National Consultant - Baseline Assessment of Gates Foundation Testing Mobile Health and Nutrition Clinics Project

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment, aligning its strategic plan with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action. UNFPA's work is crucial in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in relation to women's and girls' access to health services. The organization is committed to ethical practices and seeks principled staff who can uphold international norms and standards.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in the baseline assessment for the 'Testing Mobile Health and Nutrition Clinics (MHNCs) in Ethiopia' project, which is a collaboration between UNFPA and the Gates Foundation. This project aims to enhance access to integrated Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health and Nutrition (RMNCHN) services in underserved communities. The consultant will report to the UNFPA Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and work closely with various teams within UNFPA. The primary objective of the baseline assessment is to gather reliable data on service utilization, client satisfaction, and the effectiveness of existing health facilities. This data will inform programmatic interventions and help in the planning and evaluation of the project. The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive inception report, conducting data collection, and preparing a final report that reflects the findings of the assessment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including: participating in briefing and consultative meetings at UNFPA; reviewing relevant project documents; collaborating with UNFPA teams to understand the task and address challenges; developing a comprehensive inception report; outlining team roles; setting and refining environment-related indicators; developing and refining data collection tools; conducting data collection; managing and supervising the assessment process; preparing and submitting a draft baseline assessment report; facilitating a validation workshop; incorporating feedback from UNFPA; and producing a final report. The consultant will also be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including community members and health facility staff, to gather qualitative and quantitative data.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a senior consultant with an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in public health, behavioral/social sciences, psychology, social work, or related disciplines. A minimum of 10 years of practical work experience in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and gender-based violence (GBV) is essential. The consultant should have a strong understanding of healthcare delivery models, particularly mobile health units, and experience in training and mentoring enumerators. Good analytical skills and report writing experience with international and national organizations are required, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Fluency in English and at least two local languages is mandatory, and previous experience in humanitarian settings is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in relevant fields such as public health, behavioral/social sciences, psychology, or social work. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in the principles of health service delivery, particularly in the context of sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have at least 10 years of relevant experience in the fields of sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence. This experience should include practical work in healthcare delivery models, particularly mobile health units, and involvement in large-scale surveys or assessments. Previous experience working with diverse and at-risk populations is essential, as is the ability to navigate cultural norms and sensitivities in various contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Ethiopian regional languages is highly desirable. Proficiency in another UN language is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is structured around deliverables rather than a fixed number of working days, with a total duration of 14 weeks. The consultant will lead a team of two support members, who must be brought at the consultant's own cost. The project is expected to run from mid-April 2025 to July 2025, with specific deliverables outlined in a detailed work plan. Compensation for the position is competitive, and UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity. The organization encourages applications from underrepresented groups and emphasizes equal opportunities in recruitment and selection.