National Individual Consultant for the Baseline Study in Niassa Province

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is a global agency established to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights. It was founded in 1969 and operates in over 150 countries, focusing on improving the health and well-being of women and girls. UNFPA's mission is to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization works to provide essential health services, advocate for gender equality, and support the holistic development of young people, particularly in areas affected by conflict and instability.

Job Overview:
The position of National Individual Consultant for the Baseline Study in Niassa Province involves conducting a comprehensive baseline study for the Health Improvements for Mothers, Neonates, and Adolescents in Niassa Province (HIMNA) project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The consultant will be responsible for establishing baseline data across four high-priority districts—Lichinga, Cuamba, Mandimba, and Mecanhelas—focusing on maternal, neonatal, and adolescent health indicators. The role requires a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data extraction from existing health systems with qualitative methods such as focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The consultant will work closely with implementing partners and local communities to gather relevant data and insights, which will inform the design and effectiveness assessment of the HIMNA project.

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

• Submitting an inception report that outlines the methodology, scope, and work plan for the baseline study.
• Developing and finalizing the baseline study questionnaire and field visit plans.
• Training data collectors and managing their work during the data collection phase.
• Conducting site assessments and coordinating meetings with implementing partners.
• Collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data to establish baseline indicators.
• Preparing a comprehensive baseline study report that includes findings, recommendations, and a detailed analysis of the collected data.
• Ensuring that all deliverables are submitted in a timely manner and in both English and Portuguese.
• Managing logistics and travel arrangements for data collection in the target districts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in public health, international relations, social science, statistics, population studies, human rights, or gender studies, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV). Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of professional experience in SRH, maternal health, and gender-related research projects, as well as experience in project monitoring and evaluation. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to develop result frameworks for SRH and GBV-related projects are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate knowledge of GBV data collection principles and have completed at least three similar projects in various countries, particularly in East and Southern Africa.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in relevant fields such as public health, international relations, social science, statistics, population studies, human rights, or gender studies is required. The focus should be on sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence-related studies, ensuring that the candidate has a strong theoretical foundation to support their practical work in the field.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of two years of professional experience in areas related to sexual and reproductive health, maternal health, and gender-based violence. This includes experience in conducting baseline studies, monitoring and evaluation of health projects, and familiarity with the principles of GBV data collection. The candidate should also have a proven track record of completing similar projects in various contexts, particularly in East and Southern Africa, which will demonstrate their capability to handle the responsibilities of this consultancy effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Portuguese is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, data collection, and report writing. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a period of 60 working days, with deliverables to be submitted in soft copy in English. The consultant will be responsible for all travel-related costs during data collection, including per diem, flight tickets, and other logistical expenses. The consultant will also manage the recruitment and payment of local data collectors, ensuring that they have the necessary skills and experience in sexual and reproductive health. The final report must be delivered in both Portuguese and English, and the consultant will work under the supervision of the SRH Team Leader and SRH Program Specialist.