Family planning uptake is low. Contraceptive prevalence rate is 4.5% for all methods and 1.7% for modern methods in SHHS 2010, but estimated at 3.3% in 2016 for all women and 5.5% for women in union by FP2020 FTEP. The FP2020 FTEP for 2016 estimated 31.5 per cent of women with an unmet need for a modern method of contraception and 13.7 per cent of women whose demand is satisfied with a modern method of contraception. Information on family planning use levels, discontinuation, and on levels of facility based family planning use, method mix, etc. remain scanty.
It is believed that socio-cultural factors as one of many demand side factors play significant influence on use and non-use of family planning in South Sudan. There are also some supply side factors that affect and sustained use of family planning. There is therefore need for rigorous study to determine how it works to cause the influence. In this way, appropriate strategies can be designed to address the determinants of the use in ways that respond to how the factors interact.
The consultancy aims to carry out a national study on determinants of use and non-use of contraceptives in South Sudan. More importantly, the study is planned to use qualitative method to dig further into the factors that determine use and those that hinder use, with a deeper insight into meanings and explanations beyond the normal factors such as side effects, spousal approvals, religious beliefs, etc. It is intended to understand the reasons behind these and other concerns in family planning use from individual, family, community and institutional perspectives and how some people, despite these concerns on family planning use, are still motivated and continue to use family planning.
The result of the study is planned to guide policy-making, programming, and monitoring and evaluation of government policies and programmes on family planning at national and sub-national levels. Humanitarian access permitting, it is preferred that the data for the behavior study on family planning use or non-use show any subtle differences to aid evidence-based planning at national and lower levels. It will also be used in designing a programme for social and behavior change communication that could be designed to address individual and contextual positive and negative antecedent factors to family planning/contraceptive use.
Qualifications and Experience
The assignment is looking for a team of two consultants (one international and one national) who may apply jointly or individually. For those who make individual applications or one of the joint applications should be willing to work with another consultant, if your and the other consultant’s strengths are found to be best suitable match to undertake the assignment. This may mean another person from the one you could have jointly applied with for the assignment.
The consultants should have strength in quantitative and qualitative studies and with substantial experience in planning, implementing and writing reports of national level or large scale demographic, socio-economic and health surveys and in qualitative or anthropological studies. Strong background in publication of survey reports and related studies are preferred.
The international consultant needs to have to following additional qualifications and experience:
- Masters degree (PhD an asset) in the area of demography and population studies, statistics, public health, social science and related research oriented disciplines
- at least ten years of experience
- fluency in oral and written English.
Previous in-depth knowledge and understanding of issues of sexual reproductive health and family planning inequities in South Sudan or similar context is desirable. Other desired skills include: good diplomatic skills and experience interacting with host country government agencies including development partners, and civil society organizations; and familiarity with information technology, including proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software.
Expected travel: Arrival in Juba Mid/end July 2017 with departure mid/end December 2017.
How to apply
Applicants should submit their applications through email. Please send your cover letter and CV/P11 (www.unfpa.org/resources/p11-un-personal-history-form) and other supporting documents to SSCO.vacancies@unfpa.org
All applications should be cleared marked with Subject Line “Behavioural Study on Determinants of Use/ Non-use of Family Planning (International Consultancy)” by: 10 JULY 2017
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
