National Consultant to Review and Develop Maternal Health Guidelines

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work encompasses a wide range of health issues, including maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and health systems strengthening.

Job Overview:
The consultancy aims to provide technical support in reviewing, updating, and developing national maternal health guidelines, standards, service delivery packages, standard operating procedures (SOPs), clinical protocols, quality assessment tools, and training materials. This initiative is crucial to enhance the quality, accessibility, and standardization of maternal health services across all levels of care in Myanmar. Given the significant public health challenge posed by maternal mortality in Myanmar, the consultant will play a vital role in harmonizing existing documents with current WHO recommendations and evidence-based practices. The consultant will work closely with the WHO and national stakeholders to ensure that the updated guidelines reflect the evolving health system context and meet the needs of the population.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks:

• Inception and Coordination: Participate in coordination meetings with WHO and relevant national stakeholders, develop an inception report detailing methodology, timeline, and consultation approach, and coordinate with technical working groups and professional associations.
• Review of Existing Maternal Health Documents: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing national maternal health packages, guidelines, standards, quality assessment tools, and training materials, while also reviewing relevant WHO recommendations and international best practices.
• Development and Updating of Maternal Health Guidelines: Review and update national maternal health guidance on priority areas such as antenatal care, intrapartum care, postpartum care, and post-abortion care.
• Review and Update Maternal Health Standards: Revise national maternal health standards, including service delivery standards, medicines and commodities, equipment norms, human resource norms, and facility standards.
• Review and Update Maternal Health Quality Assessment Tools: Update quality assessment standards and indicators, as well as supervision and monitoring checklists.
• Development of Maternal Health Training Package: Develop and update training materials, including PowerPoint presentations, case studies, practical exercises, and pre- and post-tests, ensuring materials are prepared in both English and Myanmar languages where applicable.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a university degree in Medicine from a recognized university as an essential qualification. A post-graduate degree in Public Health or RMNCAH-related fields is desirable. Additional training in maternal health, quality of care, and health system strengthening is also beneficial. Candidates should possess excellent communication skills, both oral and written, along with outstanding organizational and planning abilities. The ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines is crucial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a university degree in Medicine from a recognized institution. A post-graduate degree in Public Health or related fields is preferred, along with additional training in maternal health and quality of care.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of work experience in Public Health Programs. Extensive professional experience in maternal health programs, emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC), quality of care initiatives, health systems management, and capacity building is desirable. Familiarity with Myanmar's maternal health programs and policies is an added advantage.

Languages:
Excellence in English and Myanmar languages is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and the development of training materials.

Additional Notes:
The consultant will be home-based in Yangon, Myanmar, with periodic travel to Nay Pyi Taw for consultations, workshops, and meetings. The travel arrangements will be managed by WHO, and the consultant will not be reimbursed for any unauthorized travel expenses. The contract is expected to last for 90 working days, starting from December 1, 2026, to May 31, 202

• The remuneration for this position is set at USD 139 per day, totaling USD 12,510 for the contract duration. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States.