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

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by 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 achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health and to promote the rights of women and girls. The Philippine Country Office specifically addresses the unique challenges faced by the country in terms of maternal and child health, particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Job Overview:
The National Consultant will play a crucial role in developing the BARMM Acceleration Plan for Ending Preventable Maternal Mortality (EPMM). This position is vital for addressing the alarming rates of maternal mortality in the Philippines, particularly in BARMM, where the maternal mortality rate has risen significantly. The consultant will assist the BARMM Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in reviewing existing strategies, identifying challenges, and proposing actionable recommendations to improve maternal health outcomes. The consultant will also be responsible for developing a comprehensive roadmap that aligns with national health objectives and international commitments, ensuring that the strategies are evidence-based and inclusive of all population groups, particularly those most vulnerable. The role requires a collaborative approach, engaging with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community representatives, to ensure that the developed plan is comprehensive and effective in reducing maternal mortality rates.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a thorough review of the existing MNCHN Strategy and relevant documents, focusing on the implementation status and identifying gaps. Key responsibilities include consulting with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community groups, to gather insights and recommendations. The consultant will develop a concise MNCHN roadmap for 2025-2030, ensuring it is linked to national policies and strategies. This roadmap will include clear objectives, targets, and indicators for monitoring progress. Additionally, the consultant will support the finalization of the acceleration plan for EPMM, working closely with the MOH and UN agencies to identify resources and potential donors for implementation. The consultant will also be responsible for presenting findings and proposed strategies to stakeholders through meetings and workshops, ensuring that the plan is well-communicated and understood by all parties involved.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in public health, sexual reproductive health, or strategic planning. A minimum of seven years of experience in policy and strategy development related to sexual reproductive health and maternal and newborn health is required. Familiarity with the Philippine and BARMM health systems is advantageous. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are essential, as the consultant will be required to produce reports and present findings to various stakeholders. The ability to engage with diverse groups, including marginalized communities, is also crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in public health, sexual reproductive health, or a related field is mandatory. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of maternal health issues and for developing effective strategies to address them. The consultant should have a solid foundation in health policy, program planning, and evaluation, as well as knowledge of global best practices in maternal and child health.

Experience:
The position requires at least seven years of relevant experience in the field of public health, specifically in sexual reproductive health and maternal and newborn health. Experience in developing health policies, strategies, and plans at the national or regional level is crucial. Familiarity with the health landscape in the Philippines, particularly in BARMM, will be a significant advantage. The consultant should also have experience working with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, to ensure a collaborative approach to health program development.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as the consultant will be required to communicate effectively with stakeholders and produce written reports. Knowledge of local languages spoken in BARMM may be beneficial but is not mandatory. The ability to communicate in multiple languages can enhance engagement 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 but 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 made in tranches based on the completion of specific deliverables, with the first payment of 30% upon acceptance of the review report, the second payment of 40% upon acceptance of the first draft of the Maternal Health framework, and the final 30% upon approval of the final version of the Maternal Health Strategy Framework and the Acceleration Plan for EPMM. The consultant will report to the UNFPA Assistant Representative and will work closely with the MOH Family Health Office.