Local Consultancy: To conduct a desktop review of existing literature, programs, and products on teenage pregnancy

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 is committed to achieving three transformative results by 2030: ending preventable maternal deaths, ending unmet need for family planning, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 emphasizes the importance of addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women's and girls' access to sexual and reproductive health services, and it calls for a collaborative effort from UN Member States, organizations, and individuals to build forward better and recover lost gains in reproductive health.

Job Overview:
The position involves conducting a comprehensive literature review on teenage pregnancy in South Africa, aimed at informing the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) on strategic national plan priorities and interventions. The consultant will analyze existing literature, programs, and products related to teenage pregnancy to provide insights that will guide the development of a robust government response framework. The review will focus on understanding the prevalence of teenage pregnancy, its relationship with child marriage, access to contraception, and the impact of gender-based violence. The consultant will synthesize findings to recommend policy actions and design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design elements that can effectively address the issue of teenage pregnancy in South Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a systematic literature review, which includes: examining the prevalence of teenage pregnancy across different regions and populations in South Africa; understanding the long-term consequences of teenage pregnancy as a public health and social issue; exploring the relationship between teenage pregnancy and child marriage; analyzing the impact of lack of contraception on teenage pregnancy rates; investigating the role of gender-based violence in contributing to teenage pregnancies; mapping and synthesizing existing research, policies, and interventions; identifying key drivers, risk factors, and social determinants; analyzing the effectiveness of past and current interventions; identifying policy gaps and inconsistencies across sectors; developing a conceptual framework for a multisectoral response; and recommending policy actions and measurable indicators. The final deliverables will include an inception report, a literature and policy review matrix, a knowledge product catalogue, a gap analysis, a draft conceptual framework, and a final report synthesizing findings and recommendations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess demonstrable previous experience in assessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and/or HIV programs. A postgraduate degree, such as a Master’s or PhD in Public Health, Population Studies, or Epidemiology, is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience collaborating with government entities, particularly the Department of Health, as well as development partners like UNFPA and civil society organizations involved in public health programs in South Africa. Strong report writing skills and evidence of previous reports produced are essential, along with at least four years of experience in family planning, maternal and child health, and HIV.

Educational Background:
The position requires a postgraduate degree, specifically a Master’s or PhD in Public Health, Population Studies, or Epidemiology. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of teenage pregnancy and the associated public health implications.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of four years of relevant experience in the fields of family planning, maternal and child health, and HIV. Experience working with government agencies and development partners, particularly in the context of South Africa, is highly desirable. Previous involvement in conducting literature reviews or assessments related to sexual and reproductive health is also beneficial.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the context of the work. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the South African context may be considered advantageous but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for four weeks, from April 29 to May 27, 202

• The consultant will work remotely, with potential travel to Pretoria as needed for fieldwork and stakeholder engagement. The consultant will be supervised by the UNFPA Assistant Representative/Head of Programmes. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The organization emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, and compensation.