Consultores Mentores Nacionais para o Fortalecimento de Cuidados Obstétricos e de Enfermagem

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) in Guinea-Bissau. UNFPA is a leading global organization that promotes the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. Established in 1969, UNFPA works in over 150 countries, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. The organization aims to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. UNFPA collaborates with various partners to strengthen health systems and improve access to quality health services, particularly in maternal and child health. The organization employs a diverse workforce dedicated to achieving sustainable development goals and improving the lives of people worldwide.

Job Overview:
The position of National Mentor Consultant focuses on enhancing the quality of reproductive health services in Guinea-Bissau through continuous mentorship in nursing and obstetrics. The role is crucial for ensuring that health interventions meet the standards set by the Global Fund projects, allowing for ongoing evaluation of health indicators. The consultant will be responsible for providing qualified human resources, medical equipment, and essential supplies, including contraceptives, to deliver quality reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health services. The mentorship process involves continuous assessment of activities conducted by health providers, considering the satisfaction of both professionals and service users. The consultant will implement actions aimed at guiding, evaluating, and correcting healthcare practices, particularly among midwives, while simultaneously strengthening their technical capacities. This initiative is part of the UNFPA's maternal health project for 2024-2025, targeting health centers in the Quínara, Gabú, and Bafatá regions. The overarching goal is to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Guinea-Bissau by improving the quality of sexual and reproductive health services through close monitoring and experience sharing.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Mentor Consultants will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: observing health providers in implementing the Minimum Package of Activities (PMA) in health facilities; analyzing the health facility environment through document reviews and interviews with health professionals and community leaders; identifying gaps in skills and resources; developing plans to strengthen provider competencies; providing direct support and corrections to improve service quality; assisting in managing obstetric and neonatal emergencies; supervising the management of complications; developing problem-solving plans in collaboration with health teams; providing written feedback to health centers; regularly assessing the progress of mentored providers using clear indicators; organizing peer learning sessions; strengthening local managers' capacities to ensure sustainability of mentorship actions; developing monthly, quarterly, and annual activity reports; and participating in validation meetings and strategic discussions to enhance health services.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in health sciences with at least 10 years of experience in reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health (SRMNIA) in Guinea-Bissau. They should have proven field experience, in-depth knowledge of the health context in Guinea-Bissau, and experience in health program evaluation and planning. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for effective mentorship and interaction with health teams and stakeholders. Candidates must be proficient in data collection and analysis. Knowledge of Portuguese or Creole is mandatory, while proficiency in French or English is an advantage. Candidates with proven skills in obstetric practice, including emergency obstetric and neonatal care, assisted deliveries, and family planning, are encouraged to apply. The ability to manage obstetric emergencies and ensure quality assisted deliveries is crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in health sciences is required for this position. This educational background should include training in reproductive health, maternal and child health, and related fields. Additional certifications in obstetrics and neonatal care will be considered an asset, as they demonstrate the candidate's commitment to professional development and expertise in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in the health sector, specifically in reproductive, maternal, neonatal, and child health. Experience in mentoring or training health providers is highly desirable, as it indicates the candidate's ability to effectively transfer knowledge and skills to others. Familiarity with the health system in Guinea-Bissau and previous work with international organizations or NGOs in similar roles will be advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in Portuguese or Creole is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of French or English is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders. The ability to communicate effectively in the local language is crucial for building rapport with health providers and community members.

Additional Notes:
The mentorship program is expected to last for 9 months from the date of contract signing. The consultants will work on-site at the health service directorate in the three targeted health regions: Quínara, Gabú, and Bafatá. The expected deliverables include monthly implementation reports, problem-solving plans for health centers, and a final mission report with recommendations for improving mentorship quality and sustainability. The UNFPA will provide logistical support for field travel, office space, and access to necessary resources and training materials. All documents produced during this consultancy will be the exclusive property of the DSSR and UNFPA and cannot be used or distributed without prior written consent.