National Consultancy: Study to Investigate Delays in Emergency Obstetric Care

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading global organization that promotes the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. Established in 1969, UNFPA works in over 150 countries, including Liberia, to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population dynamics, aiming to improve the lives of individuals and communities through evidence-based policies and programs. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, which aligns with the objectives of this consultancy.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to investigate and document the delays contributing to maternal mortality in Liberia, particularly in six high-burden counties: Montserrado, Nimba, Bong, Grand Bassa, Rivercess, and Grand Gedeh. The study will utilize the Three Delays Model to identify systemic challenges that prevent women from accessing timely obstetric care. The consultant will design and implement a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research techniques to gather data on socio-cultural factors, transportation bottlenecks, and the capacity of health facilities to provide emergency care. The ultimate goal is to develop evidence-based policy recommendations and strategic interventions to mitigate the primary delays impacting maternal health and delivery outcomes. This position requires a deep understanding of public health issues, particularly maternal health, and the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for designing the study methodology, leading the implementation of the research, and coordinating with the Ministry of Health (MOH) throughout the process. Key duties include:

• Developing a structured questionnaire to gather statistically significant data on delays impacting maternal health.
• Organizing and conducting Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Trained Traditional Midwives (TTMs) and members of Health Facility Development Committees (HFDC) to capture community-level perspectives.
• Analyzing data collected from both qualitative and quantitative sources to identify key barriers to accessing timely obstetric care.
• Preparing and submitting an Inception Report, Study Protocol, Field Mission Report, Draft Study Report, and Final Study Report within the established timelines.
• Collaborating with the MOH to ensure that the study findings reflect localized realities and address the root causes of maternal mortality.
• Participating in data analysis and providing final approval for the study report in conjunction with the MOH.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess the following qualifications:

• A seasoned Public Health Specialist or social scientist with 5 to 10 years of experience in public health research, particularly in maternal health.
• Proven experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative studies in similar contexts, demonstrating a strong understanding of research methodologies.
• Excellent writing and organizational skills, with the ability to facilitate workshops and engage stakeholders effectively.
• Strong analytical skills and a high capacity to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.
• A thorough knowledge of the United Nations system, particularly UNFPA, would be an asset.
• Fluency in English is mandatory, with additional language skills considered a plus.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required for this position, including a Master's degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field. Candidates with a Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree in a relevant discipline will be preferred, as this demonstrates a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex public health issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 to 10 years of relevant experience in public health research, particularly in maternal health. Experience working in low-resource settings and familiarity with the health system in Liberia or similar contexts will be highly advantageous. The consultant should also have a proven track record of successfully conducting qualitative and quantitative studies, as well as experience in engaging with community stakeholders and health professionals.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all reports and communications will be conducted in English. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Liberia may be beneficial for engaging with communities and understanding cultural contexts, but it is not a strict requirement.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted from August 10 to October 10, 2026, with the consultant primarily based in Monrovia. The study will involve fieldwork in six counties, and the consultant will be required to coordinate closely with the Ministry of Health and UNFPA throughout the process. The position is a consultancy role, and the consultant will be compensated based on the deliverables outlined in the contract. The consultant will also receive administrative support and resources from UNFPA to facilitate the successful completion of the study.