Maternal & Reproductive Health (MRH) Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, 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 impacts of natural and man-made disasters on women's and girls' access to reproductive health services, and it calls for collaboration with member states and organizations to build a better future.

Job Overview:
The Maternal & Reproductive Health (MRH) Consultant will play a crucial role in providing technical assistance to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in Afghanistan. This position involves close collaboration with humanitarian agencies, national partners, and civil society organizations to implement and scale up existing MRH initiatives, including family planning and maternal nutrition interventions. The consultant will ensure that UNFPA's mandate is integrated into program delivery, coordinate projects with stakeholders, and oversee the management of the MRH Unit. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Country Representative and directly with the Programme Coordinator, engaging with various country office units and senior management to ensure effective project implementation and alignment with UNFPA's strategic goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MRH Consultant will be responsible for coordinating the implementation of the MRH component of projects, participating in relevant meetings, and preparing reports and proposals as needed. Building strong partnerships with MRH project partners and stakeholders at national, provincial, and regional levels is essential. The consultant will supervise and follow up on all programmed MRH activities, provide technical support to implementing partners, and contribute to the design and scaling up of projects. Regular field missions will be conducted to monitor project progress, identify delays, and propose solutions. The consultant will prepare regular reports on project status for donors and the country office, ensuring that all activities align with UNFPA's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional and managerial experience in program/project management in maternal health, with at least 3 years in a developing country context. Experience working in multi-stakeholder environments, including NGOs and international agencies, is essential. Familiarity with the UN Common System is an asset. Strong communication and writing skills in English are required, and proficiency in other official UN languages is a plus. Candidates should be willing to travel to remote areas of Afghanistan to monitor project implementation and must be proficient in using Microsoft Office applications.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should hold an advanced master's degree in health care sciences, public health, or a related field. A PhD in a relevant discipline is preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and commitment to the field of maternal and reproductive health.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 7 years in program/project management related to maternal health. This experience should include at least 3 years in a developing country, highlighting the candidate's ability to navigate the complexities of health systems in such contexts. Prior experience in a multi-stakeholder environment is crucial, as the consultant will need to collaborate with various partners and agencies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as strong communication skills are essential for effective reporting and collaboration. Knowledge of other official UN languages would be advantageous, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The consultant is expected to provide their own equipment necessary for the assignment, including a computer, software, and phone. UNFPA will supply relevant background information and documentation regarding the regional and country contexts, as well as any pertinent documents related to the position. The role may involve travel to remote parts of Afghanistan, and the consultant will be expected to deliver key reports and participate in regular meetings with various stakeholders.