International Consultant: Development of Direct Entry BSc-Midwifery Curriculum, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Organizational Context

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency, committed to delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. This consultancy is with the UNFPA Sierra Leone Country Office, supporting the Ministry of Health in a critical public health initiative.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to lead the development, contextualization, and validation of a high-quality, competency-based Bachelor of Science (BSc) Midwifery curriculum and accompanying student assessment frameworks for Sierra Leone. The goal is to upgrade the current midwifery education standard to a university-level program, aligning with International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Global Standards and national regulatory requirements. This initiative is crucial for building a competent, safe, and autonomous midwifery workforce capable of improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in Sierra Leone, addressing national priorities and evolving international best practices.

Responsibilities

The consultant will conduct a situational analysis of existing midwifery education, identifying gaps for a bachelor's degree level. This includes reviewing national policies, regulatory frameworks, and curricula for alignment with international standards. A key task is developing a competency-based BSc Midwifery curriculum, structured over three years with a specific balance of theory, simulation, and practice hours, utilizing a spiral approach. The consultant will also design detailed module descriptors and integrate innovative student assessment frameworks, including formative and summative strategies, clinical evaluation tools, and a practice portfolio. Facilitating stakeholder consultations and validation workshops, ensuring alignment with national accreditation, and providing technical guidance to strengthen institutional capacity are also core responsibilities.

Work Experience

At least ten years of experience in midwifery education and curriculum development. Demonstrated experience in developing competency-based health professional education programs. Familiarity with ICM Global Standards and frameworks is essential. Experience with UN agencies and Ministries of Health is desirable.

Skills

Expertise in Competency-Based Education (CBE) and applied learning methodologies. Strong technical knowledge of ICM standards and Miller’s Pyramid of Clinical Competence. Excellent facilitation, communication, and multi-stakeholder management skills. Commitment to human rights, gender equality, and woman-centered care. Fluency in English is mandatory.

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