Purpose of consultancy:

The purpose of this consultancy is to support UNFPA APRO to implement a technical assistance and capacity building programme on Maternal Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response systems (MPDSR), in priority countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

This programme of work is partially a continuation of activities implemented in 2025 under the SRHR Data Strengthening programme implemented by UNFPA APRO as part of the DFAT-funded TUSIP programme in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal and Timor-Leste.

As part of TUSIP programme activities, the selected consultant will support APRO and Country Offices in providing technical assistance to Ministries of Health teams in the implementation of MPDSR at national and sub-national level (including in health facilities) in the 4 priority countries, following latest international Guidelines and training standards on MPDSR recommended by UN health agencies and partners. 

This will include providing virtual and in-country technical assistance to UNFPA and Ministries of Health on i) MPDSR training programmes, facilitations and roll-out at subnational and district level; ii) implementing a system of virtual “supportive supervision” to support MOH teams in reviewing maternal and perinatal deaths and strengthening reporting; and iii) reinforce the development of “Response” plans in programme countries, including strengthening the MPDSR in community notification and review components.

Beyond the activities foreseen as part of the TUSIP programme, the selected consultants will also support UNFPA APRO in i) providing assistance to countries of the broader Asia-Pacific region on implementing a programme of MPDSR in communities, including preparing and technically reviewing training materials and protocols on MDPSR in community; and ii) participate as needed in virtual webinars and workshops on MPDSR programme implementation, as required by UNFPA APRO and specific country offices.

The consultant will work under the supervision of the SRHR Regional Advisor and SRHR Data Specialist for APRO, and will work from their home base. Travel is expected in the priority programme countries for the delivery of technical assistance under the TUSIP activities.

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 strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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.

Scope of work:

Under the direct supervision of APRO SRHR Data Specialist, and oversight of the SRHR Advisor, the consultant will:

• Provide virtual technical support to UNFPA and MOH teams to expand and implement MPDSR training programmes according to international standards, at provincial and sub-national level (TUSIP Activities)
• Implement a system of “supportive supervision”, including support with MPDSR reporting and analysis, with regular virtual check ins and meetings of country teams as organised by UNFPA APRO and UNFPA Country Offices (TUSIP Activities).
• Provide continued technical assistance in supporting MOH teams in reviewing and reporting maternal and perinatal deaths, including strengthening community MPDSR review processes as needed in programme countries (TUSIP Activities).
• Support countries with implementing corrective actions resulting from the review of the MPDSR reports, including advising on recommended next steps or capacity building needs in obstetrics and maternity care (e.g. PPH, Labour Care Guide; Safe Surgeries) (TUSIP Activities).
• Support UNFPA APRO in developing training materials, protocols, or other technical guidance on implementation of MPDSR in community settings, and disseminating this guidance to countries of the broader Asia-Pacific region.
• Participate as needed into technical virtual webinar series or workshops organised by UNFPA APRO, disseminating technical knowledge on MPDSR to countries of the broader AP region.
   

Duration and working schedule:

The duration of the consultancy will be 70 working days, to be utilised between 1^st May and 15^th December 2026. 

Place where services are to be delivered:

The consultancy is expected to be home based, with potential travel to TUSIP programme countries based on technical needs and programme requirements (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal, Timor-Leste).

UNFPA APRO will support travel costs for the consultant in line with UN Travel Policies and Procedures.

Schedule of deliverables:

1st May 2026 to 31st August 2026 (approximate 35 workdays)

• Supportive supervision to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Timor-Leste on MPDSR review processes and preparation of response plans

• Virtual Technical Support to Cambodia and Lao PDR for the implementation of the findings of National MPDSR Review Meeting

• Technical assistance to Nepal on MPDSR training and supervision in additional provinces, and implementation of Community MPDSR processes and guidelines

• Preparation of draft training protocols and other technical guidance documents on MPDSR in Community Implementation, to be discussed and validated with UNFPA COs

1st September 2026 to 15th December 2026 (approximate 35 workdays)

• Virtual Technical Assistance to Timor-Leste for MPDSR training roll-out at subnational level

• Continued supportive supervision to Cambodia, Lao PDR and Timor-Leste on MPDSR review processes and preparation of response plans

• Continued technical assistance to Nepal on MPDSR training and supervision in additional provinces, and implementation of Community MPDSR processes and guidelines

• Any other technical assistance on MPDSR policies and standards as requested by countries’ MOHs

• Dissemination, including through technical webinars as required, of evidence on MPDSR programme implementation, with a specific focus on MPDSR in community protocols.

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements:

The SRHR Advisors and SRHR Data Specialist will work closely with the consultant to provide feedback on the proposed deliverables and implementation of workplan activities. 
The consultant and the advisors will have weekly calls/ emails to update on progress, challenges and needs for assistance or data.

Supervisory arrangements: 

APRO SRHR Data Specialist under overall supervision of SRHR Advisor.

Expected travel:

The consultancy will be home based, with travel to programme countries expected as part of activities’ implementation and based on programmatic needs.

Qualifications and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in Medicine, Public Health, Midwifery, Health Sciences is essential with minimum 15 years of professional experience in Medicine and Public Health roles, with proven expertise in Reproductive and Maternal health programmes implementation
• Specialisation in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is desirable 
• Proven track records and demonstrated experience in Maternal Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response systems implementation is essential, including in delivering training for clinicians and MOH staff
• Excellent ability to produce policy documents that reflect latest international guidelines and evidence
• Ability to meet deadlines, work with minimum supervision, and deliver quality products is essential
• Strong interpersonal skills to work in different country contexts, and a commitment to the values and goals of the United Nations and UN Charter are also required.  Experience in the UN system and/or UNFPA, and knowledge of the Asia Pacific region, are desirable.  
   

Languages: 

• Excellent writing skills in English. 

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 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.