National Consultant for the development of the BARMM Acceleration Plan for Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality (EPMM)

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the UNFPA Philippine Country Office, which is part of the United Nations Population Fund. UNFPA is dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization works in over 150 countries and territories, focusing on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues. UNFPA aims to improve the lives of women and girls, particularly in vulnerable communities, and has been operational since 196

• The Philippine Country Office collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to implement programs that address maternal and child health, family planning, and gender-based violence.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in developing the BARMM Acceleration Plan for Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality (EPMM). This position involves reviewing the progress and challenges of the existing MNCHN/Maternal Health Strategy from 2008 to the present, and utilizing relevant data and documents to inform the development of a comprehensive Maternal Health roadmap. The consultant will work closely with the BARMM Ministry of Health, UNFPA, and various stakeholders to ensure that the roadmap aligns with national health objectives and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The consultant will also facilitate consultations with a wide range of partners, including marginalized groups, to ensure that the roadmap addresses the needs of all communities. The ultimate goal is to create a strategic plan that effectively reduces maternal mortality rates in BARMM by 2030, ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health rights.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Reviewing the MNCHN Strategy and relevant documents to assess the implementation status and identify gaps.
• Consulting with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community representatives, to gather insights on the challenges and successes of the current strategy.
• Drafting a new MNCHN Roadmap for 2025-2030 that incorporates evidence-based approaches to maternal and newborn health.
• Developing an Acceleration Plan for EPMM that prioritizes interventions, timelines, and responsible agencies.
• Presenting findings and proposed strategies to stakeholders through meetings and workshops.
• Ensuring that the roadmap aligns with national policies and strategies, including the Philippine Development Plan and the Universal Health Care Implementing Rules and Regulations.
• Supporting the finalization of the acceleration plan and identifying potential resources for implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in public health, sexual reproductive health, or strategic planning. They should have at least seven years of experience in policy and strategy development related to sexual reproductive health and maternal and newborn health. Familiarity with the Philippine and BARMM health systems is advantageous, as is experience in developing sexual reproductive health plans and reports. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are essential, as the consultant will be required to engage with various stakeholders and present findings clearly and effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in public health, sexual reproductive health, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of maternal health issues and for developing effective strategies to address them. The consultant should be well-versed in current health policies, frameworks, and best practices in maternal and child health.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in public health, specifically in the areas of sexual reproductive health and maternal and newborn health. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on policy and strategy development, as well as experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations. Familiarity with the health landscape in the Philippines and BARMM is highly desirable, as it will enable the consultant to navigate the local context effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the consultant will need to communicate effectively with stakeholders and produce written reports. Knowledge of local languages spoken in BARMM may be beneficial but is not explicitly required. Proficiency in additional languages could enhance the consultant's ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to last for seven months, commencing in June 2025 and concluding in December 2025, with a maximum of 70 working days. The consultant will be based in Manila and is expected to travel to BARMM for face-to-face consultations with stakeholders. The working hours will align with the Manila time zone, from 8 am to 5 pm. Payment will be structured in three tranches based on the completion of specific deliverables, with the first payment due upon acceptance of the review report, the second upon acceptance of the first draft of the Maternal Health framework, and the final payment upon approval of the completed strategy and acceleration plan.