The consultancy is for the period of 3 months starting from 1 July 2021 to 30 September 2021.
UNFPA Malawi Country Office is committed to deliver results outlined in the 8th Country Programme that started from 2019 and lasts till 2023, with clear outcomes in the areas of: a) sexual and reproductive health/rights, b) adolescents and youth, c) gender equality and women’s empowerment, and d) population dynamics. UNFPA Malawi is also a part of the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) and operates under United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2019-2023, fully embracing the UN development system reforms and stepping up its system wide support for the Government of Malawi.
UNFPA has embarked on implementation of its two Youth Programmes, i.e ‘Teen Mothers and Adolescent Girls’ project funded by the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), which is a joint programme between UNFPA and FAO, and the Phase III of ‘Joint Programme on Girls Education (JPGE)’ funded by the Government of Norway, which is also a joint programme with UNICEF and WFP. These programmes aim at promoting young people’s access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights - particularly targeting adolescent girls - by engaging schools, health facilities, parents, and other stakeholders in communities.
The 1st year of these projects are considered critical inception phases of these flagship programmes, which require further detailed programme development and establishment of the implementation mechanisms as early as possible. Meanwhile, key positions funded by these two youth programmes, especially P4 Adolescent/Youth SRHR expert and P3 M&E Officer, have been advertised. However, the recruitment of these positions has been delayed and yet to be completed (still at the longlisting or shortlisting stage).
Therefore, in order to fill the gaps until the completion of the recruitment of these positions, UNFPA needs to increase its own capacity to effectively address most immediate programme management needs. It is against this backdrop that this consultancy supplementing the existing Country Office capacity is required.
Under the direct supervision by the Deputy Representative and the overall supervision by the Resident Representative, the consultant will work closely with the Adolescents/Youth team, the M&E officers and other programme team members as well as the Operations team of UNFPA Country Office in Malawi.
The consultant will support the relevant programme officers in the following aspects of programme management and related operational tasks, particularly those related to ‘Teen Mothers and Adolescent Girls Project’ and JPGE Phase III:
More specifically, the consultant will support the following:
● Establishment of frameworks for operational researches (JPGE), baseline and Knowledge, Attitude, Perception (KAP) surveys (KOICA) and follow-up on the implementation of their initial activities.
● Support identification of consultants for the KOICA baseline and KAP surveys. Facilitating selection and supporting the study processes.
● Technical review to refine delivery approaches of key interventions such as mentorship activities, school health programmes, integrated delivery of youth friendly health services, and SRH mainstreaming in farmers’ field schools.
● Analyse inter-linkages across SRH, youth/adolescents and gender components and ensure coherent approaches in the detailed programme development.
● Work hand in hand with consultants (to be recruited separately) conducting resource mapping exercise and operational research.
● Participate in coordination and programme management related meetings on JPGE Phase III and KOICA funded activities and take relevant follow-up actions.
● Advise on male/parents/community engagement and behavioural change communications, particularly to maximise the effectiveness of programme interventions for the prevention of teenage pregnancies.
● Advise on youth engagement activities and client centred innovations that support demand creation for, increased access to and more effective provision of SRH services and information, especially for adolescents.
● Participate in monthly meetings with the donor (KOICA), propose agenda items and come up with a brief write-up in preparation for the meeting with the donor. Draft biannual report to the donor according to the required format and meeting the deadline for submission (31 July) .
● Review project funding allocations to implementing partners and working closely with Youth Programme Officers to ensure prudent allocation of funding.
● Carry out any other tasks requested by the Resident Representative and the Deputy Representative in the relevant areas of adolescent/youth SRHR.
Under the overall supervision of the Resident Representative, the Deputy Representative will provide the direct supervisory role. The consultant will closely with the Adolescent/Youth team and the Assistant Representative on respective programmes on a day to day basis. The consultant will also work closely with other programme officers in the SRH team and Gender team as well as the M&E officers.
Expected travel: The consultant may be required to travel within Malawi as required by the country office to perform functions related to the deliverables. Travel and DSA will be provided.
Qualifications:
● A university degree in a relevant discipline including public health, development studies, international relations, public policy, law or other social science fields is required.
● A master’s degree in one of these fields is preferred; however, a minimum of five years of work experience in the relevant field can be counted in place of a master’s degree.
● Good understanding of UNFPA mandate and priorities, especially in the areas of sexual and reproductive health and rights and adolescents/youth is required.
● Excellent analytical, planning, documentation, presentation and negotiation skills are required.
● Excellent communication skills – both in terms of writing and oral are required.
Experience:
● At least 5 years of working experience in programme/project development, management, and implementation in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights is required.
● Experience in working on sexual and reproductive health and rights issues in Malawi is required.
● Experience in integrated and youth friendly SRH services is desirable.
● Experience in developing M&E frameworks and knowledge management is desirable.
● Experience in youths, male, community engagement and behavioural change communication is desirable.
● Experience in planning and implementing operational studies is desirable.
Required Competencies:
Values: Exemplifying integrity, demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN System, embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change
Core Competencies: Achieving results, being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, thinking analytically and strategically, working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impact
Functional Skills:
● Results-based programme development and management
● Innovation and marketing new approaches
● Leveraging the resources on national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships.
● Delivering results-based programmes
● Internal and external communication and advocacy for resource mobilisation
How to Apply:
Candidates who have the required/relevant qualifications and experience should submit
their applications including a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), motivational letter, P11 with a copy of
qualifications to the following address: recruitment.malawi@unfpa.org. Please specify in the email
subject ‘Programme Management Expert’. Applications should be received on or before 24th June 2021