National RMNCH Consultant at National Health Research Authority

Job Description

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Background

The Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS) results indicate that the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) decreased from 278 /100,000 live births in 2018 to 187/100,000 live births in 2024. In the same period, neonatal mortality rate (NMR) declined from 27 /1000 live births to 17/1000 live births. Adolescent pregnancy rate remains high at 28%. Despite progress, there are many deaths occur due to preventable causes such as infections, birth asphyxia, and complications related to preterm births for newborns and for the maternal deaths the causes are bleeding in pregnancy and after, maternal hypertension and preeclampsia. A substantial number of these deaths occur in facilities and during transit between facilities or from home to health facilities. The other challenges leading to deaths are low staffing levels, inadequate transportation, poor roads, inadequate/poor infrastructure, and inadequate proper equipment. The health gains achieved in newborn and child health care are sustained and even improved overtime through key strategies. UNICEF is working with Ministry of Health to work on service delivery gaps in identification, linkage to health system, care for pregnant adolescent and follow-ups. National Health Research Authority is working with UNICEF and MOH to implement RMNCH programmes.

The Authority is therefore seeking applications from suitably qualified individuals to fill the following positions.

Position : National RMNCH Consultant

Number of positions : 01

Duration of Contract: 1 Year (Renewable)

Type of Contract : Consultant/Coordinator

Duty Station : Lusaka

Purpose of Activity/Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is for the National Consultant-RMNCHA, Zambia to work with the Ministry of Health in Lusaka Zambia. The National RMNCH Consultant will provide strategic guidance and technical assistance across all RMNCH activities at the national level, collaborating closely with Ministry of Health and provincial health offices. The role will ensure coordination and scaling of efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes across Zambia.

The consultant(s) will coordinate Safe motherhood, Newborn health, eMTCT, IMNCI, ECD, adolescent and community health programs from the national level. The consultant(s) will ensure

that work related to RMNCHA is carried out effectively, timely, reports done, funds liquidated and attends meetings related to RMNCHA at National and Provincial level.

Key Responsibilities

1.) RMNCHA Program Implementation and Technical Support:

Provide technical assistance to National, provincial and district health teams to implement RMNCHA activities in line with National level guidelines.
Support the development and roll-out of high-impact interventions, including antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care (PNC).
Strengthen facility-level health systems to improve access to and quality of RMNCHA services.
Support the integration of adolescent health services into RMNCHA programming.

2.) Capacity Building:

Conduct/supervise training sessions for health workers on RMNCHA protocols and guidelines.
Mentor healthcare staff to improve service delivery quality.
Develop and deliver training plans tailored to address identified gaps in health worker competencies.

3.) Support MOH teams in evidence-based planning, monitoring, and evaluation:

Strengthen the collection, analysis, and use of RMNCHA data for program planning and decision-making.
Regularly monitor health facility performance through site visits, reviewing indicators, and assessing service quality.
Document and report progress, challenges, and recommendations through monthly and quarterly reports.
Contribute to donor reporting and provide data for program evaluations.

4.) Strengthen referral systems and quality of care for maternal and child health services:

Assess and strengthen referral systems, ensuring timely transfer of patients between health facilities and levels of care.
Support improvements in the quality of maternal, newborn, and child healthcare services at facilities.
Facilitate the implementation of maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response (MPDSR) systems.

5.) Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting:

Strengthen data collection, analysis, and reporting systems at the National level.
Provide regular progress reports and contribute to donor reporting.
Support the implementation of the community health management information system (cHMIS) in select districts.

6.) Community Engagement and Advocacy:

To work closely with Social Behaviour teams in MOH and UNICEF to address the sociocultural barriers in RMNCHA service delivery.
Support community health interventions, including outreach services, to reach underserved populations.

7) Coordination and Collaboration:

Liaise with national, provincial and district health authorities, internal UNICEF teams, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Participate in National/provincial/district-level RMNCH coordination/TWG meetings.
Support financial management and accountability for program funds at the national and provincial level.
Ensure alignment of activities with national and sub-national health priorities and policies.

8.) Knowledge sharing and documentation

Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories from RMNCHA+N program implementation.
Develop materials for advocacy and knowledge dissemination to stakeholders.

9.) Any other task given by Supervisor

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

Must have a Master’s in Public Health, Medical Sciences, Health Systems, Hospital Administration, or related health related sciences.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required

At least 8 years of national level experience in maternal, newborn and child health or public health in developing country
Good knowledge and understanding of health system, particularly RMNCHA+N programs.
Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders and facilitate workshops and training sessions.
Strong writing and communication skills in English

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are encouraged to submit their applications, relevant academic and professional qualifications, detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with traceable referees to [email protected]

Closing date is Friday 24th January, 2025. Note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted to attend panel interviews.