The Position:

Individual Consultancy to conduct an In-depth analysis of Maternal and Newborn Health data in Kenya and develop advocacy materials will  conduct a comprehensive analysis of available data on key MNH indicators and develop impactful advocacy materials on MNH for advocacy targeting key stakeholders, including the private sector.

The consultant will work under direct supervision of UNFPA SRH/Youth Technical Advisor and in consultation with the Ministry of Health and the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD). The consultant will also work with other members of UNFPA such as the M&E Officer and Population and Data Specialist.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA 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), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

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.
Consultancy Background

Kenya has made significant investments in Maternal and Newborn health (MNH) that has seen the country achieve commendable access and uptake of maternal and newborn health services.  According to the KDHS (2022), the ANC coverage stands at 98% for the first visit and 66% for 4 visits and above; the proportion of skilled birth attendance increased from 41% in 2003 to 89% in 2022; and post-natal care coverage increased from 31% in 2008/09 to 78% in 2022..

The country rolled out the “‘Linda mama”’ social health insurance, which accorded all pregnant women full health insurance coverage during pregnancy and the postnatal period thus removing financial barriers to access to care. At county level, the majority of county governments have increased access to maternal health services through establishment of maternity units in primary level facilities, strengthening community health services by employing community health promoters and setting up community health units and increasing deployment of human resources for maternal and newborn health.

However, despite these investments, maternal and newborn health outcomes in the country are lagging behind with the MMR standing at 355/100,000 live births (2019 Kenya Population and Housing Census), stillbirth rate of 18/1,000 live births and newborn mortality rate of 21/1,000 live births (according to the KDHS 2022 respectively). The national average nonetheless masks inequities in access, which continue to persist in geographical locations such as arid and semi-arid areas and urban informal settlements. The heterogeneity of populations further exacerbates these gaps, with adolescents, young women, nomadic women and girls, poor rural women, and women and girls living with disability experiencing poorer maternal and newborn health (MNH) outcomes. Sub-optimal quality of care in many health facilities is a major concern, with the Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (2017) linking 93% of maternal deaths to inadequate care.

Private sector contribution of maternal and newborn health outcomes cannot be overlooked. The private sector in Kenya plays a crucial role in maternal and newborn health by delivering a significant portion of services, including antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care, especially in urban areas.  They contribute to financing through private insurance and out-of-pocket payments, and drive innovation in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention.  Private sector healthcare providers also make up a substantial part of the workforce, and some organizations engage in community outreach and education. However, ensuring quality of care across all private providers and equitable access for vulnerable populations remain key challenges. Effective coordination between the public and private sectors is essential to maximize their impact on improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in Kenya.

Rationale for the Consultancy 

To effectively address the challenges surrounding maternal and newborn health, it is crucial  to clearly map, synthesize and present evidence on factors contributing to poor maternal and newborn health outcomes (drivers) in a simplified format with appropriate data visuals to support advocacy efforts. Valuable data for assessing the current situation and guiding evidence-based interventions can be drawn from the Kenya Population and Housing Census (2019), the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (2022), Kenya Health Information System (KHIS), the Kenya Health Facility Census (2023) and the Kenya Quality of Care Survey.

Purpose of consultancy:

UNFPA is seeking the services of an individual consultant to conduct a comprehensive analysis of available data on key MNH indicators and develop impactful advocacy materials on MNH for advocacy targeting key stakeholders, including the private sector.

Scope of work

The consultant will:

1. Analyze and Synthesize Data: Examine and integrate existing data on MNH, focusing on critical issues such as maternal and neonatal mortality, Basic and Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC and CEmONC), Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR), and human resources for health.

2. . Develop high-quality knowledge products:

• A comprehensive analytical report: Deliver a detailed report with findings, data visualizations, and actionable recommendations on the current state of maternal and newborn health in Kenya.
• A concise State of Maternal and Newborn Health in Kenya report: Create a brief report featuring relevant data visuals, gap analysis, and tailored recommendations for policymakers and programme managers.
• A PowerPoint presentation: Prepare an engaging presentation summarizing the status of maternal and newborn health in Kenya.

