Special Service Agreement to support (MPDSR) -(EMONC)
Organizational Context
Eswatini is committed to reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality to achieve Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals. However, challenges in quality of care, management of complications, referral systems, and data utilization persist. The Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) approach needs strengthening to align with global recommendations and digital solutions.
Job Purpose
This role aims to provide technical assistance to Eswatini in strengthening its Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system, improving Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) referral systems, and enhancing routine immunization program performance. The objective is to bolster the country's capacity to generate and utilize high-quality data, improve access to essential maternal and newborn care, increase immunization coverage, and ultimately reduce preventable maternal, newborn, and child morbidity and mortality. This will be achieved through collaboration with the Ministry of Health and stakeholders to update guidelines, implement electronic systems, and optimize referral networks.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include strengthening the national MPDSR system by reviewing and updating guidelines, establishing and building capacity of MPDSR committees, integrating quality improvement approaches, and institutionalizing an electronic MPDSR platform. The role also involves strengthening EmONC services and referral systems through assessments, mapping referral pathways, and developing evidence-based guidance. Additionally, responsibilities include enhancing routine immunization service delivery by assessing coverage gaps, identifying barriers, improving data systems, and strengthening defaulter tracking mechanisms. The officer will support the development and implementation of digital health solutions for MPDSR and contribute to the overall improvement of maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of 8 years of experience in maternal, newborn, and child health and routine immunization programming. Demonstrated experience in MPDSR implementation, quality-of-care initiatives, and digital health systems design/implementation. Experience conducting EmONC assessments and referral system strengthening. Familiarity with WHO standards, MPDSR guidelines, EmONC frameworks, and EPI guidelines. Experience working with Ministries of Health and development partners. Desirable: Experience in Southern Africa or similar settings; prior experience with WHO/UN agencies or international organizations.
Skills
Excellent analytical and writing skills; Sound knowledge and experience with national SRH and EPI programming.