Purpose of consultancy:
The purpose of the Minimum Initial Service Package [MISP] for Reproductive Health readiness assessment is to evaluate the provincial [Sindh and KP] Government Institutions/Departments for preparedness and capacity for the implementation of a predefined set of activities.
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The readiness assessment will include assessing a coordinated set of priority activities designed to prevent and manage the consequences of sexual violence; reduce STIs and HIV transmission; prevent excess maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality; prevent unintended pregnancies and plan for comprehensive SRH services.
The study findings will be utilized for MISP institutionalization, including MISP integration in government preparedness & contingency plans, prepositioning for commodities and domestic resources allocation, and capacity building.
Scope of work:
In times of crisis, the need for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) does not stop; grows as a result of disruptions to health systems, displacement, and breakdowns in social structures and protection. When a crisis occurs,’ pregnancy complications, the danger of STI and HIV transmission, and the desire to get contraception continue. Additionally, during times of crisis, the risks of unsafe abortions, deliveries, and acts of sexual and gender-based violence can worsen, making women, girls, and other marginalized and underprivileged groups even more vulnerable. Approximately 75 to 80 percent of all crisis-affected populations are women, children, and youth who need and have a right to reproductive health services.
Following global, regional, and country-level commitments to enhance government response capacity to emergencies, particularly in countries identified as middle-income, UNFPA intends to conduct the MISP readiness assessment in Sindh province as well. It is proposed that a technical expert will be hired to assist the UNFPA Pakistan team in conducting the exercise. Following are some details of the proposed assignment
- Assess the reproductive health services, infrastructure, policies, and procedures of the concerned Government of Sindh institution/department to determine its strengths, and areas of improvement for its adequate response to the emergency.
- Determine the Government [ Sindh] institution/ department's specific needs and requirements for adopting the MISP standards, taking into account elements including the affected population, available resources, coordination mechanisms, and current healthcare systems.
- Enlist any potential barriers /or risks preventing the MISP implementation, such as a lack of resources, a skills gap, or a social or cultural barrier.
- Create a thorough roadmap, in light of the assessment results, defining the necessary processes, actions, and milestones for the successful integration of MISP standards into the institution/ department's emergency response framework.
- Provide recommendations and share best practices regarding pre-emergency planning, coordination systems, service delivery, monitoring, and evaluation, to enhance the institution/ department's capacity to deliver crucial reproductive health services.
- The study findings will be utilized for MISP institutionalization, including MISP integration in government preparedness and contingency plans, prepositioning for medicines/supplies and contraceptive commodities, domestic resources allocation and capacity building.
- Review the Assessment report [2022] of KP with the institutions/departments and validate the information for the finalization of the report.
Technical requirements for consultancy:
1- The consultant will contextualize the MRA Global tool,
2- The consultant will identify key relevant government and civil society stakeholders and conduct KIIs and FGDs.
3- The consultant will analyze the data, with evidence-based findings and recommendations.
4- The consultant will also assess and evaluate the gaps and assist the government in including the SRH & GBV humanitarian preparedness plan adopting the MISP approach for humanitarian emergencies.
5- To engage key partners and stakeholders in the MISP readiness assessment exercise.
6- The consultant will map the existing structure and service delivery mechanisms on SRH & GBV and will collect information on the level of preparedness to respond to humanitarian emergencies.
7- The consultant will also collect information on humanitarian supply chain mechanisms including prepositioning for humanitarian response.
8- To prepare the information including costing analysis of the gaps based on MISP Readiness Assessment results to be shared with respective partners for further consideration and include the recommendations in Annual Development Plans (ADPs)/ PC 1 for both the provinces.
9- To prepare the outline of advocacy messages and materials to be disseminated during respective meetings with Government level officials in KP and Sindh on the MRA outcome
Duration and working schedule: The assignment will be a total of seventy (70) working days spread ending on October 15, 2023.
The places where services are to be delivered: Islamabad, Pakistan
Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):
Ownership of outputs: UNFPA Pakistan Country Office
Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format, and deadline: • Activities and progress will be monitored through unfollow-up at all the major steps of the assignment
- Consultant should submit updates and key progress reports by e-mail.
- Consultant will submit the assignment/ consultancy completion report on the UNFPA reporting template along with relevant annexures 10 days in advance of the assignment’s end date (Oct 15, 2023).
Supervisory arrangements:
UNFPA Humanitarian Affair Specialist will directly supervise activities related to the consultancy to ensure a quality outcome of the MRA study.
Expected travel:
To Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province
Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies, including language requirements:
- Degree in health and/or other related social science field;
- At least 5 years of professional experience, preferably in the field of SRH in Emergencies;
- Excellent analytical, communication, and writing skills including experience in drafting reports and technical guidelines;
- Experience in liaising with different counterparts, and facilitating consultations, meetings, and workshops.
- Excellent Computer skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database software;
- Understanding and respect of the mission and core values of UNFPA and active upholding of United Nations guiding principle principles;
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team;
- Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members of different national and cultural backgrounds.
