Job description
The Position:
Under the overall guidance of the Country Representative, with support from the Deputy Country Representative and direct supervision of the Head of the Reproductive Health Unit, the Individual Consultant (IC) will conduct a study to estimate maternal morbidity prevalence and incidence in Ghana, with guidance from the Technical Working Group.
You will report to
Under the overall guidance of the Country Representative, with support from the Deputy Country Representative and direct supervision of the Head of the Reproductive Health Unit, the Individual Consultant (IC) will conduct a study to estimate maternal morbidity prevalence and incidence in Ghana, with guidance from the Technical Working Group.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.
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 who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
Ghana is currently confronting substantial challenges pertaining to maternal morbidity, with estimated incidence rates reaching 157 cases per 1000 live births for potentially life-threatening conditions and 28.6 cases per 1000 live births for maternal near-miss events. These figures warrant serious attention, especially considering the nation's ongoing endeavors to decrease maternal mortality. The elevated incidence of SMM in Ghana necessitates the implementation of targeted interventions to address the fundamental etiologies of maternal morbidity.
You would be responsible for:
- Conduct a maternal morbidity burden study
- Provide guidance for the selection and use of a scientifically appropriate and globally accepted design to guide the study
- Train technical data collection staff where needed
- Coordinate the TWG on key aspects of the study including but not limited to data collection, analysis and report generation
- Make presentations to key stakeholders where deemed necessary
- Submit a holistic report on the study
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
- Medical Degree - MB ChB or equivalent
- Postgraduate training in public health, social science, OBGYN, feto-matemal medicine or related areas will be an added advantage.
Knowledge and Experience:
- 10 years experience in maternal health and a strong understanding of Ghana's health care system
- Experience in conducting public health related research, facilitating stakeholder engagements and management of multi-layered public health programmes
- Wide experience in delivering analytical reports
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with experience in public speaking.
Languages:
- Fluency in English and any local language.
Required Competencies:
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity,
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
- Embracing cultural diversity,
- Embracing change
- Transparency
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
- Commitment to UNFPA Values and Guiding Principles
- Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships
- Strong team player
Functional Competencies:
- Managing data
- Job knowledge/technical expertise
- Planning, organising and multitasking
- Providing financial and budget support
Compensation and Benefits:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
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.