National Consultant - Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) is the lead United Nations agency for 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, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. The organization aims to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 203

• UNFPA's mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, which it pursues through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending unmet need for family planning, ending preventable maternal deaths, ending gender-based violence and harmful practices, and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will work at both national and provincial levels to ensure the implementation of strategic interventions aligned with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the ICPD Programme of Action, and the UNFPA Strategic Plan. The consultant will report jointly to the Director of Public Health in the Ministry of Health and the Programme Specialist in the UNFPA Vanuatu country office. The role involves coordinating planning, implementation, and reporting of health initiatives, particularly focusing on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH). The consultant will be based in an office provided by the Ministry of Health and will utilize a laptop provided by the Ministry. The engagement is for a full-time period of 11 months from the date of onboarding. The consultant will play a crucial role in raising awareness and prioritizing RMNCAH development across various sectors, ensuring that health policies and programs are effectively implemented and monitored.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include providing technical oversight and project management capacity development for RMNCAH activities, enhancing collaboration between the Ministry of Health and other relevant sectors, leading national and provincial RMNCAH committee meetings, supporting the development and implementation of a Midwifery Strategy, coordinating with national and regional partners, conducting provincial analysis and action planning, providing technical support for youth-friendly reproductive health services, drafting reports and background documents, assisting in the preparation of national and provincial events, liaising with government departments and partners for program implementation, contributing to capacity strengthening through training, ensuring adherence to UNFPA operational guidelines, and supporting communication and visibility of activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a healthcare qualification such as nursing, midwifery, or medicine, with a strong preference for midwifery. A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in health sciences, public health, or related fields is required, along with a minimum of seven years of professional experience in program/project management, preferably in the public or private sector. Alternatively, a Master's degree in public health or related fields with a minimum of five years of relevant experience is acceptable. Knowledge and practical experience in sexual and reproductive health, health education, and comprehensive sexuality education are essential. Familiarity with UN procedures and experience working with the Vanuatu Ministry of Health are highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a healthcare qualification such as nursing, midwifery, or medicine, with a strong preference for midwifery. A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in health sciences (nursing, midwifery, medicine, or other health sciences), public health, or health promotion is necessary. Candidates with a Master's degree in public health, reproductive health, gender, epidemiology, social development, or other relevant fields are also eligible, provided they meet the experience requirements.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in program/project management, preferably in the public or private sector, with a focus on development. Candidates with a strong background in sexual and reproductive health, health education, and comprehensive sexuality education will be favored. Experience in knowledge management and familiarity with the social and cultural realities of Vanuatu are also important. Previous experience working with the Vanuatu Ministry of Health in a management role is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bislama is required for this position. Proficiency in French is preferred, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will be on a full-time basis for a duration of 11 months from the date of onboarding. The consultant will be compensated on a monthly schedule after the submission and acceptance of monthly reports. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.