International Consultant: SRMNAH Specialist

Organizational Context

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for ensuring sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). This International Consultant role is within the UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office (PSRO) in Suva, Fiji, reporting to the SRHR Technical Advisor. The consultant supports the "Advancing SRMNAH for women, adolescents and youth in the Pacific" project, contributing to the 7th Multi-Country Programme (MCP7) and aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to address critical SRHR challenges in Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, characterized by high maternal mortality, adolescent birth rates, unmet family planning needs, and significant gender-based violence. The role will provide high-level technical expertise, advocacy, and management support to scale up high-impact interventions and strengthen health systems. The goal is to bridge service gaps and ensure equitable, lifesaving SRHR services for women and youth, directly supporting the UNFPA PSRO's commitment to the 2030 Agenda and contributing to ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence.

Responsibilities

The consultant will provide technical support for the implementation and institutionalization of Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) systems in Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu. This includes facilitating capacity building for healthcare providers in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (BEmONC) and health sector responses to GBV. The role involves coordinating specialized programs in Fiji, such as POC testing and PrEP, overseeing implementing partners, and ensuring the availability of essential SRMNAH and GBV supplies. Additionally, the consultant will support advocacy efforts, community outreach, and the development of SRHR communication materials. Monitoring programme implementation, tracking progress through field visits, supporting evaluations, and producing regular donor reports are also key duties.

Work Experience

Requires at least 5 years of professional experience in public health, programme management, and SRHR development. Demonstrated experience in SRHR, MPDSR, and maternal/newborn health (including EmONC) is essential. Experience in Health Systems Strengthening and delivering health training modules is beneficial. Familiarity with UN/UNFPA mandates and procedures is an asset.

Skills

Key skills include strong communication and advocacy abilities, proactivity, emotional intelligence, excellent written English and drafting skills for reports. The ability to organize and plan work effectively is crucial. Core competencies include integrity, commitment to UNFPA, embracing diversity and change, achieving results, accountability, professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, and teamwork.

Explore related opportunities