Consultant to adapt RMNCAH Program Management Capacity-Building Tools for the African Region Context

Job Description

Area of expertise

Consultant to adapt RMNCAH Program Management Capacity-Building Tools for the African Region Context.

Purpose of consultancy

To adapt the WHO AFRO  RMNCAH program management capacity-building modules and related tools to the African Region context, ensuring their relevance, usability, and effectiveness in enhancing program implementation across countries.

Background

Member States in WHO African Region have made substantial progress in improving the health and well-being of populations along the life course. Between 2000 and 2023, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) decreased by 40%, neonatal mortality declined from 39 to 26 per 1,000 live births, and under-five mortality fell from 149 to 67 per 1,000 live births. Adolescent mortality rates have also shown modest reductions. However, despite these gains, progress remains uneven and insufficient to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Achieving optimal universal coverage of evidence-based interventions for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health, and Healthy Ageing (RMNCAH-HA) is critical to further reducing mortality and improving overall well-being. While most countries have developed RMNCAH strategies, these are often not systematically translated into operational plans, nor consistently implemented or monitored to achieve tangible outcomes. Consequently, the full potential of these strategies in strengthening health system performance is not fully realized.

Several systemic bottlenecks contribute to this implementation gap:

Limited Capacity in Program Management: RMNCAH program managers often lack structured competency and or training in operational planning, budgeting, and implementation monitoring skills essential for translating strategies into action.

Fragmented Integration with Health Sector Planning: RMNCAH program managers are often disconnected from broader health sector planning, financing, and resource allocation processes, resulting in piecemeal, donor-driven activities with limited coverage and sustainability.

Sub-optimal Use of Health System Tools: Existing tools and guidelines (e.g., essential health service packages, DHIS2, standard treatment guidelines) are often underutilized or inconsistently applied in RMNCAH programs.

The current global health architecture requires programs to increase their productivity and be more efficient. There is an urgent need to move beyond strategy development to effective, results-oriented program implementation within a strengthened health system. Addressing these challenges requires equipping RMNCAH program managers with practical tools, skills, and approaches to effectively plan, implement, and monitor programs within the broader context of health system strengthening.

In response, WHO AFRO is undertaking a strategic initiative to strengthen the operational management of RMNCAH programs in the region. This initiative will adapt relevant tools for the African context and build the capacity of RMNCAH program managers to effectively navigate health sector processes, drive implementation, achieve measurable programmatic objectives and effectively contribute to the achievement of overall health sector outcome results. The initiative comprises two interlinked components:  WHO African region is looking to adapt capacity-building tools and organise a regional consultative workshop.

Deliverables

Deliverable 1: A Programme Managers training package with adapted RMNCAH capacity-building modules and related PowerPoint presentations, specifically designed for the African Region.

Deliverable 2: Documentation of the adaptation process, including key changes made and rationale.

Deliverable 3: A report summarizing stakeholder consultations, pilot testing outcomes, and recommendations for country-level application.

Qualifications, experience, skills and languages

Educational Qualifications:

Essential: Advanced degree in public health, health systems management, or related field.

Experience:

Essential: At least 10 years of experience in RMNCAH program management and capacity building globally and in Africa.

Desirable: Experience in developing and adapting training materials and tools for RMNCAH and health systems strengthening.

Skills/Knowledge:

Essential: Familiarity with WHO AFRO’s Managing Programmes on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health tool and it’s use

Desirable:

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills.
• Strong understanding of the African Region’s health challenges and priorities.
• Strong understanding of WHO’s mandate and ways of working.

Languages and level required (Basic/Intermediate/Expert):

Essential: Expert knowledge of English.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of French or Portuguese.

Location

On site for insurance purpose: Home based with duty travels during the course of the consultancy. The consultant will be home-based for the duration of the consultancy but will participate physically in-person at the Regional Consultative and Capacity-Building Workshop for RMNCAH Programme Managers, to co–facilitate, and gather users’ feedback on the DRAFT materials.

Travel

The consultant will be expected to travel to Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) during the Capacity-Building Workshop for RMNCAH Programme Managers.

Remuneration :

Payband level C : Monthly rate USD 10,000.

Duration of contract

Total consultancy duration : 12 weeks (3 months).

Additional Information:

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
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