National Consultant to Conduct a Feasibility Assessment to Determine the Establishment of One-Stop Centers or Integrated Health Facilities

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization aims to promote gender equality and empower women and girls, particularly in the context of addressing violence against women and girls (VAWG). 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. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide and collaborates with various partners to implement programs that improve health systems and promote human rights.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant is critical for the Spotlight Initiative, which aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly in Liberia. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive feasibility assessment to evaluate the viability and requirements for establishing One-Stop Centers (OSCs) or Integrated Health Facilities (IHFs) for managing cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Grand Bassa, Maryland, and Bong counties. The consultant will assess existing infrastructure, service delivery points, and human resource capacities in these counties, identify gaps in current SGBV response mechanisms, and evaluate the availability of essential services for survivors. The consultant will also analyze the contextual suitability of OSCs versus IHFs and provide recommendations for establishing and operationalizing these centers, ensuring that the assessment aligns with national policies and service delivery standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including conducting a desk review of existing national frameworks and policies related to SGBV, performing field assessments through site visits to health facilities and other service delivery points, and engaging with key stakeholders such as government ministries and local organizations. The consultant will map available resources, assess service delivery mechanisms, and evaluate financial and sustainability aspects of the proposed centers. Additionally, the consultant will conduct risk assessments and ensure that the feasibility study adheres to UNFPA's evaluation criteria, focusing on relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and equity. The consultant will also be responsible for delivering a series of reports, including an inception report, draft feasibility report, and final report, incorporating feedback from stakeholders throughout the process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in fields such as Public Health, Social Work, Gender Studies, International Development, or Health Systems Management. They should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in SGBV programming, gender equality, public health, or health systems strengthening, particularly in Liberia. Proven experience in conducting assessments, evaluations, or feasibility studies for UN agencies or NGOs is essential. Familiarity with One-Stop Centers and clinical management of rape programming is highly desirable. Strong analytical, facilitation, research, and report-writing skills are required, along with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. Knowledge of safeguarding and ethical research practices is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, such as a master's degree or equivalent, in relevant fields like Public Health, Social Work, Gender Studies, International Development, or Health Systems Management. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of SGBV programming and the health systems in Liberia.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as SGBV programming, gender equality, public health, or health systems strengthening. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting assessments, evaluations, or feasibility studies, particularly for UN agencies, international NGOs, or government institutions in Liberia. Experience working with One-Stop Centers or Integrated Service Delivery Models is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the local context and existing SGBV response mechanisms.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory for this position. Familiarity with local dialects in the target counties is considered an asset, as it can enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy will involve a phased payment structure based on deliverables, with 30% paid upon completion of the desk review and inception report, another 30% upon facilitation of a stakeholder validation workshop, and the final 40% upon submission and approval of the final feasibility report. The consultant will work under the guidance of the UNFPA Liberia Deputy Representative and collaborate closely with various ministries and stakeholders. The position is expected to require travel to the target counties for field assessments and stakeholder consultations.