National Consultant for Development and Implementation of Prototype of Maternal Health Programme

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights, and population issues. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, with a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, aiming to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet needs for family planning, and gender-based violence. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2022-2025 outlines its commitment to achieving transformative results in maternal health, family planning, and gender equality, particularly in the context of the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. UNFPA is dedicated to building a world where fundamental human rights are respected and upheld, and it seeks principled staff who embody these values.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a pivotal role in coordinating activities among key stakeholders, including Islamic financial institutions, government agencies, and NGOs, to integrate Shariah-compliant financial solutions into maternal health programs. The consultant will identify gaps in current practices, design and execute capacity-building initiatives to enhance understanding of Islamic finance principles, and develop a framework for monitoring and evaluating the impact of financial flows on health outcomes. This role is crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in the ethical use of Islamic finance to improve maternal health services while adhering to Shariah guidelines. The consultant will leverage expertise in Islamic financing tools such as Sukuk, Zakat, and Sadaqah to create a sustainable model that aligns with Islamic principles and builds community trust.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include developing a prototype maternal health program that utilizes Islamic social financing tools, collaborating with Islamic finance institutions and community leaders to promote productive Zakat for sustainable maternal health initiatives, and engaging with various stakeholders to effectively channel Zakat funds towards maternal health services. The consultant will facilitate workshops and peer-learning sessions to enhance collaboration between existing programs and maternal health interventions. Additionally, the consultant will develop a framework for documenting best practices, maintain a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of Islamic financing initiatives, and regularly report on project outcomes, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The consultant will ensure that all activities align with the overarching goal of improving maternal health outcomes and increasing community engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in public health, economics, Islamic finance, social sciences, or a related field. A minimum of 2 years of experience in developing health-related programs, particularly in the context of Islamic social financing, is essential. Candidates should have a strong understanding of Zakat, Waqf, and other Islamic financing models, as well as experience in capacity-building and training for community-based activities. Proven ability to engage stakeholders from diverse sectors, including government, civil society, and the private sector, is required. Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills are necessary, along with familiarity with digital health solutions and their application in maternal health. Experience working with UN agencies is an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master's Degree in public health, economics, Islamic finance, social sciences, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is critical to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development and implementation of the maternal health program.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in developing health-related programs, particularly those that involve Islamic social financing. This experience is vital for the consultant to successfully navigate the complexities of integrating Islamic financial principles into maternal health initiatives and to engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Bahasa Indonesia is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, reporting, and the development of training materials and guidelines. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last from May to December 2025, totaling 120 days of work. The consultant will deliver several key reports and materials throughout this period, including an activity progress report, technical guidelines, training materials, and a final report. The consultant will work closely with the UNFPA HIV Programme Analyst and will be responsible for monitoring progress and ensuring quality in the consultancy work. The position may require travel, and the consultant will report directly to the HIV Program Analyst, with guidance from the UNFPA Representative.