1. health and fitness

TERMS OF REFERENCE
IMPROVING MATERNAL AND NEWBORN OUTCOMES IN SIX HIGH BURDEN MATERNAL
MORTALITY COUNTIES IN KENYA
POST TITLE: Senior Programme Coordinator - Reproductive, Maternal, New-born, Child and Adolescent
Health (RMNCAH), Kenya
CLOSING DATE: 11 March 2015
CATEGORY: SB5
POST TYPE: Service Contract
DUTY STATION: Nairobi
DURATION: One year renewable
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: County Project Office
BACKGROUND
Improving Maternal, Newborn and Child health is a key global agenda. Although some progress has been noted,
the goal of reducing maternal mortality ratio (MMR) by three quarters by 2015 remains unmet by most of the
Low Income Countries (LICS). Given this scenario, consistent efforts need to continue focusing on reducing
MMR in the high burden LICS, many of which will not have achieved the desired health targets contained within
the aspirations of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Global Financing Facility (GFF) for Every
Woman and Every Child responds to this challenge and aims to support scale-up RMNCAH plans and
measurement mobilize and channel additional international and domestic financing
With Kenya’s MMR of 488 per 100,000 live births, more than 6,000 women and girls are estimated to die each
year as a result of pregnancy-related complications most of which are totally preventable. Additionally, close to
250,000 women are estimated to suffer from disabilities caused by complications during pregnancy and childbirth
each year. The last Kenya Demographic Health Survey (KDHS) indicated that early childhood mortality in the
country dropped down to 74 per 1000 in 2008 from 115 per 1000 in 2003. However, more than 60% of all these
deaths may be occurring within the neonatal period. And many more newborns are left with long-term disabilities
that impact negatively on their quality of life. Overall, between 1990 and 2010, despite global MMR reducing by
close to 50%, Kenya recorded no statistical change at all in MMR.
The recent developments help Kenya to address the concerns about continued high levels of maternal mortality
and inability to achieve child health MDG goals. These include the Constitution which binds the government to
provide ‘the highest possible standard of health, including Reproductive Health; Devolution which enhances
accountability and potential for more investments towards the health sector; the vision 2030 that envisages
transformative development to make Kenya a middle income country highlighting strategies to strengthen the
healthcare system; progressive political interests in maternal health spearheaded by the country’s First Lady
(Beyond Zero Campaign).
The proposed project to improve maternal and new born mortality in 6 high burden counties (Mandera, Wajir,
Marsabit, Isiolo, Lamu, & Migori) is aligned to existing Kenyan aspirations and initiatives to increase access and
improve quality of health services.
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The project will specifically focus on four areas:
i. Improving access, utilization and quality of integrated RMNCAH and HIV services
ii. Generating community demand for RMNCAH and HIV services
iii. Building institutional capacity at county and national levels
iv. Strengthening of monitoring and evaluation systems
This project will bring together key partners (USAID, DFID, Save the Children Fund, members of the UN H4+
partnership-UNFPA, WHO, UNAIDS, UN Women, UNICEF and the World Bank) in the target counties in a
coordinated manner.
The project, in addition to supporting the 6 county governments, will also provide technical assistance to
finalization of multi-year RMNCAH plan and investment case for Kenya being developed by the Family Health
Division, Ministry of Health. It is proposed to contract one national technical advisor to support this critical role.
Main tasks and responsibilities
The National Technical Advisor will provide technical leadership to the RMNCAH policy development at the
national level and its implementation in the 6 Counties. Specifically s/he will have the following core functions:
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Collaborate with the World Bank Group in supporting the Division of Family Health to in the finalization of
the multi-year integrated RMNACH plan and investment framework revenant for the Kenyan context
involving key stakeholders.
Facilitate dialogue and information sharing between the two levels of Government, UNFPA, UNAIDS,
UNICEF, the World Bank, WHO, other UN partners and development partners financing RMNCAH on
technical and operational issues.
Provide technical advice to the county health teams in the project counties, including support for
prioritization, target setting and quality assurance.
Prompt identification of implementation bottlenecks for the Project and find locally relevant solutions to
address them.
Participate in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools for the project and
support the UNPFA team in the project oversight.
Prepare regular analytical reports to be shared with H4+ Partners and the Project Steering Committee; and
Facilitate documenting the implementing experiences and best practices for deepening the knowledge base
on RMNCAH.
Deliverables
 Technical notes and analytical pieces to be used for the finalization of multi-year RMNCAH plan and
investment case.
 Baseline analysis of implementation bottlenecks and options relevant for the Kenyan context.
 Monthly progress reports
 Quarterly newsletter documenting the implementation experiences and best practices.
Reporting and Coordination Responsibilities
The selected candidate will work closely with the Lead Health Specialist, World Bank for the development of the
RMNCAH Kenya multi-year plan and investment framework. S/he will work under the overall Supervision of
the UNFPA Representative/Deputy Representative.
The incumbent will also liaise as relevant with RMNCAH Program Officers of H4+ partners, as well as relevant
national counterparts, UN system organizations, multi and bilateral international development agencies, civil
society and local communities to building and developing the capacity of county institutions to implement
RMNCAH initiatives that are effectively integrated with HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights.
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Core Competencies:
 Self-Motivated with strong Emotional Intelligence
 Commitment to the poor
 Integrity and valuing Diversity
 Fostering Innovation and Empowerment
 Coaching and Mentoring to build implementation capacity within the county
 Working in Teams & Communication Information and Ideas
 Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making
 Analytical and Strategic thinking and Results Orientation/Commitment to Excellence
 Promoting Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Learning
QUAUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
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Advanced university degree in public health, medicine, demography, social sciences or related field;
At least 10 years- of progressive professional experience in development, design, and implementation of
sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR)/RMNCAH programmes in developing countries;
Experience of working in Africa especially Kenya either with Governments or UN systems will be an
asset;
Experience in the management of county or national level RMNCAH or Health related programmes;
Fluency in English with excellent writing, analytical and communication skills.
Application Procedures
Interested candidates who meet the above qualifications may send their applications to email address:
[email protected] by Wednesday, 11 March 2015, quoting the post title on the subject line.
Applications should have a cover letter, curriculum vitae, names and contacts of three referees.
We will only be able to respond to those applicants in whom UNFPA has a further interest. Women and nationals
from developing countries (this is a National Position) are encouraged to apply.
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity,
integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender
distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.
Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process.
Applications received via other means will not be accepted.
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