International consultant in peri- & neonatal care - Neonatologist, Tbilisi, Georgia, Health & Nutrition section, 6 Months, Office based with travel to Sukhumi

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

Job Purpose

The healthcare system in Abkhazia, Georgia, is largely inpatient-oriented, with primary healthcare facilities often underequipped and facing shortages of qualified personnel, leading to frequent referrals. Despite international efforts, significant gaps persist in maternal and child health, including limited essential medicines, inadequate data, and constrained planning capacities. Perinatal services are delivered through one main maternity hospital and several district hospital maternity wards, but many operate at reduced capacity. Coordination between primary and secondary care levels is limited. UNICEF, as a leading advocate for children's rights, implements strategic interventions in health, education, and child protection in Abkhazia. This consultancy aims to address maternal and child health challenges by strengthening risk-appropriate maternal and neonatal care through a comprehensive assessment and improvement tool.

Responsibilities

The International Consultant in Peri- & Neonatal Care will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the quality of neonatal and obstetric care in the Abkhazia region, Georgia. This assessment will utilize the World Health Organization's 'Integrated quality of hospital care assessment and improvement tool for maternal and neonatal health,' with potential adaptations for the specific context. The consultant will analyze medical documentation, conduct facility inspections, and interview medical staff to identify key gaps and areas for improvement. Based on the assessment findings, the consultant will develop evidence-based recommendations for strengthening risk-appropriate maternal and neonatal care services. This includes proposing strategies for enhancing clinical guidelines, improving supportive supervision mechanisms, and ensuring the availability and accessibility of reliable health data. The consultant will also contribute to the development of training materials and provide guidance to local health professionals on adopting internationally recognized maternal and child health standards. The role involves close collaboration with UNICEF health teams and local healthcare providers to ensure the effective implementation of interventions and to foster sustainable improvements in maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the region.

Work Experience

A minimum of ten years of clinical experience in the respective field is required. Experience in low-resource settings and with international organizations is desirable.

Skills

Neonatology expertise, Maternal and child health (MCH), Clinical assessment, Quality improvement methodologies, Data analysis, Report writing, Stakeholder engagement, Interpersonal skills, Problem-solving, Adaptability, Cross-cultural communication, Project management support

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