UNFPA Zimbabwe Consultancy Opportunity: Local Consultant to Develop National Family Planning Strategy 2027-2030 in Harare The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC), the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and other key stakeholders, is seeking a qualified Local Consultant to support the review of the National Family Planning Strategy (2022-2026) and lead the development of a new National Family Planning Strategy (2027-2030) for Zimbabwe.
About UNFPA
UNFPA is the United Nations agency dedicated to creating a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person can achieve their full potential. Through its Strategic Plan 2026-2029, UNFPA works towards ending unmet need for family planning, preventing maternal deaths, eliminating gender-based violence and harmful practices, and supporting evidence-based policies that respond to demographic change.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The consultant will lead the review of the current National Family Planning Strategy (2022-2026) and support the development of the new National Family Planning Strategy (2027-2030). The assignment will focus on assessing achievements, identifying gaps and challenges, generating strategic recommendations, and developing a comprehensive, costed and measurable framework for future family planning programming in Zimbabwe.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Harare
- Category: Public Health
- Closing Date: 2026-07-27
Key Responsibilities
- Assess progress against objectives, targets, and priorities of the existing strategy.
- Evaluate the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact of implemented interventions.
- Identify achievements, best practices, innovations, challenges, and implementation barriers.
- Review family planning indicators, including modern contraceptive prevalence rate, unmet need, and method mix trends.
- Assess financing, governance, commodity security, coordination, and accountability mechanisms.
- Develop strategic recommendations for future programming.
- Develop a strategic vision, mission, goals, and priorities for family planning programming.
- Design evidence-based strategic interventions.
- Align the strategy with national, regional, and international reproductive health commitments.
- Develop measurable objectives, indicators, implementation targets, and monitoring frameworks.
- Establish accountability, evaluation, financing, and resource mobilisation frameworks.
- Cost the strategy and develop an implementation plan.
Requirements
- An advanced degree in Public Health, Demography, Health Policy, Development Studies, or a related field.
- At least 7-10 years of experience in strategic planning, programme evaluation, or reproductive health programming.
- Strong expertise in family planning and sexual and reproductive health.
- Demonstrated experience developing national strategies and conducting programme reviews.
- Strong analytical, facilitation, and report-writing skills.
- Knowledge of Zimbabwe’s health system, policies, and development environment.
- Excellent communication skills in English and Shona and/or Ndebele.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical qualifications, certifications, and educational background required for a Local Consultant developing a national strategy for a UN agency in Zimbabwe?
A Master's degree in Public Health, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field is often essential, coupled with extensive experience in family planning, reproductive health, or public health policy. Strong demonstrated experience in national strategy development, policy formulation, and stakeholder engagement within the Zimbabwean context is highly valued. Expertise in research, data analysis, and report writing is also critical.
What would be the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Local Consultant working on a national strategy development project in Zimbabwe?
Daily tasks would involve conducting stakeholder consultations with government ministries, civil society organizations, and local communities, as well as undertaking extensive literature reviews and data analysis. The consultant would also be responsible for drafting strategy documents, preparing presentations, and participating in validation workshops, ensuring alignment with national priorities and international best practices.
What are the local work culture and professional expectations for consultants collaborating with UN agencies and government bodies in Zimbabwe?
Professionalism, respect for hierarchical structures, and adherence to established protocols are paramount when working with government ministries and UN agencies in Zimbabwe. Building strong rapport, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, and maintaining clear communication are key to successful collaboration and project delivery. Punctuality and meeting deadlines are also highly expected.
What are the realistic career progression or growth paths for a Local Consultant after completing a significant project like developing a national strategy in Zimbabwe?
Successfully completing such a high-profile national strategy project can significantly enhance a consultant's profile, leading to opportunities for similar or larger consulting assignments with other UN agencies, international NGOs, or government departments. It can also open doors to senior advisory roles, policy specialist positions, or even academic research roles focused on public health and development in Zimbabwe or the wider region.
What typical benefits (such as leave, medical aid, or pension) can a Local Consultant expect from a UN-related project in Zimbabwe?
As a local consultant, you are typically engaged as an independent contractor, meaning standard employment benefits like paid leave, medical aid, or pension contributions are usually not provided by the hiring agency. Your consultancy fee is expected to cover all your personal and professional expenses, including any self-arranged insurance or social security. It is crucial to clarify the exact terms and conditions of engagement regarding any incidental allowances or reimbursements for project-related travel during contract negotiation.
What is the typical application process, and what do employers like UN agencies in Zimbabwe look for when hiring a Local Consultant for such a strategic role?
The application process usually involves submitting a detailed CV, a cover letter highlighting relevant experience, and often a technical proposal outlining your approach to the assignment. Employers prioritize candidates with proven expertise in the subject matter, a strong track record of successful project delivery, excellent analytical and communication skills, and a deep understanding of the local context and stakeholders in Zimbabwe.