Individual Consultant - SRHR / MNH / FP Integration into the GC8 Funding Request

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNFPA Sierra Leone Country Office, which is part of the United Nations Population Fund. UNFPA is dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization works in over 150 countries, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. UNFPA aims to improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities through comprehensive health services and advocacy for policy changes. The Sierra Leone office plays a crucial role in addressing the high maternal mortality ratio in the country and is involved in various health initiatives, including the Global Fund Grant Cycle 8 funding request.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Consultant focuses on integrating Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), Maternal and Newborn Health (MNH), and Family Planning (FP) into Sierra Leone's Global Fund Cycle 8 funding request. The consultant will provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) to ensure that SRHR/MNH/FP priorities are effectively articulated, costed, and integrated into the national funding proposal. The consultant's work will contribute to the development of a person-centered, integrated service delivery model that aligns with national health strategies and Global Fund priorities. The consultant will also facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations, conduct data-driven analyses, and draft specific interventions for the funding request, ensuring that maternal health services are linked with broader health responses to HIV, TB, and malaria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive scope of work divided into four phases: Phase I involves conducting a desk review of national strategic plans and existing health service delivery points to identify integration gaps. Phase II focuses on facilitating national dialogues with stakeholders to gather inputs on operational bottlenecks and build consensus on integrated priorities. Phase III includes drafting integrated interventions and modules for the funding request, ensuring that human rights and gender-transformative components are included. Finally, Phase IV entails presenting the draft at validation workshops, incorporating feedback, and providing a final report documenting lessons learned and recommendations for grant implementation. The consultant will work closely with the UNFPA Deputy Representative and the MoH throughout the process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in Public Health, Medicine, Epidemiology, Global Health Policy, or a related social science field. A minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in managing or advising public health programs, particularly in Maternal Health or SRHR, is required. Demonstrated experience in drafting successful Global Fund Funding Requests or managing Global Fund-supported programming is essential. Familiarity with the Global Fund's architectural frameworks, especially the Cycle 7 / Cycle 8 Modular Frameworks, is crucial. Experience working with the UN, Ministry of Health, NGOs, and development partners is highly desirable. Candidates should also have strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into strategic programmatic text.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, such as a master's degree or higher, in fields related to public health, medicine, epidemiology, global health policy, or closely related social sciences. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of health systems and the integration of various health services.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressive professional experience in public health, specifically focusing on Maternal Health or Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Experience in drafting Global Fund Funding Requests or managing Global Fund-supported programs is crucial. Familiarity with the healthcare landscape in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, is considered an advantage. The ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues and work under tight deadlines is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for effective collaboration with various stakeholders. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional local languages may be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment is expected to be completed over a period of 30 working days, with specific tasks allocated to different phases of the project. Payments will be output-based, contingent upon the satisfactory completion and approval of deliverables. The consultant is expected to use their own equipment and workspace for the assignment. Additionally, the consultant must undertake mandatory courses provided by UNFPA or demonstrate certification of the same, such as PSEA and BSAFE. Official in-country travel will be based on the guidance of the CCM and approved by the Country Office.