Maternal Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response systems (MPDSR) consultant

Purpose of consultancy:

The purpose of this consultancy is to support UNFPA APRO to implement a technical assistance and capacity building programme on Maternal Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response systems (MPDSR), in priority countries of the Asia-Pacific region.

This programme of work is partially a continuation of activities implemented in 2025 under the SRHR Data Strengthening programme implemented by UNFPA APRO as part of the DFAT-funded TUSIP programme in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Nepal and Timor-Leste.

As part of TUSIP programme activities, the selected consultant will support APRO and Country Offices in providing technical assistance to Ministries of Health teams in the implementation of MPDSR at national and sub-national level (including in health facilities) in the 4 priority countries, following latest international Guidelines and training standards on MPDSR recommended by UN health agencies and partners. 

This will include providing virtual and in-country technical assistance to UNFPA and Ministries of Health on i) MPDSR training programmes, facilitations and roll-out at subnational and district level; ii) implementing a system of virtual “supportive supervision” to support MOH teams in reviewing maternal and perinatal deaths and strengthening reporting; and iii) reinforce the development of “Response” plans in programme countries, including strengthening the MPDSR in community notification and review components.

Beyond the activities foreseen as part of the TUSIP programme, the selected consultants will also support UNFPA APRO in i) providing assistance to countries of the broader Asia-Pacific region on implementing a programme of MPDSR in communities, including preparing and technically reviewing training materials and protocols on MDPSR in community; and ii) participate as needed in virtual webinars and workshops on MPDSR programme implementation, as required by UNFPA APRO and specific country offices.

The consultant will work under the supervision of the SRHR Regional Advisor and SRHR Data Specialist for APRO, and will work from their home base. Travel is expected in the priority programme countries for the delivery of technical assistance under the TUSIP activities.

 

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Scope of work:

Under the direct supervision of APRO SRHR Data Specialist, and oversight of the SRHR Advisor, the consultant will:

 

• Provide virtual technical support to UNFPA and MOH teams to expand and implement MPDSR training programmes according to international standards, at provincial and sub-national level (TUSIP Activities)
• Implement a system of “supportive supervision”, including support with MPDSR reporting and analysis, with regular virtual check ins and meetings of country teams as organised by UNFPA APRO and UNFPA Country Offices (TUSIP Activities).
• Provide continued technical assistance in supporting MOH teams in reviewing and reporting maternal and perinatal deaths, including strengthening community MPDSR review processes as needed in programme countries (TUSIP Activities).
• Support countries with implementing corrective actions resulting from the review of the MPDSR reports, including advising on recommended next steps or capacity building needs in obstetrics and maternity care (e.g. PPH, Labour Care Guide; Safe Surgeries) (TUSIP Activities)