The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Sierra Leone Country Office invites interested individual candidates to apply for the following short term consultancy:
International Consultant to provide technical support for the implementation of Quality of Care interventions in the UNFPA Country Office and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation
Purpose of consultancy:
The purpose of the consultancy is to provide technical support for the implementation of Quality of Care interventions in the UNFPA Country Office and the Ministry of Health and Sanitation
Background
According to United Nations (UN) estimates, Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 1,360 deaths per 100,000 live births and 1 in 17 women have a lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth.
Out of a total of 706 maternal deaths reported in 2016, 80% were in health facilities with the leading causes of death being haemorrhage, hypertension disorders and sepsis. Recent country reports show that out of a total of 218,818 live births reported in health facilities in the country 5,608 were stillbirths, which translates to a rate of 25.7 per 1,000 live births. Nearly half of the stillbirths were fresh stillbirths; indicating suboptimal intrapartum care. This is due to inadequacies in the quality of care provided in health facilities. The evidence shows that high maternal, perinatal, neonatal and child mortality rates are associated with inadequate and poor quality health services.
The Health Sector Recovery Plan calls for the establishment of six Centres of Excellence (CoE) for maternal, newborn and child health care and nutrition with the aim to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality through improvements in quality of care. Centers of excellence (CoEs) are created in various healthcare settings to signify that exceptional quality of service can be provided. CoEs for women’s health services have proven to be a successful approach for delivering high-quality care and have helped to raise the profile of women’s health issues and improve outcomes.
This consultancy is aimed at providing technical support to the UNFPA CO and the MoHS for the implementation of quality of care interventions in the country
Main objective of the consultancy
The main objective of this consultancy is to provide quality technical support for the implementation of QoC initiatives being implemented by UNFPA and the MoHS
Specific objectives are:
- To support the implementation of QI interventions being implemented by UNFPA and MoHS
- To provide TA for CUAMM as an IP supporting the QI improvement in the 3 CoEs
- To support implementation of the QI and RMNCAH interventions of the SLiSL programme
- To provide TA for the operationalization of the new constructed CEmONC hospitals at Rokupa and King Harman Road
Activities:
The consultant is required to
- Support the implementation of QI interventions in selected facilities including the 3 CoEs in Bo, Makeni and PCMH
- Support the development of improvement plans for the 3 CoEs based on gaps identified in needs assessment
- Support the operationalization of the 3 CoEs in line with the agreed improvement plans
- Provide TA to CUAMM as an IP supporting the QI improvement in the 3 CoEs
- Support implementation of the QI and RMNCAH interventions of the SLiSL programme
- Support operationalization of King Harman Road and Rokupa Hospitals
- Work closely with the MOHS and other UN partners on quality of care activities including the network
- Support collaboration with the country office staff members to promote integrated approaches to improving maternal and newborn health
Deliverables
- Weekly updates on progress made in implementing QI interventions and CoEs
- A monthly report on the implementation of QI interventions in UNFPA and the MoHS
- Final report of the consultancy due on 30 November 2019
Duration and working schedule:
Six (6) months from 1 June – 30 November 2019.
The final deliverables pertaining to these activities are due by 30 November 2019
Place where services are to be delivered/ Duty Station:
Freetown and selected facilities
Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):
Deliverables: (in hard and soft copies)
- Monthly reports on activities implemented due on 30 of each month from June to October 2019 and Final report on 30 November 2019
Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:
The consultant will be monitored throughout the period by the UNFPA Reproductive Health Technical Specialist.
The consultant will be part of the maternal health unit of the UNFPA office and hold monthly update meetings on key deliverables with the UNFPA Rep and the RH Technical Specialist.
A final debriefing meeting on the consultancy will be held at the end of the mission.
Supervisory arrangements:
The consultant will be supervised by the RH Technical Specialist under the overall oversight of the UNFPA Country Representative.
Expected travel:
The consultant will be expected to travel within and outside Freetown to selected facilities
Required expertise, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:
- Master’s degree in Public Health, Medicine, Sociology, Demography, or other related field
- Experience in RH programme management. Familiarity with the ICPD agenda will be an added advantage.
- Has experience working with a wide set of stakeholders on UNFPA areas of mandate including health care management, and RMNCAH.
- 10 years of increasingly responsible professional experience with strong technical knowledge in the field of quality improvement and standard development,;
- Fluency in oral and written English.
- Previous experience in working with the UN is a strong asset
- Ability to work independently
Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner (e.g support services, office space, equipment):
The Country Office will provide DSA, office space and vehicle to selected facilities to be assessed within Sierra Leone.
Other relevant information or special conditions:
Payment will be made on a monthly basis upon receipt and approval of a satisfactory report on activities implemented for the month.
Send online applications to registry-sl@unfpa.org
Additional Information:
- We will only be able to respond to those applicants in whom the Country Office has further interest.
- UNFPA offers an attractive compensation package commensurate with experience
- UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status
- UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity, and a healthy work life balance.
Deadline for applications: 21 May 2019
IMPORTANT: There are NO application processing or other fees at any stage of UNFPA application processes
