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11 hours ago
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.
The consultancy will contribute to strengthening access to high-quality, integrated, equitable, and rights-based family planning services through evidence-driven strategic planning aligned with national, regional, and global reproductive health commitments.
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: Consultancy
- 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 qualifications and experience are typically required for a local consultant role focused on national strategy development in public health?
For a strategic public health consultancy, a master's degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field is often essential. Extensive experience in national health policy, family planning programs, or related research in Zimbabwe is highly valued.
What would be the common day-to-day responsibilities for a local consultant working on a national family planning strategy in Zimbabwe?
Daily tasks would involve conducting stakeholder consultations, data analysis, report writing, and facilitating workshops with government and civil society partners. You would contribute to drafting strategic documents, ensuring they align with national health priorities and international best practices.
What are the key work culture expectations and professional etiquette for a consultant working with international organizations and government bodies in Zimbabwe?
Professionalism, cultural sensitivity, and strong collaborative skills are paramount, as you'll engage diverse stakeholders across ministries and communities. Punctuality, respect for hierarchical structures, and adherence to established protocols are also highly valued in the Zimbabwean professional context.
What are the realistic career progression paths for a local consultant after completing a national strategy development project like this in Zimbabwe?
Successfully completing such a project can lead to further short-term consultancies with international development agencies or government ministries. It also strengthens your profile for senior program management or policy advisory roles within NGOs or public health institutions in Zimbabwe.
As a consultant, what typical benefits or entitlements can I expect from an engagement with an international organization in Zimbabwe?
Consultancy contracts typically do not include traditional employment benefits like medical aid, pension, or paid annual leave, as compensation is usually an all-inclusive daily or lump-sum fee. You would be responsible for your own benefits and tax obligations.
What should I emphasize in my application to stand out for a consultancy role of this nature in Zimbabwe?
Highlight your proven expertise in public health, family planning, or policy development within the Zimbabwean context, along with strong analytical and communication skills. Employers look for a clear track record of delivering high-quality strategic documents and engaging effectively with diverse local stakeholders.