International Consultancy, Family Planning Policy Advisor, Antananarivo, Madagascar

Background/Purpose:

Despite all the efforts and the notable progress recorded in the Family Planning program in the last 20 years, Madagascar still faces high unmet need for Family Planning (15 percent) and high adolescent fertility rate (143 per 1,000 girls aged 15-19 year). The Madagascar Government is undertaking 'an unprecedented policy move' to accelerate results on Family Planning pursuant the new Presidential program outlined in the 2024 State General Policy (Politique Générale de l’Etat).

The program of the re-elected President is focused on three main pillars: (a) Human Capital and social development; (b) Industrial development and job creation; (c) Good governance and the fight against corruption. Under the Human Capital pillar, the overarching goal  is defined  as the National Family Planning Program, main vector to achieve a demographic transition and harness the demographic dividend.  

In the President's political program the new family policy spans throughout his mandate and involves six main ministerial departments beyond Health; namely Education, Youth, Population, Communication, University and Higher Education. 

UNFPA Madagascar CO is fully involved and co-leading the implementation of the national family planning program. UNFPA CO proposes a Consultant for an initial period of eleven (11) months to support the Government’s ambitions at the highest level in the development and implementation of the national family planning program. 

The main objectives are to coordinate and harmonize efforts towards the development of an inter-ministerial family planning program, to provide expertise and guidance for high level continental and regional advocacy and for additional resource mobilization, to strengthen capacity of ministerial focal points, to provide technical expertise in the analysis and utilization of national data for communication of the FP program results including to press and donors. 

How you can make a difference:

UUNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025) focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. 

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 that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Major Duties and Responsabilities:

The Family Planning Policy Advisor post is placed in Government (department to be determined), under the direct supervision of UNFPA Representative and technical guidance of the UNFPA Deputy Representative. 

You would be responsible for:

A. Program Design 

1. Conduct a desk review and an in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the Family planning program in Madagascar including social norms, constraints, available services and gaps; 
2. Organize consultation meetings involving the Ministries involved in the family planning program (Minister of National Education, Minister of Population, Minister of Youth, Minister of Communication, Minister of Higher Education and University), Minister of Finance and other relevant ministries, CSOs and UN Agencies, USAID, World Bank to gather information on initiatives and opportunities for FP program
3. Identify critical and innovative approaches to achieve the objective of the National Family Planning Program 
4. Provide technical assistance  Secretary of State of the Presidence ( secretaire d’etat aupres de la presidence) in charge of family planning
5. Provide technical support for the preparation of National Family Planning Program document (for programmatic and resource mobilization scopes) 
6. Develop a results framework, including budgetary and programmatic aspects, based on the strategic orientations adopted in the National Family Planning Program document/ framework 
7. Collect statistical data on family planning, define program indicators and ensure correct and reliable use of data in communications on the family planning program progress; 
8. Define a partnership strategy with the various actors and identify the areas and types of interventions supported by different actors.
9. Ensure regular follow up on interventions implemented by partners
10. Ensure overall program coherence and partners synergy including UN agencies synergy
11. Develop a coordination, monitoring and evaluation plan for the program 

B.  Advocacy and development of resource mobilization and financial partnership strategies 

1. Provide technical support in the development of partnership and resource mobilization strategies; 
2. Analyse trends and provide technical support for the use of new and innovative financing mechanisms for the family planning program’s resource mobilization efforts; 
3. Contribute to data and information collection and talking points on financing issues for consideration by the President, Minister of Health, UNFPA Representative 
4. Set up an updated bank of donors and list potential opportunities for resource mobilization; 
5. Communicate regularly with the UNFPA Madagascar office, ESARO office and make all required information available in a timely manner; 
6. Provide technical support to Staff of Minister of Health and other Ministries involved in the family planning presidential program (Minister of National Education, Minister of Population, Minister of Youth, Minister of Communication, Minister of Higher Education and University) and ensure training and capacity development initiatives as needed; 
7. Facilitate the engagement and participation of partners, in line with the activities planned by the Family Planning Program of the President/ Minister of Health 
8. Build, manage and expand relationships with national partners (civil society and private sector) and international partners to support the implementation of the Family Planning program, anticipate any potential issues

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

A Master's degree or PhD in medicine, public health, reproductive health, social sciences or similar discipline.      

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Professional experience of at least 10 years in designing programs, in conducting and carrying out similar studies and analyses; 
• Good knowledge of the United Nations System, previous experience in coordination mechanisms, as well as working with Government in developing National programs
• Work experience in different cultural environments, preferably in Africa; 
• Good knowledge of the principles and challenges of governance, advocacy and the implementation of public policies in complex development situations; 
• Good knowledge and experience in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of programs; 
• Experience in the implementation of the Family Planning Program (formulation and drafting of projects, mobilization of partnerships and negotiation, advocacy, transfer of skills, social mobilization, analysis and use of data for programmatic and communication purposes); 
• Relevant knowledge in the area of the advancement of women, gender-based violence including in humanitarian settings; 
• Good command of computers and common office software.

Languages: 

Perfect command of French and English

Required Competencies: 

Values:

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

Core Competencies: 

• Demonstrate integrity by upholding UN values and ethical standards; 
• Respect culture, gender, religion, race, nationality, age sensitivity; 
• Treat all people fairly and equally.
• 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. 

Functional Competencies:

• Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda; 
• Delivering results-based programmes; 
• Providing a technical support system;
• Strengthening the programming capacity of Country Offices; 
• Facilitating quality programmatic results; 
• Internal and external relations and advocacy for resources mobilization; 
• Creating visibility for the organization;
• Job/knowledge and technical expertise. 

Managerial Competencies (if applicable):

• Engaging internal/external partners and Stakeholders; 
• Leading, developing and empowering people/creating a culture of performance; 
• Making decisions and exercising judgment. 

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. 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.