National Consultant: RMNCAH Social and Behaviour Change Consultant

Organizational Context

This National Consultant role is seconded to the Family Health Unit of the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in Suva. The consultant reports jointly to the Head of Family Planning, MHMS, and the Chief of Health & Technical Advisor, UNFPA PSRO. The role contributes to the MHMS programme's RMNCAH Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) activities, working within a multi-disciplinary team. UNFPA, as the lead UN agency for reproductive health, aims to achieve transformative results in ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet need for family planning, and gender-based violence.

Job Purpose

The National Consultant will be based at the Family Health Unit within the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) in Suva, Fiji. The primary purpose is to support the planning, implementation, and reporting of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) activities for the MHMS programme, in line with the RMNCAH Policy Implementation Strategy and Health Sector Strategy. This role involves working with a multi-disciplinary team and coordinating cross-sector projects, such as Family Life Education/Comprehensive Sexuality Education, with NGOs and CSOs. The consultant will conduct formative research to understand target population knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours related to RMNCAH, using this information to develop evidence-based and culturally appropriate behaviour change communication strategies. The role ensures effective RMNCAH programme implementation and harmonisation.

Responsibilities

The consultant will lead programme development and implementation by conducting desk reviews to inform Fiji's RMNCAH communications strategic plan, developing it through consultative processes, and designing community outreach efforts. This includes providing technical inputs to increase demand for routine RMNCAH services and supporting formative research for programme communications. Responsibilities also encompass monitoring and evaluation, specifically drafting quarterly and annual RMNCAH SBC reports, documenting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned, and assessing the effectiveness of SBC interventions by tracking changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. In fund management, the role assists in collating project expenditures and disbursements to ensure budget alignment and identify operational bottlenecks. Key communication duties involve preparing and implementing campaigns for various RMNCAH programmes, developing risk communication plans, supporting the creation and dissemination of communication materials, engaging with media, overseeing official communications, documenting advocacy activities, and managing publication processes.

Work Experience

A minimum of four years of professional experience in communications, public health, or Risk Communication and Community Engagement is required. Desirable experience includes work related to disease outbreaks, immunization, or public health emergencies. Candidates should have prior experience collaborating with development partners, government agencies, civil society, and non-government organizations. A good understanding of inter-agency mechanisms is essential. Experience in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH)/RMNCAH is an advantage, and prior work in Fiji, particularly with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, is strongly desired.

Skills

Core competencies include exemplifying integrity, demonstrating commitment to the UN system, embracing cultural diversity and change, achieving results, and being accountable. The role requires developing and applying professional expertise, thinking analytically and strategically, and effectively working in teams and managing relationships.

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