strengthen the capacity of country offices and national health departments in utilizing RHIS data for SRHR programming. The role requires reviewing existing assessment proposals, conducting literature reviews, coordinating data collection efforts, and compiling findings into a final assessment report. The consultant will also develop guidance notes to support country offices in advocating for improved data collection and use of RHIS data.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks: 1) Reviewing the assessment proposal and data collection tools, providing recommendations for improvement; 2) Conducting a literature review on the regional RHIS landscape and SRHR indicators; 3) Liaising with SRHR focal points to identify national information sources and areas for primary data collection; 4) Coordinating with country offices and stakeholders to ensure quality data collection; 5) Conducting key informant interviews and focus groups; 6) Compiling and analyzing data from participating countries; 7) Drafting a comprehensive assessment report detailing RHIS contexts and recommendations; 8) Developing a guidance note for UNFPA country offices; 9) Presenting findings during virtual meetings and incorporating feedback into the final report.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in public health, health informatics, health information systems, demography, social sciences, or related fields. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in research, policy analysis, or program implementation related to health information systems. Experience in health systems strengthening, particularly with DHIS2 in the Arab region, is essential. Proven ability to draft technical reports and guidance notes, along with knowledge of international health information system assessment frameworks, is required. Strong communication and analytical skills are also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in public health, health informatics, health information systems, demography, social sciences, or related fields is required. Candidates with at least seven years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of experience in research, policy analysis, or program implementation in health information systems. Candidates with at least seven years of relevant experience may be considered if they do not hold an advanced university degree. Experience in health systems strengthening, particularly in the Arab region, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in both written and oral English and Arabic is mandatory. A working knowledge of French is considered desirable, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, encouraging applications from individuals of various backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes gender equality and diversity in its workforce and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees during the application process.