Consultant on Maternal Health
Location: Brasilia, Brazil (Home‑based). Duration: 5 months.
Overview
National data show that 73.5% of women had access to seven or more prenatal consultations in 2021 (Sinasc/MoH, 2021). Maternal mortality due to preventable causes remains stagnant, mainly from hypertension, hemorrhage, puerperal infections, and abortion. Most maternal deaths could have been avoided if prenatal care had included timely diagnosis of maternal hypertension, identification of pregnancy complications, timely initiation of postpartum consultations, and a reduction in cesarean section rates. Primary health care represents a key opportunity to provide quality assistance during the prenatal and postnatal periods.
UNICEF works to ensure that all babies and mothers have access to quality health services before, during, and after pregnancy. In Brazil, this work is carried out through partnerships with the federal, state, and municipal governments, mainly through the UNICEF Seal and the Agenda Cidade UNICEF.
Scope Of Work
The objective of this consultancy is to support the implementation of activities related to the promotion of maternal health within UNICEF's scope of work in Brazil, focusing on primary health care professionals, pregnant women, and new mothers.
Activities
* Support for the Maternal and Child Health Agenda within the UNICEF Seal.
* Support for the Maternal Health Agenda during the implementation of the Child‑Friendly Unit (UAPI).
* Support for the follow‑up of the ongoing study and communication campaign.
* Support for the development of videocasts on maternal and child health.
Work Assignments Overview
1. Work Assignment 1 – Workplan for the UNICEF Seal
o Deliverable: Workplan including a proposed leaflet for municipalities on maternal health, a proposed training plan for municipalities participating in the UNICEF Seal, and the design of additional strategies.
o Timeline: 30 days after contract signature.
2. Work Assignment 2 – Scripts for 5 Videocasts
o Deliverable: Five scripts on topics defined in collaboration with the Women's Health Coordination/Ministry of Health.
o Timeline: 45 days after contract signature.
3. Work Assignment 3 – Workplan for UAPI
o Deliverable: Workplan containing proposals of strategies and tools, and training activities aligned with official Ministry of Health materials.
o Timeline: 60 days after contract signature.
4. Work Assignment 4 – Scripts for 5 Videocasts (continued)
o Deliverable: Delivery of 5 scripts and logistical support for videocast recordings.
o Timeline: 75 days after contract signature.
5. Work Assignment 5 – Finalization and Follow‑up of the Study
o Deliverable: Support in finalizing the publication and development of dissemination materials for press and social media.
o Timeline: 120 days after contract signature.
6. Work Assignment 6 – Finalization and Follow‑up of the Study (report)
o Deliverable: Preparation of a final report containing main results, lessons learned, and recommendations.
o Timeline: 150 days after contract signature.
Minimum Qualifications Required
* University degree in public health, medicine, nursing, or another relevant health area.
* Postgraduate specialization in maternal and child health or a related women's health field.
* Minimum four years of professional experience working with public policies on women's health.
* Strong oral and written communication skills.
* Teamwork skills and ability to work under tight deadlines and independently.
* Experience in UN system agencies or similar organizations is an advantage.
Language Proficiency
* Fluency in Portuguese is required.
Financial Proposal
* Submit an all‑inclusive fee covering lump sum, administrative cost, travel cost, and subsistence costs as applicable, based on deliverables and number of days.
UNICEF's Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do. For our values charter see UNICEF Values. UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations are available for consultants with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history.
Legal Notice
* Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered "staff members" under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF's policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage. Contract conditions are governed by the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors.
* Consultants are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and paying any taxes or duties in accordance with applicable laws.
* Consultants must ensure visa and health insurance are valid for the entire contract period and, if required, be fully vaccinated against SARS‑CoV‑2.
Seniority Level Entry level
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Research, Science, and Health Care Provider
Industry Non‑profit Organizations
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