Consultant for National Policy on Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality Reduction

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established to promote the rights and well-being of every child, is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce. The organization operates in over 190 countries and territories, working with partners to address the most pressing challenges facing children and their families. UNICEF's mission is to ensure that every child has a fair chance in life, and it advocates for the protection of children's rights, providing them with the necessary resources and support to thrive.

Job Overview:
The consultant will be responsible for developing a comprehensive national policy aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in Ecuador. This role involves conducting thorough research and analysis of existing policies, engaging with various stakeholders, and formulating actionable recommendations that align with both national and international standards. The consultant will also be expected to facilitate participatory processes that involve multiple sectors and communities, ensuring that the policy reflects the needs and rights of women and families. The overarching goal is to enhance access to quality healthcare services and improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns, particularly in underserved areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a detailed work plan and methodological proposal for the National Policy on Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality Reduction.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of current regulations and international recommendations related to maternal and neonatal health.
• Provide concrete and viable recommendations to strengthen existing regulations, considering the national context and current scientific evidence.
• Propose a participatory process that includes collaboration with various sectors, civil society, and indigenous communities.
• Draft a comprehensive document outlining the proposed contents and structure of the National Policy, ensuring alignment with the 2022 Methodological Manual for Public Health Policy Formulation.
• Validate the policy document through participatory processes in coordination with the Ministry of Health.
• Prepare a final version of the National Policy, including diagnostic assessments, proposed actions, and validated strategies.
• Create a user-friendly guide summarizing key contents, strategic lines, indicators, and goals for implementation.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in public health, health management, social project management, or related fields.
• In-depth knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality issues.
• Proven experience in public policy formulation, particularly in health, with a minimum of 5 years in relevant roles.
• Familiarity with the National Health System of Ecuador and experience working directly with the Ministry of Health is highly valued.
• Strong understanding of human rights and gender perspectives in health policies.
• Excellent mediation skills and ability to conduct interdisciplinary participatory processes with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a professional background in health or social sciences, complemented by postgraduate training in public health, health management, or related fields. This educational foundation is essential to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding maternal and neonatal health issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in public health policy formulation, with a strong emphasis on maternal and neonatal health. Experience working within the National Health System and direct engagement with the Ministry of Health will be considered an asset. Familiarity with gender perspectives and human rights in health programming is also crucial.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, given the local context and the need for effective communication with stakeholders. Proficiency in English is desirable but not required, as it may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with international standards and resources.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy position is open to Ecuadorian citizens or residents with valid work visas and RUC. Applications that do not meet the minimum education and experience requirements will not be considered. The selection process will prioritize candidates based on their technical proposals, academic qualifications, and relevant experience, with a weighting of 70% for technical and 30% for economic proposals. The consultant will be responsible for their own tax liabilities and must ensure that all necessary visas and health insurance are valid throughout the contract period. Selected candidates must confirm their fully vaccinated status against COVID-19 prior to commencing their assignment.