Local Consultancy to Conduct an Assessment

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to advancing reproductive health and rights. The organization is committed to addressing complex global challenges through its strategic plan, which outlines its mission to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 203

• UNFPA's work is guided by four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet needs for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence, and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies. UNFPA emphasizes the importance of principled and ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring effective communication, partnership-building, and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development landscape.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment across eight spotlight counties in Liberia, focusing on 34 health facilities, including One Stop Centers, Integrated Health Facilities, and Safe Homes. The primary objective is to determine the material needs and costs for refurbishing or upgrading these facilities to enhance their capacity to provide safe and dignified care for survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The consultant will develop technical documentation to support the procurement and selection of qualified contractors for the refurbishment of these facilities. This assessment is crucial as many facilities currently operate in deteriorating conditions that compromise safety, confidentiality, and the overall quality of care provided to survivors. The consultant will work closely with UNFPA's GBV and Harmful Practices Program Specialist and local health teams to ensure a thorough evaluation of the facilities' structural integrity, safety systems, and overall functionality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a detailed assessment of the selected health facilities, focusing on various critical areas. This includes evaluating the structural integrity of buildings, assessing electrical systems for safety and reliability, examining plumbing and water systems in accordance with health infrastructure standards, and reviewing fire safety measures. Additionally, the consultant will analyze security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security systems and waste management practices within the facilities. The consultant is expected to provide a comprehensive written report that includes a costed Bill of Quantities (BOQ) and photographic documentation of the facilities. The assessment will require travel to the eight counties to gather necessary information, and the consultant will be expected to collaborate with local health teams and gender coordinators throughout the process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Associate’s degree in civil engineering, architecture, public health infrastructure, urban and regional planning, environmental engineering, or a closely related field. A minimum of 3 to 5 years of professional experience in structural assessments, infrastructure monitoring, or facility assessment is required. Familiarity with the Liberia Ministry of Health guidelines and health sector operations is essential. The consultant should have strong data analysis, reporting, and IT skills, as well as excellent communication abilities to navigate rural and remote areas in Liberia. Demonstrated expertise in conducting infrastructural assessments and providing actionable recommendations is also necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an Associate’s degree in relevant fields such as civil engineering, architecture, public health infrastructure, urban and regional planning, or environmental engineering. This foundational education is critical for understanding the technical aspects of facility assessments and ensuring compliance with health infrastructure standards.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should include conducting structural assessments, monitoring infrastructure, and evaluating facilities, particularly in the context of health services. Familiarity with the operational guidelines of the Liberia Ministry of Health is also a significant asset, as it ensures that the consultant can effectively navigate the local health landscape and provide relevant recommendations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is essential for conducting assessments and reporting findings. Proficiency in additional local languages may be considered an advantage, particularly for engaging with local communities and stakeholders during the assessment process.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be completed within 16 working days following the signing of the contract. This includes 11 days dedicated to fieldwork for data collection and an additional 5 days for report consolidation and submission. The consultant will be required to travel to various counties, including Montserrado, Grand Cape Mount, Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, and Grand Bassa, to conduct the assessments. UNFPA will provide logistical support, including transportation and internet access for field visits. The consultant is expected to deliver both electronic and hard copies of all key deliverables. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups.