Consultancy for Technical Support to formulate the National Strategic Plan on Maternal and Newborn Health (2026-2030) (Nationals only - remote)

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 consultancy aims to provide technical support for the formulation of the National Strategic Plan on Maternal and Newborn Health (2026-2030) in Sri Lanka. Despite significant progress, maternal and neonatal outcomes have stagnated, necessitating a renewed strategic focus. The current plan (2017-2025) is concluding, and an updated plan is crucial to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This role will involve an end-term review of the existing plan and the drafting of a new, evidence-based, and contextually relevant strategic plan to guide national, provincial, and district-level actions in maternal and newborn care.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for conducting an end-term review of the current National Strategic Plan on Maternal and Newborn Health (2017-2025), assessing its achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. This will involve analyzing existing data, policies, and program implementation across community and hospital settings. Based on this review and consultation with key stakeholders, the consultant will draft a new National Strategic Plan on Maternal and Newborn Health for the period 2026-2030. This plan must be evidence-based, contextually relevant, and aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The consultant will also facilitate discussions and incorporate feedback from national, provincial, and district-level stakeholders, including health professionals and policymakers, to ensure the plan is comprehensive and actionable. The final output will be a finalized National Strategic Plan on Maternal and Newborn Health (2026-2030) ready for adoption and implementation.

Work Experience

A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in public health, with a focus on maternal and newborn health programming and policy development. Experience in strategic plan formulation and implementation is essential.

Skills

Strategic planning, Maternal and newborn health, Public health policy, Stakeholder engagement, Data analysis, Report writing, Project management, Health systems strengthening, Research, Consultancy, UNICEF procedures, SDG alignment

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