Hiring Office:
UNFPA, Maternal Health Unit
Purpose of consultancy:
Midwives in Africa play a critical role in improving access to sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn and adolescent health (SRMNAH) services. A key goal is around efforts towards achievement of SDG3, targets 3.1 on maternal mortality and 3.2 on neonatal and child mortality and beyond.
The midwifery leaders in Africa, under the auspices of the Centre for Health Development and Research (CEHDAR, an Africa, midwifery, nursing and health systems strengthening focused NGO), organised a Summit in Accra-Ghana in collaboration with a multidisciplinary Steering Committee of midwifery leaders and stakeholders. The Summit with the theme “Unifying Midwifery in Africa: Reimagine, Reignite and Rise” took place between April 30 and May 2, 2024. The Summit focused on strategic discussions allowing participants to engage and deliberate with each other on midwifery in Africa, the challenges faced by the profession, and emphasized the value in promoting collaboration among midwives’ healthcare providers, policymakers and communities.
The Summit served as the catalyst for midwives resolving to establish a regional entity to stand as the voice of the profession on the continent.
The Unifying Midwifery in Africa Steering Committee (SC) has therefore initiated a process to establish the new continental body representing midwives across Africa. A Constitution Development Sub-committee (CDC) has been formed to guide the process, provide reference materials, and facilitate consultation.
In collaboration with SC/CDC, UNFPA ESARO seeks to recruit a consultant to develop a draft constitution for the proposed pan‑African midwives’ organization that aligns with global thinking and best practices in the governance of professional bodies, is informed by mission‑aligned organizations in Africa and globally, supports and drives its vision and mission whilst incorporating African cultural sensitivities and regional diversity.
Scope of work:
(Description of services, activities, or outputs)
The Consultant will:
Duration and working schedule:
The consultancy is expected to be for 15 days spread over the period 20th of August to 30th of November.Place where services are to be delivered:
Online
Deliverables and Delivery dates
Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:
Regular check-ins (virtual) with the Constitution Development Sub-committee (CDC) /UNFPA (ESARO, WCARO and ASRO) will be scheduled at key stages of development.
The consultant will provide email-written updates alongside draft deliverables.
Supervisory arrangements:
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Maternal Health Programme Specialist at UNFPA ESARO under the overall guidance of the Health System Specialist at UNFPA ESARO.
The consultant will also collaborate closely and be strategically guided by the Constitution Development Sub-committee and the Steering Committee.
Expected travel:
During technical consultation meetings, the consultant’s travel (if required) and daily subsistence will be covered by UNFPA ESARO
Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:
The consultant will be selected based on the following criteria:
Inputs UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment), if applicable:
The consultant will work virtually from their own workstation using their own tools and facilities as may be required.
Other relevant information or special conditions, if any: Payment will be made against the receipt of deliverables.Required Competencies:
Values:
Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing changeCore Competencies:
Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationshipsUNFPA 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:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.
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.
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.