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: Healthcare
- 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 and certifications required for a Local Consultant role with UNFPA in Zimbabwe, especially for national strategy development?
This role typically requires an advanced degree in public health, social sciences, or a related field, alongside proven experience in national strategy development or program management within the health sector. Strong analytical skills and familiarity with the Zimbabwean health landscape are usually essential for success.
What would be the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Local Consultant developing a national family planning strategy in Zimbabwe?
Daily tasks would involve extensive stakeholder consultations with government ministries and civil society, comprehensive data analysis, and drafting strategy components based on local needs and international best practices. You would also facilitate workshops, prepare detailed reports, and contribute to validating the strategy with key partners.
What are the typical work culture and expectations for consultants working with UN agencies like UNFPA in Zimbabwe?
The work culture emphasizes professionalism, accountability, and strong collaboration with government ministries and local partners, requiring cultural sensitivity. Consultants are expected to be proactive, results-oriented, and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines and established UN guidelines.
What are the realistic career progression or growth paths after serving as a Local Consultant on a national strategy with UNFPA in Zimbabwe?
This experience can open doors to further consultancy roles with UN agencies, international NGOs, or senior program management positions within public health organizations, both locally and regionally. It provides a strong foundation for specializing in policy development, sexual and reproductive health, or international development work.
As a local consultant with UNFPA in Zimbabwe, what typical benefits like leave, medical aid, or pension should I expect?
Consultants are usually contracted for specific durations and are generally not entitled to benefits like medical aid or pension typically offered to permanent staff members. Leave provisions are often negotiated within the specific contract terms, but compensation is typically an all-inclusive fee to cover such personal arrangements.
What is the best way to apply for such a consultant role with UNFPA in Zimbabwe, and what do they typically look for in applicants?
Applications are typically submitted online through the UN recruitment portal (e.g., jobs.un.org or specific UNFPA country office websites) by the stated deadline, requiring a detailed CV and cover letter. Employers seek candidates with demonstrated experience in similar strategy development, strong local context understanding, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of delivering results.