Maternal Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response Systems Consultant

Purpose of this consultancy:

The purpose of this consultancy is to support UNFPA APRO to implement a technical assistance and capacity building programme on Maternal Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response systems (MPDSR), in priority countries of the Asia-Pacific region – Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal and Timor-Leste.

The consultant will assist APRO in designing, preparing and implementing training programmes on MPDSR for national and sub-national level (including facility-based) MPDSR Committees in the 4 priority countries, following latest international Guidelines and training standards on MPDSR recommended by UN health agencies and partners.

The consultant will also provide virtual technical support to UNFPA and MOH teams in each priority country, to technically assure and review MPDSR Policies, Guidelines and Training standards, as well as to implement a system of “supportive supervision” following the delivery of in-country training activities.

The consultant will work under the supervision of the SRHR Regional Advisor, and SRHR Data Specialist for APRO, and will work from their home base. Travel is expected in each of the priority country for the delivery of training components and activities.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Scope of Work:

Under the supervision of APRO SRHR Advisor and SRHR Data Specialist, the consultant will:

• Develop, review and technically assure MPDSR training materials, facilitators guides, and facilitators and training toolkits for MPDSR Committees – at national and subnational level;
• Deliver in-country training and facilitators’ training of trainers in priority countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal and potentially Timor-Leste)
• Support UNFPA Country Offices and UNFPA APRO in reviewing and technically assuring any MPDSR technical document as requested by Ministries of Health, such as MPDSR Guidelines, Policies and Training standards;
• Deliver technical assistance to MOH teams as part of a “supportive supervision scheme”, with regular virtual check ins and meetings of country teams as organised by UNFPA APRO and UNFPA Country Offices.

Duration and Working Schedule:

The duration of the consultancy will be 70 working days, to be utilised between 1st February and 15th December 2025. 

Place where services are to be delivered:

The consultancy is expected to be home based, with travel to programme countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal and potentially Timor-Leste) required. UNFPA APRO will support travel costs for the consultant in line with UN Travel Policies and Procedures.

Delivery dates and list of expected deliverables

The proposed initial schedule of key deliverables is as follows, pending confirmation of UNFPA Country Offices preferred dates and availability

1st February 2025 – 31st March 2025 (Q1)

• Preparation of Training Materials for MPDSR Training in Cambodia
• Delivery of MPDSR Training in Cambodia, based on UNFPA CO availability
• Virtual Support to Timor-Leste for supportive supervision of MPDSR Facilitators in sub-national training roll-out
• Technical Assistance on MPDSR policies and standards as required by countries’ MOHs

1st April 2025 – 30th June 2025 (Q2)

• Preparation of Training Materials for MPDSR Training in Lao PDR
• Delivery of MPDSR Training in Lao PDR, based on UNFPA CO availability
• Preparation of Training Materials for MPDSR Training in Nepal
• Virtual Support to Timor-Leste and Cambodia for supportive supervision of MPDSR Facilitators in sub-national training roll-out
• Technical Assistance on MPDSR policies and standards as required by countries’ MOHs

1st July – 30th September 2025 (Q3)

• Delivery of MPDSR Training in Nepal, based on UNFPA CO availability
• Virtual Support to Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Lao PDR for supportive supervision of MPDSR Facilitators in sub-national training roll-out
• Technical Assistance on MPDSR policies and standards as required by countries’ MOHs

1st October 2025 – 15th December 2025 (Q4)

• Virtual Support to Timor-Leste, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal for supportive supervision of MPDSR Facilitators in sub-national training roll-out
• Technical Assistance on MPDSR policies and standards as required by countries’ MOHs

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

The SRHR Advisors and SRHR Data Specialist will work closely with the consultant to provide feedback on the proposed deliverables and implementation of workplan activities. The consultant and the advisors will have weekly calls/ emails to update on progress, challenges and needs for assistance or data.

Fee Payments will be made on a quarterly basis, with submission of timesheets. Continuation of the assignment is subject to satisfactory achievement of agreed deliverables.

Expected travel:

The consultancy will be home based, with travel to programme countries expected as part of activities’ implementation.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in Medicine, Public Health, Midwifery, Health Sciences is essential with minimum 15 years of professional experience in Medicine and Public Health roles, with proven expertise in Reproductive and Maternal health programmes implementation
• Specialisation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is desirable 
• Proven track records and demonstrated experience in Maternal Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response systems implementation is essential, including in delivering training for clinicians and MOH staff
• Excellent ability to produce policy documents that reflect latest international guidelines and evidence
• Excellent writing skills in English. 
• Ability to meet deadlines, work with minimum supervision, and deliver quality products is essential
• Strong interpersonal skills to work in different country contexts, and a commitment to the values and goals of the United Nations and UN Charter are also required. Experience in the UN system and/or UNFPA, and knowledge of the Asia Pacific region, are desirable. 

Languages: 

English proficiency is mandatory.

Inputs/Services provided by UNFPA 

UNFPA APRO will link the consultant to Country Office SRH focal points where necessary and will assist in the arrangement of travels as necessary.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts. 

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