International Individual Consultant: Technical Specialist - Maternal Health Care

Organizational Context

This consultancy is a time-bound assignment within the UNFPA Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) country office, reporting to the Chief of Health & Technical Advisor SRHR at the UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office. UNFPA is the lead UN agency for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), committed to ensuring every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The role supports UNFPA's global strategy and the 2030 Agenda by strengthening health systems in the Pacific.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical expertise, implementation, and management support for strengthening maternal health care services in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The consultant will drive results by focusing on maternal health system strengthening, including maternal and perinatal surveillance and response (MPDSR), HPV DNA screening, integration of GBV prevention services, postpartum family planning, and basic emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC). This role aims to bridge service gaps and ensure equitable, lifesaving maternal health care, directly supporting UNFPA's commitment to the 2030 Agenda and addressing urgent health trends in FSM.

Responsibilities

The Technical Specialist will provide technical support for developing MPDSR guidelines and establishing MPDSR across FSM's four states. They will facilitate capacity building for healthcare providers in Basic EmONC, Postpartum Family Planning, health sector response to GBV, and Cervical Cancer HPV screening. The role involves coordinating implementing partners, government departments, and experts to ensure quality workplan implementation, overseeing the availability of essential supplies, and establishing a maternity waiting home. Additionally, the consultant will support health sector coordination meetings, contribute to UN system coordination, and develop advocacy materials. Monitoring programme implementation, tracking progress through field visits, and supporting programme evaluations are key. The role requires results-based reporting, including bi-annual and annual donor reports.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5 years of professional experience in public health, programme management, and development relevant to sexual and reproductive health and rights, with demonstrated experience in maternal and newborn health. Experience in Health Systems Strengthening and health reform is an asset. Experience in developing and delivering health training modules and knowledge of SRHR programming in humanitarian settings are beneficial. Familiarity with UN/UNFPA policies and procedures is an asset.

Skills

Key skills include good communication and advocacy, proactivity, emotional intelligence, excellent written and drafting abilities for reports, and the capacity to organize and plan work effectively. Core competencies include achieving results, accountability, developing professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, and teamwork.

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