Consultant for Development of Innovative Approaches to Reach Marginalized Populations

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 dynamics. UNFPA aims to empower marginalized populations and improve access to sexual and reproductive health services, particularly for vulnerable groups. The organization emphasizes the importance of health equity and strives to provide quality health services to all, regardless of socio-economic status. UNFPA has been operational in the Philippines for many years, collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance health outcomes and promote rights-based approaches to health care.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in developing innovative strategies to enhance access to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services for marginalized populations in the Philippines, particularly in Region

• The consultant will work under the supervision of the UNFPA Maternal Health and Family Planning Analyst and will be responsible for identifying barriers to accessing essential SRHR services. This includes conducting a gap analysis to pinpoint marginalized groups that lack access to these services and are not covered by existing social protection programs. The consultant will also be tasked with co-creating innovative solutions tailored to the specific needs of these populations, ensuring that they are informed about their rights and available health services. The overarching goal is to empower marginalized communities to access comprehensive health coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses, thereby improving health outcomes and promoting social protection mechanisms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties, including:

• Identifying and mapping marginalized populations in selected Provincial Local Government Units (PLGUs) in Region 8 who lack access to essential SRHR services.
• Conducting a thorough analysis of existing social protection programs and identifying gaps in coverage for marginalized groups.
• Collaborating with local communities to understand barriers to accessing SRHR services and developing innovative approaches to overcome these barriers.
• Designing and proposing tailored interventions that address the specific needs of marginalized populations.
• Assisting in the presentation of findings and proposed concepts to stakeholders, including government partners and local communities.
• Engaging in face-to-face consultations and workshops to promote local ownership of the developed strategies.
• Working closely with the Department of Health and other relevant organizations to align the consultancy's outputs with national health strategies and policies.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree in public health, sexual reproductive health, or strategic planning. A degree in public policy, economics, social work, or development studies is considered an advantage. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in communications, health promotion, community engagement, policy and strategy development, or related fields. Familiarity with the Philippine health system and experience working with health partners in the Philippines is preferred. Strong oral and written communication skills in English are essential, as well as the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as public health, sexual reproductive health, or strategic planning. Additional qualifications in public policy, economics, social work, or development studies will be beneficial. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in health-related disciplines, particularly those focusing on reproductive health and community engagement.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of two years of relevant experience in areas such as health promotion, community engagement, and policy development. Experience in developing sexual reproductive health plans or strategies, particularly within the context of the Philippine health system, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the challenges faced by marginalized populations in accessing health services will be an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong oral and written communication skills required for effective engagement with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages or dialects may be advantageous for community engagement and understanding local contexts.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for nine months, commencing in May 2025 and concluding in November 2025, with a maximum of 45 working days. The consultant will be based in Manila but will need to travel to Region 8 for consultations. This position is open to national experts only. The work schedule will align with Manila time, from 8 am to 5 pm. Payment will be structured in tranches based on the completion of specific deliverables, with the first payment of 40% upon acceptance of the initial mapping report, followed by 30% for the mapping of existing social protection programs, and the final 30% upon acceptance of the developed concept for innovative approaches.