Local Consultant for Development of New National Family Strategy (2027-2030)

Job Posting Organization:
The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) collaborates with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, UNFPA, and other stakeholders to implement the National Family Planning Strategy (2022–2026). The organization focuses on promoting accessible, high-quality, integrated, equitable, and rights-based family planning services across Zimbabwe. The ZNFPC is dedicated to advancing family planning initiatives and ensuring that every pregnancy is intended and every childbirth is safe. UNFPA, as the lead United Nations agency, aims to fulfill the potential of every young person and is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 203

• The organization operates with a mission to end unmet needs for family planning, prevent maternal deaths, and combat gender-based violence, while adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies.

Job Overview:
The position involves developing a new national family planning strategy for Zimbabwe for the period 2027-2030, following the expiration of the current strategy at the end of 202

• The consultant will assess the achievements and challenges of the previous strategy, evaluate the effectiveness of interventions, and identify best practices and gaps. The role requires a comprehensive review of family planning indicators and the development of a strategic vision, goals, and measurable objectives for the new strategy. The consultant will also be responsible for creating a resource mobilization framework and ensuring alignment with national and global reproductive health commitments. This position is crucial for advancing family planning services and ensuring that they are accessible and effective for all populations in Zimbabwe.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a two-phase approach: Phase 1 involves reviewing the 2022–2026 Family Planning Strategy through desk reviews of relevant documents, stakeholder consultations, and performance assessments. Phase 2 focuses on developing the new Family Planning Strategy (2027–2030), which includes conducting a situational analysis, developing a strategic framework, and facilitating stakeholder validation workshops. The consultant will produce several key deliverables, including an inception report, stakeholder meeting reports, a review report of the previous strategy, a situation analysis report, and the final Family Planning Strategy document. The consultant will also be responsible for ensuring that the strategy is costed and includes a monitoring and evaluation framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Demography, Health Policy, Development Studies, or a related field. They should have at least 7-10 years of experience in strategic planning, program evaluation, or reproductive health, with strong expertise in family planning and sexual and reproductive health programming. The ideal candidate will have experience in conducting strategy reviews and developing national strategic plans, along with strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills. Familiarity with Zimbabwe's health system and policy environment is essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in Public Health, Demography, Health Policy, Development Studies, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of family planning and reproductive health programming, as well as for developing effective strategies that align with national and global health commitments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7-10 years of relevant experience in strategic planning, program evaluation, or reproductive health. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in family planning and sexual and reproductive health programming, as well as experience in conducting strategy reviews and developing national strategic plans. Strong analytical skills and the ability to facilitate discussions with diverse stakeholders are also necessary.

Languages:
Excellent communication skills in English are mandatory, along with proficiency in Shona and/or Ndebele being highly desirable. The ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, and community representatives, is essential for the success of this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be full-time and may involve working with various stakeholders, including government ministries, civil society organizations, and private sector actors. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from individuals from underrepresented groups. The organization provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and emphasizes gender equality and diversity in its workforce. The selection process may involve background checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements, and UNFPA does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.