Purpose of consultancy:

To strengthen the Government of Liberia (GoL) capacity to respond to eradicate SGBV and harmful traditional practices (HTPs), and mitigate the challenge of impunity for perpetrators of sexual violence against women and girls, the United Nations with funding from the European Union under the Spotlight Initiative seeks among other things to eliminate the gaps and challenges suffered over the years in ensuring access to justice for survivors of SGBV by building strong institutions to support the clinical and legal response to SGBV through the establishment of a well-equipped forensic diagnostic unit/ system to support the prosecution of SGBV offenses.

Under Liberia’s Spotlight Initiative Pillar 4, the country seeks to:

1. Strengthen capacity of county referral hospitals and health centers to perform basic medical forensic examinations, specimen preservation and referral
2. Strengthen forensic evidence gathering and investigative capacity of the service providers (WACPS, LNP, Sex Crimes Unit amongst others) including the Chief Medical pathologist at the Ministry of Justice to enhance prosecution of SGBV / HP cases.

Scope of work:

• Conduct an independent assessment of the forensic unit and forensic diagnostic capacity in the country, taking into consideration assessments done to-date, to gain an understanding of the existing strengths, opportunities and gaps, for improved performance. 
• Develop a concept note detailing the planned activities to operationalize the forensic diagnostic unit at the JFK Medical Centre, and possible establishment of basic forensic diagnostic capacity at peripheral facilities in the Spotlight counties. 
• In collaboration with Government of Liberia and relevant stakeholders, provide technical guidance in the identification, specification, and quantification of required supplies (cartridges, spare parts, soft-ware upgrade) and services (user training, equipment maintenance, equipment servicing) to operationalize the forensic diagnostic unit at the JFK Medical Center. 
• In collaboration with Government of Liberia and relevant stakeholders, provide technical guidance in the identification, specification, and quantification of supplies and services required to enhance performance of the autopsy unit of the JFK Medical Center.
• Provide technical oversight and coordination during installation and replacement of forensic equipment and equipment parts, during training and re-fresher training of personnel on the use of the equipment, during maintenance and servicing of equipment, among other necessary services. 
• Work with relevant personnel and stakeholders, develop guidelines and standard operating procedures for the forensic diagnostics at the respective hospitals/ facilities.
• Develop capacity of personnel in forensic diagnostics, through providing continued technical mentorship and supportive supervision to personnel in forensic diagnostics, including the specimen collection, specimen handling, use of equipment, troubleshooting, and results interpretation, among others. 
• Conduct regular assessments and report on the needs (including supplies, services, capacity building opportunities) of the forensic unit to further improve its output. 
• Provide regular reports to UNDP and UNFPA on the progress of operationalization of the forensic diagnostic unit at the JFK Medical Centre and capacity development in the Spotlight facilities. 
• Perform other duties in his/her area of expertise, as called upon by the supervisors. 

Main Responsibilities, Deliverables and Timelines:

Below are key deliverables with timelines. Key activity report, one week upon completion of each key activity. While final consultancy report shall be submitted within five working days prior to completion of assigned task, with recommendations. The report is to be submitted in an electronic version with a hard copy. 

Duration and working schedule:

The assignment would be for a period of  2 Months (February and May)

The consultancy will be done in two phases:  1st Phase - Four (4) weeks.  2nd Phase - One (1) month.  Therefore, two separate contracts will be signed to cover two different time-lines. 

The consultant will be primarily based in Monrovia with possible travel to parts of the five Spotlight Counties (Lofa, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, Grand Cape Mount and Montserrado). No International Travel will be required. 

Supervisory arrangements & Monitoring:

The Consultant will be supervised directly by the Country Representative of UNFPA with support from the Project focal point. 

UNFPA and UNDP will be responsible for the joint monitoring and supervision of the activities of the Consultant with technical support from WHO. UNFPA will also make sure the reporting period of the consultant is respected based on the Consultant’s initial work plan.

Qualification and Experience:

Mandatory: 

• A bachelor’s degree in Medicine or fields related to Pathology and/or Forensic medicine or diagnostics
• 5 or more years of experience in pathology or forensic diagnostics at National/local or international level
• Proficiency in English language (oral and written) 

Desirable:

• A postgraduate qualification in pathology or forensic medicine
• Experience in establishing forensic diagnostic capacity in resource limited settings, is an added advantage
• Experience working with UN or UN agencies is an added advantage 

Other skills:

• Self-driven
• Delivering results in a timely manner
• Effective communicator and leader
• Innovative
• Respect for diversity and ability to work in multi-cultural teams 

The Consultant is also expected to demonstrate the following technical and behavioural competencies: Accountability; Client Orientation; Communication; Performance Management; Planning and Organizing; Professionalism; gender participation; Teamwork; Technological Awareness & Resource Management.

Language:

Fluency in spoken and written English, and communication skills especially for transfer of knowledge is essential.

How to apply:

Please submit your application – comprising a curriculum vitae/resume and cover letter – to the following email addresses: debashish@unfpa.org and ewatkins@unfpa.org and with "Consultant for  DNA Machine" in the subject. 

The deadline for applying is 27 January 2020.