Strengthening Midwifery Regulation, Autonomy and Governance Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, employing approximately 4,000 staff members. The organization is dedicated to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights, and its mission is to ensure that every individual has access to the necessary resources and support to make informed choices about their reproductive health. UNFPA's work is guided by the principles of human rights and gender equality, and it aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly those related to health and well-being, gender equality, and reducing inequalities.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on enhancing the quality, safety, clinical autonomy, and legal governance of midwifery practice in Lebanon. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing existing regulatory and legislative frameworks, developing evidence-based statutory recommendations, and creating a targeted advocacy roadmap to support governmental adoption and policy implementation. The role is critical in addressing the outdated legal governance of midwifery in Lebanon, which currently relies on restrictive policies that do not align with modern healthcare practices. The consultant will work closely with UNFPA, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), and the Lebanese Order of Midwives (LOM) to conduct a comprehensive review of existing laws, draft updated regulatory texts, and facilitate stakeholder consultations to ensure that the new frameworks meet international standards and local needs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key activities throughout the consultancy period, including:

• Conducting a comprehensive review and comparative gap analysis of existing Lebanese laws, decrees, and ministerial decisions governing midwifery against the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Global Standards for Midwifery Regulation and WHO guidelines.
• Drafting an updated and modern Scope of Practice for Lebanese midwives that outlines independent clinical boundaries, prescriptive authority, referral pathways, and interprofessional collaboration standards.
• Formulating actionable recommendations to update outdated laws and administrative decrees under the Ministry of Public Health and the Order of Midwives.
• Designing an evidence-based Advocacy Roadmap targeting key policymakers, parliamentarians, and civil society to drive governmental endorsement and legal enactment.
• Organizing and facilitating a policy validation roundtable with key stakeholders to finalize legal text proposals and the Advocacy Roadmap.
• Delivering a comprehensive report detailing the findings and recommendations of the consultancy.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in Law, Public Policy, Public Health, Midwifery, or related fields. A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive experience in health systems regulation, professional governance, legal framework reviews, or sexual and reproductive health policy is required. The consultant should have a strong understanding of ICM Global Standards for Midwifery Regulation and WHO healthcare governance frameworks. Proven experience in leading high-level policy advocacy and legal reform initiatives in healthcare, particularly within Lebanon or the MENA region, is essential. Excellent spoken and written skills in both Arabic and English are mandatory, along with a demonstrated ability to deliver quality results within strict deadlines.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree, such as a Master's or Ph.D., in relevant fields such as Law, Public Policy, Public Health, Midwifery, or other related areas. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems regulation and the legal frameworks that govern midwifery practice.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 15-20 years in areas related to health systems regulation, professional governance, and legal framework reviews. Candidates should have a proven track record in leading policy advocacy and legal reform initiatives, particularly in the context of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Experience working within Lebanon or the broader MENA region is highly desirable, as it provides valuable insights into the local healthcare landscape and regulatory environment.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including government officials, legal experts, and healthcare professionals. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is set to last for 30 working days, commencing on October 19, 2026, and concluding on December 28, 202

• The consultant will work closely with UNFPA and other stakeholders to deliver the required outputs electronically. Compensation for the consultancy will be a lump sum ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 USD, based on the final agreement with UNFPA. The organization promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.