National Consultant: RMNCAH Social and Behaviour Change Consultant

The Position:

Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services Reproductive, Maternal, Child, Adolescent and Sexual Health (RMNCAH) Social and Behaviour Change Consultant will work with the Family Health Unit of the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services to jointly report to the UNFPA PSRO Fiji Country Office all (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health) RMNCAH SBC activities of the MHMS programme and will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in achieving key deliverables in line with the RMNCAH Policy Implementation Strategy and the Health Sector Strategy.

The consultant will report to the Head of Family Planning, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Fiji, and the Chief of Health & Technical Advisor, UNFPA PSRO, and/or any other supervisor as designated in their absence to coordinate planning, implementation, and reporting.

The consultant would be required to use their own laptop. Consultant will be seconded to MHMS and will be provided with a workstation, necessary information, materials, and logistics as well as office space. MHMS will also provide access to other equipment for the fulfilment of his/ her tasks (such as printer & copier).

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 new strategic plan (2023 -2027) focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. 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.

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.

Job Purpose:

UNFPA is seeking a national consultant to be based at the Family Health Unit in the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Suva, Fiji, working with the Family Health Unit. That includes the Head of Family Health Unit, specific programs officers based at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services headquarters and divisions, and the Chairpersons of the Clinical Services Network for Paediatrics and Obstetrics and Gynaecological Departments.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who 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. She/he will work with the Family Health Unit of the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services to jointly report to the UNFPA PSRO Fiji Country Office all (Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child & Adolescent Health) RMNCAH SBC activities of the MHMS programme and will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in achieving key deliverables in line with the RMNCAH Policy Implementation Strategy and the Health Sector Strategy.

 She/he will support the coordination of cross-sector projects, for example, Family Life Education/Comprehensive Sexuality Education, along with key NGOs and CSOs, to ensure effective RMNCAH programme implementation and harmonisation as per the agreed strategic direction and work plan timeframe. She/he will conduct formative research to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours of the target population related to RMNCAH and use the information to develop evidence-based and culturally appropriate behaviour change communication strategies that target

You would be responsible for:

Programme development and Implementation

•  Conduct a desk review synthesizing global, regional, and country content to inform the development of the RMNCAH communications strategic plan for Fiji. 
• Develop a working group with a written Terms of Reference with identified members from the MHMS, UNFPA and external stakeholders. 
• Develop the RMNCAH communications strategic plan through a consultative process with necessary key partners both internally and externally.
•  Design and implement any community outreach efforts. 
• Provide technical inputs to support the activities of the Fiji Ministry of Health to increase demand for routine RMNCAH services. 
• Support formative research (data collection and analysis) to inform RMNCAH Programme communications. 
• Support any other SBC or emergent need required by the Ministry of Health during the term of support.

Monitoring and Evaluation 

• Draft quarterly and annual RMNCAH SBC reports on milestones and results for Fiji RMNCAH Programme activities and implementation of the UNFPA RMNCAH SBC work plan activities, documenting achievements, successes, progress, challenges, lessons learned, and operational risks as identified.
•  Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the SBC interventions which includes tracking changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to RMNCAH over time

Fund management and operations 

• Assist the collation of RMNCAH SBC project expenditures and disbursements of RMNCAH SBC activities to ensure delivery is in line with approved budgets; targeted delivery levels are realized; identify operational and financial problems and bottlenecks and propose solutions are included in each monthly implementation delivery report to UNFPA PSRO Fiji Country Office.

Communications

• Prepare and implement communication campaign for various RMNCAH programs. 
• Assist in development, implementation and coordination of the risk communication and engagement communications plan aligned to the RMNCAH Strategic Plan. 
• Support the development and dissemination of communications campaigns and materials. This includes designing various information products, and sourcing and overseeing photography and video services for RMNCAH programmes. 
• Engage with media and other organisations and sectors in dissemination of information, educational and awareness materials. 
• Oversee the drafting and release of any official communication by the Ministry of Health related to RMNCAH programmes, 
• Document and disseminate RMNCAH SBC programme delivery and advocacy activities including supporting audio-visual documentation to maximise multi-media coverage and overall visibility, 
• Manage the publication processes and approvals for RMNCAH programmes,
•  Where requested present at public and community events.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

A first-level degree or higher in Communications, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related degree

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in communications, public healthrelated field, Risk Communication and Community Engagement. 
• Work experience related to disease outbreak, immunization, or public health emergencies. 
• Has previously worked with development partners, government agencies, civil society, and non-government organizations, including faith-based organizations. 
• Good understanding of inter-agency mechanisms. 
• Experience in SRH/RMNCAH will be an advantage. 
• Having worked in Fiji, with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is strongly desired
   

Languages: 

Written and spoken fluency in English is required.

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,

Compensation and Benefits:

Payment will be on a monthly schedule upon satisfactory delivery of associated deliverables and with acceptable quality by the UNFPA Representative, upon submission of Certificate of Payment and Monthly Accomplishment Report

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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. 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.