TERMS OF REFERENCE: SMART Family Planning Advocacy Strategy

1. Summary

Purpose

SMART Family Planning Advocacy Strategy

Location

Remote

Duration

12 consultancy days

Start date

27th August 2024

1. Background

Somalia faces challenges in maternal and newborn health as evidenced in its Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) which currently sit at 692 per 100 000 live births and 39 death/1,000 livebirth respectively. The Contraceptive Prevalence Rate is 1% and the unmet need for FP is at 37% as per SHDS 2020. Research-based evidence has continuously indicated that FP is a key pillar in the reduction of maternal mortality.

Therefore, UNFPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through its Implementing Partner HDC- Human Development Concern seeks to recruit a consultant to develop a SMART advocacy strategy for Family Planning a

Purpose of Consultancy

The SMART Family Planning and Reproductive Health Commodity Security Advocacy, Strategy’s. main goals are to:

1. Provide a road map for involving decision-makers to support resource allocation, utilization and policy action for family planning and Reproductive Health Commodity Security in Somali
2. Strengthen multi-sectoral coordination and implementation of existing policies and strategies on family planning (FP) and RHCS
3. Advocate for prioritization of interventions for addressing the FP and RHCS needs of the Somali population
4. Strengthen political commitment to and the enabling policy environment for FP and RHCS programming at all levels.
5. Improve the availability of equitable high quality FP services and information.
6. Strengthen the supply chain for availability of a range of contraceptive methods and Maternal lifesaving medicines for informed choice.
7. Methodology

A phased approach is recommended for this work, to enable the Consultant to address different components at different stages. A validation phase will enable the Client to assess the work, methodologies and recommendations

The Consultant could rely on the below considerations:

• Desk review of existing data, programme reports and analysis of local and national policies on family planning
• Secondary data analysis, provided through National Bodies, and CSOs reports,

The Consultant is required to propose a more precise methodology and research instruments within the application package.

Expected Outputs

The following are key deliverables:

• Work plan and approved research documents/tools.
• A SMART FP Advocacy strategy
  1. Time frame

This consultancy will be for a period of 10 working days from 27th August 2024-

Activity

Deliverables

Timeframe

Duty Station/Location

The Consultant will undertake this work remotely, they will be no travelling expenses during the assignment period.

1. Profile/Qualifications of Consultant

For this assignment, requires a consultant with expertise as follows:

• Post graduate degree or equivalent in advocacy, population studies; development studies; or any relevant studies
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience at the national or state level in policy development/formation and advocacy.
• Possess the following skills and competencies:
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • High level written and oral communications skills in English
  • Must be result-oriented, a team player, exhibiting high levels of enthusiasm, tact, diplomacy and integrity
  • Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and professional skills in interacting with government and development partners
  • Skills in facilitation of stakeholder engagements/workshops

Evidence of having undertaken similar assignmen