Through these products, UNFPA aims to empower stakeholders with essential insights and practical tools to drive improvements in maternal and newborn health outcomes. The materials will effectively communicate the urgency of the challenges and support advocacy efforts for sustainable change. Each deliverable is designed to ensure that data-driven insights are accessible and actionable for policymakers, health professionals, and advocates in the field of maternal and newborn health, with a strong emphasis on addressing geographical disparities, age vulnerabilities, and the needs of marginalized populations.

Deliverables

The scope of work and expected deliverables include:

This consultancy will include 3 phases, each with distinct deliverables:

Inception Phase

• Conduct a thorough desk review of relevant documents, including the Census report, KDHS, KHIS, the Health Facility Census and Quality of Care Survey reports, national MNH policies and guidelines.
• Delivery of draft inception report detailing methodology, timeline and the outline of each of the knowledge products

Analysis Phase 

• The consultant will analyze and triangulate the data and produce a set of preliminary findings, complimented by tentative conclusions and preliminary actionable recommendations, including key investments required
• Presentation of the findings to UNFPA and key stakeholders for feedback.

Reporting Phase:

●   On the basis of the analysis, the consultant will deliver the following draft three knowledge products:

i) A detailed draft report with findings, data visualizations, and actionable recommendations on the current state of maternal and newborn health in Kenya;

ii) A concise overview of key findings, insights, and recommendations for quick reference; iii) A PowerPoint presentation on the status of maternal and newborn health in Kenya

●   The consultant will prepare final deliverables (3) taking into account the feedback received by UNFPA and key stakeholders.

Dissemination Plan: 

●           The consultant and the UNFPA team with input from the UNFPA Communications Officer will prepare a dissemination plan using the recommendations contained in the final report

This is a deliverable based consultancy and it is estimated to take place between 5th November 2024 and 13th December 2024

Adherence to the total consultancy period is critical – no payment will be made for any incomplete quality result / task within the timeline provided.  Full payment will take place after the submission of the final deliverables upon satisfaction of UNFPA.

Deliverables will be assessed for quality and to the extent they fulfill the requirements of the TOR. UNFPA in Kenya reserves the right to discontinue the contract if it feels that the consultant/team does not live up to the expectations or if the consultant/team acts in a way that is detrimental to UNFPA’s reputation and image.

Place where services are to be delivered

Nairobi, Kenya.  Travel is not expected, however, should the need arise, any related costs will be funded by UNFPA.

The consultant/team is expected to work remotely, utilizing their own office space, computer, internet, telephone and other equipment, as needed, to undertake this assignment.
Conflict of Interest

The Consultant will be asked to declare any potential conflict of interest before undertaking the work. The Consultant will discharge his/her functions exclusively as an adviser to UNFPA, the MOH and the NCPD.

UNFPA will support the consultant/team to make the necessary contacts with government and relevant partners. UNFPA will facilitate all relevant documents related to this assignment and will be shared with the consultant/team once the assignment is awarded. UNFPA will facilitate the use of UNFPA virtual platforms or physical meetings where necessary, for presentation of results and stakeholder engagements.

Interested consultants are requested to submit to UNFPA 

Up‐to‐date curriculum vitae(s) and     A recent sample of an assignment of similar nature, that has been developed by the consultant as one document. If you are unable to attach separately.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education, Knowledge and Experience: 

• Masters degree in Public Health, epidemiology, statistics, social sciences or a related field.
• At least 7-10 years of experience in sexual reproductive health with a strong emphasis on maternal and newborn health.
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative data analysis, particularly in the health sector with a strong understanding of MNH indicators, data sources, and the Kenyan health system.
• Excellent analytical, report writing and communication skills.
• Experience working with UNFPA or other UN agencies is an asset.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Languages: 

English

Required 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,

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, 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.