National Consultant for IMCI PB Implementation

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Position Title: National Consultant for IMCI PB Implementation
Location: Turkmenistan
Country: Turkmenistan
Deadline Date: 2025-02-10

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories to promote the rights and well-being of every child. The organization focuses on reaching the most disadvantaged children and ensuring their survival, development, and protection. UNICEF's mission is to save lives, defend rights, and help children fulfill their potential. With a workforce of thousands of employees, UNICEF operates globally, advocating for children's rights and providing essential services in health, education, and protection.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for IMCI PB Implementation will play a crucial role in assessing the current status of Universal Progressive Home Visiting (UPHV) services in Turkmenistan. This position involves conducting a comprehensive evaluation based on a maturity model to gather information on UPHV policies, organization, scope, coverage, staffing, financing, reporting, and monitoring. The consultant will identify bottlenecks that hinder the expansion and quality of home visiting programs and will provide recommendations for improvement. The consultant will also support the Ministry of Health and the IMCI/PB working group in implementing Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) approaches and coordinating overall IMCI implementation activities. This role is vital for enhancing child health services and ensuring that vulnerable families receive the necessary support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a thorough assessment of the current UPHV services in Turkmenistan, focusing on policies, organization, and service delivery.
• Identify and analyze common bottlenecks that impede access to quality home visiting programs.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to develop strategies for improving UPHV services.
• Provide technical assistance and support to the IMCI/PB working group in implementing IMCI approaches.
• Develop and present reports on the findings of the assessment, including recommendations for policy and practice improvements.
• Engage with local health authorities and community organizations to promote the importance of UPHV services.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of recommendations and strategies to ensure effectiveness and sustainability.

Required Qualifications:

• A higher education degree in medicine, preferably with a specialization in pediatrics.
• Prior training in Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is beneficial.
• A medical doctor with at least five years of experience in pediatrics is also suitable.
• Previous experience in revising, updating, or developing health policies, manuals, or guidelines is required.
• Minimum of five years of relevant professional experience with a focus on IMCI.
• Demonstrated experience in the Europe and Central Asia region is a strong asset.
• Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a higher education degree in medicine, with a preference for those who have specialized in pediatrics. Additional training in Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) is highly desirable, as it equips candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to child health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in pediatrics, particularly with a focus on Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI). Candidates should have a proven track record of working in health policy development and implementation, as well as experience in the Europe and Central Asia region, which is considered a strong asset for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within UNICEF and for documentation purposes. Knowledge of Russian or Turkmen is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the consultant's work.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is expected to be full-time, with a contract duration that will be specified upon selection. The consultant will be responsible for their own tax liabilities and must ensure that they have valid visa and health insurance for the duration of the contract. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. The selected candidate must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19, unless they are working remotely and not expected to interact directly with UNICEF's programs or communities.