Consultant, National Population Policy Review, Port Moresby, PNG

Location:                                                          Home-based (15 days) and Port Moresby (17 days)                   

Duration:                                                               32 days  between 01 September and 31 October 2023

Background:

The National Population Policy (NPP) 2015-2024 Volume I – Policy Statement is a key national government policy formulated to coordinate population interventions in Papua New Guinea. It was formulated and launched in 2015. This policy was launched at a time when the detailed analysis of the 2011 National Population and Housing Census was not yet undertaken to produce the fertility, mortality and migration data which is the basis for formulating a robust population policy.

The NPP Volume I contained some references to the data from the 2000 population census and surveys such as the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES).

The NPP Volume II contained detailed demographic data analysis using the demographic data from the 2011 census and had the provincial data to support planners and policymakers at the provincial level to formulate strategies and address population concerns based on their own province-specific demographic challenges through their 5-year Integrated Provincial Development Plans (IPDPs). The NPP Volume II – Implementation Plan was completed in mid-2016 using the data from the detailed analysis. However, the NPP Volume II with all the detailed demographic data from the last census has not been implemented by any province through their 5-year IPDPs as the policy has not been endorsed to allow for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) to push for the integration within their plans.

The NPP 2015-2024 completely aligns with the UN Global SDGs and is in agreement with sound sustainable development principles. Hence, its implementation via sectors and provincial development plans would have resounding effects in terms of influencing population growth, size, distribution, and other characteristics. It should be noted that during the NPP 2000-2010, the strategy was to implement the policy through separate plans called Population Action Plans (PAPs) but because implementers found formulating a separate plan was a challenge, and funding was always diverted to provincial development plans, the PAPs did not progress.

A thorough review of the NPP 2015-2024 is required and should include the most up to date demographic data from the 2022 Socio-Demographic and Economic Survey. There is also a need to re-strategize the approach in the implementation at both the national and subnational levels to ensure its higher goals on a sustainable population and sustainable development are achieved successfully. These tasks necessitate the services of a consultant.

Scope of work

(In close collaboration with the Department of National Planning and Monitoring (DNPM) and with the guidance of the UNFPA Deputy Representative and Chief Technical Adviser (CTA), the Consultant on the NPP Review will:

• Utilize the NPP Mid-term Review Report to be prepared by the National Consultant, as the basis to review the NPP Volume I and Volume II according to the coordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the policy at the national and subnational levels;
• Integrate new demographic data from new surveys conducted in the last 5 years by the National Statistical Office (NSO) and other key government agencies;
• Provide regular updates to UNFPA and DNPM;
• Propose the best methods and sources necessary to collect data, information and other complementary information in the finalization of the NPP Volumes I and II;
• Provide presentations to the UNFPA, DNPM, stakeholders and other audiences as and when required;
• Conduct capacity building for DNPM, NSO, relevant stakeholders staff both on-the-job and classroom trainings sessions; and
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the UNFPA Representative and/or Deputy Representative required to ensure the success of the above-mentioned activities.

Qualifications and Experience

Qualification

• At least a Masters' degree in Statistics, Demography, Population Studies, Economics, Sustainable Development, or equivalent qualification in a relevant, directly related discipline.
• Must be meticulous - have a keen eye for details, looking for excellence/ perfection/quality in all technical matters.

Professional experience

• Over 5 years of consultancy and technical advisory experience, programming, and policy design;
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project management, coordination with multi-stakeholders or/and public sector planning, monitoring, and data analysis;
• Knowledge of the Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals;
• Knowledge of working with UN systems in regard to population or International Conference on Population and Development;
• Previous experience working or/and knowledge in Papua New Guinea or/and the Pacific region an asset; and
• Experience in capacity strengthening and development, and skills transfer to local counterpart.

Competencies

• Values:
  
  • Exemplifying integrity
  • Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system
  • Embracing cultural diversity
  • Embracing change
• 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

Languages:

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.

Submission of applications:

Interested applicants should submit their applications of interest to:

The UNFPA Representative, UNFPA,  Level 14, Kina Haus, Douglas Street, PO Box 1041, Port Moresby  on Email: png-recruitment@unfpa.org no later than 21 June 2023.

This should include:

Letter of Interest, CV, and UN Personal History Form