Individual Consultancy – Operationalization Adolescent-friendly Health Strategy and Develop Costed-Assessment to Upgrade Adolescent-friendly Health Facilities

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 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 operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to deliver a world where 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, working to ensure that all individuals have access to the necessary resources and support to lead healthy lives. The Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean specifically addresses the needs of English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean nations, aiming to enhance health services and promote sustainable development across the region.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is aimed at operationalizing the Adolescent-friendly Health Strategy and developing a costed assessment to upgrade adolescent-friendly health facilities. The consultant will be responsible for supporting key activities under the Leave No One Behind (LNOB) and Adolescent Programming (APP) Projects. This includes developing a certification strategy for adolescent-friendly facilities, ensuring that health services align with national standards and international norms. The consultant will conduct assessments of existing health facilities, gather baseline data, and create action plans for certification. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including government ministries, to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of the strategy. The consultant will also be tasked with drafting reports and establishing a monitoring system for expenditure reporting, making this a critical role in enhancing adolescent health services in Belize.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive review of existing adolescent health service standards and certification frameworks within the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a collection of baseline data to assess the adolescent-friendliness of various health facilities.
• Conducting a rapid assessment to evaluate the readiness of select health facilities in Stann Creek, Cayo, and Toledo districts.
• Creating an action plan for certification, detailing timelines and responsibilities.
• Developing a costed investment plan outlining infrastructural requirements for upgrading selected health facilities to meet adolescent-friendly standards.
• Providing tools for documenting progress indicators and commitments at the district level.
• Drafting and validating strategies for capacity building and sustainability with the Technical Working Group for Sexual and Reproductive Health.
• Compiling comprehensive activity progress reports and establishing a monitoring system for financial reporting.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this consultancy must possess an advanced degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field. Additionally, the consultant should have at least five years of professional experience in youth engagement or working with youth-led organizations. Proven experience in adolescent health programming and health systems strengthening is essential. Familiarity with certification processes and quality assurance in health services is required, along with strong facilitation and report-writing skills. Experience collaborating with government ministries, particularly the Ministry of Health and Wellness, is also necessary to ensure effective communication and implementation of the strategy.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced degree in Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of adolescent health and the necessary frameworks for developing effective health strategies and programs.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of relevant professional experience is required for this consultancy. This experience should include work with youth or youth-led organizations, as well as a strong background in adolescent health programming and health systems strengthening. The consultant should also have experience in working with government entities, particularly in the health sector, to ensure alignment with national health policies and standards.

Languages:
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language or a local language relevant to the duty station is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is not an international position and is expected to last approximately five months, from August to December 202

• The consultant will be based at the UNFPA Sub-regional Office for the Caribbean in Belize. Interested candidates are required to complete a profile in the UNFPA Consultants Roster and submit their application, including a Job ID and CV, to the specified email address. It is important to note that there are no fees associated with the application process, and UNFPA is committed to maintaining a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. The organization encourages women to apply, aiming for a balanced gender distribution in its workforce.