Local Consultancy - Economic and Health Impact of Family Planning in Zimbabwe

The Position:

Family planning plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of individuals and families. Zimbabwe has done relatively well in family planning with contraceptives prevalence rate (CPR) of 69% and unmet need of 9% according to the latest Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey. There is however a threat to commodity security as the national family planning programme relies significantly on donor funding. About 75% of contraceptives needed in 2025 are from external funding.  Overall development aid funding has declined globally. There is therefore a need to step up advocacy for increased domestic funding if we are to protect the gains realized by the country to date, via the investments made in family planning. It is within this context that we intend to assess the health and economic benefits of family planning in Zimbabwe for enhanced advocacy with the government and other stakeholders. The results can also help shape priorities within the new National Development Strategy (NDS) currently under development.  This consultancy aims to assess  health and economic benefits of family planning in Zimbabwe. The last evaluation was done more than 10 years ago. Zimbabwe has faced economic challenges in the last 2 decades. It is therefore critical that wise evidence-based investments are promoted within the tight fiscal space. Family planning is a development ‘best buy’ that delivers transformative benefits to women, children and families, communities and countries. 

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.

 Job Purpose:

• Analyze and assess the health impact of family planning in Zimbabwe, including on maternal mortality.
• Quantify the potential economic benefits of increased investment in family planning services.
• Provide recommendations for policy and program interventions to maximize the economic benefits of family planning.
• Develop a comprehensive report and advocacy package outlining the findings, analysis, and recommendations.

The evaluation will answer the following questions:

• What are the near-term health and economic benefits of family planning in Zimbabwe?
• How does family planning save  lives of women and children and promotes economic development in Zimbabwe?
• What is the contribution of family planning in achieving the SDGs in Zimbabwe?
• What are the resource requirements for family planning in Zimbabwe?

Scope of Work:

• Conduct a literature review of existing research on the economic impact of family planning, both globally and in Zimbabwe.
• Collect and analyze relevant data on family planning coverage, health outcomes, and economic indicators in Zimbabwe.
• Develop or use existing modelling tools such as ImpactNOW and Spectrum to quantify the potential benefits of increased investment in family planning.
• Engage with key stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations, to gather insights and perspectives.
• Prepare a detailed report and advocacy package/briefs summarizing the findings, analysis, and recommendations.

Qualifications and Experience: 

 Education:  

• PHD in economics, public health, or a related field.
   

Knowledge and Experience: 

• At least 10 years of proven experience in conducting economic analysis and research.
• Understanding of family planning and reproductive health issues.
•  Experience working in Zimbabwe or similar contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional requirement 

Applicants are required to submit a concept note, not exceeding three pages, detailing their approach to conducting the analysis outlined in the scope of work

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.