National Consultant for SRHR Public Financial Management Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, aims to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established to address global reproductive health issues, UNFPA operates in numerous countries, focusing on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). The organization plays a critical role in advocating for policies and programs that ensure universal access to reproductive health services, particularly in developing nations. UNFPA's mission is driven by the need to address challenges such as high maternal mortality rates, inadequate access to contraceptives, and the impact of gender-based violence. The organization has a significant presence in Bangladesh, where it works closely with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other stakeholders to improve health outcomes and promote SRHR. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence, aligning its goals with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for SRHR Public Financial Management Analysis will conduct a comprehensive analysis of the financing of sexual and reproductive health and rights in Bangladesh. This role is crucial in understanding how public health financing impacts SRHR, particularly in light of the challenges faced by the health sector in the country. The consultant will be responsible for evaluating the allocation of resources to various components of SRHR, including maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence services. The analysis will involve examining historical data on budget allocations and expenditures since the introduction of the health sector program in 199

• The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other relevant ministries to gather data, conduct meetings, and validate findings. The ultimate goal is to produce a detailed report that identifies strengths and weaknesses in SRHR financing and provides actionable recommendations for policy and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Working under the supervision of the Chief of Health and collaborating with the National SRHR Financing Review Task Force.
• Creating a central Public SRHR Financing Review Task Force under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, chaired by the Director General of the Health Economic Unit.
• Conducting brainstorming meetings to map financing sources and health budgets from various ministries.
• Collecting and analyzing budget and expenditure data related to SRHR components from 1998 to the present.
• Conducting validation meetings to reach consensus on findings and recommendations.
• Developing a comprehensive report and presentation materials for dissemination at the national level.
• Reviewing operational plans of health sector programs to identify SRHR-related budget allocations and expenditures.
• Ensuring that all deliverables are submitted electronically and in hard copy as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a postgraduate degree in Development Studies, Health Economics, Public Health, or a related field. They should have a strong understanding of public health financial management systems in Bangladesh and experience working with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. A proven track record of research and publications in health economics is essential, along with familiarity with UNFPA's mandate and operations. The consultant should demonstrate exceptional analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex information effectively.

Educational Background:
A postgraduate university degree in Development Studies, Health Economics, Public Health, Programme and Business Management, or a related field is required. Candidates should have a strong academic background with a focus on health financing and public health systems.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of teaching and research experience in health economics or a related field. Candidates should have extensive experience in public health financing management systems and a deep understanding of the national health sector planning and implementation processes in Bangladesh.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent writing proficiency. Knowledge of Bengali or other local languages is an advantage but not required.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is open to nationals of Bangladesh and is expected to last for 45 working days from April to August 202

• The consultant will work remotely but will be required to attend in-person meetings in Dhaka. Payment will be made in two installments: 50% upon submission of the inception report and 50% upon acceptance of the final report and deliverables. The consultant must use their own laptop and will be reimbursed for any work-related travel outside Dhaka. UNFPA promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.