Job Details

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. With funding from European Union, 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 EU-HD programme in Luapula and Northwestern province.

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

Position : Provincial RMNCH+N Officer – Consultant

Number of positions : 02

Duration of Contract : 1 Year (Renewable)

Type of Contract : Consultant/Coordinator

Duty Station:

1. Luapula: With travel to Chienge, Kawambwa, Mwansabombwe, Chifunabuli and Nchelenge

2. Northwestern: With travel to Kabompo, Mufumbwe, Zambezi, Mwnilunga, and Mushindamo

Purpose of Activity/Assignment

The purpose of this assignment for the Provincial RMNCAH+N Officer is to support the coordination of Safe motherhood, Newborn health, eMTCT, IMNCI, ECD, adolescent, Nutrition and community health programs for the district in the UNICEF-European Union/HD program supported Districts. The consultant(s) will work with the District Health Office-MCH and standards to ensure that work related to the EU-HD funded projects is carried out effectively and reported timely thereby contributing to improving outcomes and reducing maternal, newborn and child mortality.

Key Responsibilities

1.) RMNCHA+N Program Implementation and Technical Support:

• Provide technical assistance to district health teams to implement RMNCHA+N 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 district-level health systems to improve access to and quality of RMNCHA+N services.

• Support the integration of adolescent health and nutrition services into RMNCHA+N programming.

2.) Capacity Building:

• Conduct/supervise training sessions for health workers on RMNCHA+N 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 district health teams in evidence-based planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

• Strengthen the collection, analysis, and use of RMNCHA+N 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 with data 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 district 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:

• Advocate for male involvement in RMNCHA+N programs and address sociocultural barriers to healthcare access.

• Support community health interventions, including outreach services, to reach underserved populations.

7.) Coordination and Collaboration:

• Liaise with provincial and district health authorities, internal UNICEF teams, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

• Participate in district-level RMNCHA coordination/TWG meetings.

• Support financial management and accountability for program funds at the district level.

• Ensure alignment of activities with national and sub-national health priorities and policies.

8.) Emergency preparedness and response

• Provide technical support in strengthening district-level preparedness for RMNCHA+N-related emergencies.

• Assist in mobilizing resources and coordinating the health response during emergencies.

9.) 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.

10.) Any other task given by Supervisor.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Must have a Master’s Degree in Public Health, Nursing, Health Systems, or related health related sciences.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required

• At least 8 years of professional experience in maternal, newborn and child health or public health, or policy development.

• Good knowledge and understanding of Zambia’s health system, particularly RMNCHA+N programs.

• Strong writing and communication skills in English.

• Demonstrated ability to engage with stakeholders and facilitate workshops and training sessions.

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.