National Consultant: MISP READINESS ASSESSMENT (MRA)

Syria is at a critical juncture, transitioning from acute humanitarian response toward longterm developmental recovery. While stability has increased, the country remains vulnerable to localized and climatic shocks, and systemic disruptions. In this shifting landscape, Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) needs - including safe delivery, contraception, and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) response—remain a constant priority that often intensifies during crises. Syria and Sudan are currently the only two countries in the Arab region yet to complete the MISP Readiness Assessment (MRA). Implementing the MRA now is a strategic imperative to ensure that Syria’s health architecture is robust enough to protect the most vulnerable populations, bridging the gap between humanitarian relief and sustainable development (the nexus approach) while integrating climate-resilient preparedness. The aim of this exercise is to gain an overview of the state of preparedness and the national and sub-national capacity to ensure access to essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services as outlined in the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP), particularly during emergency situations. 2. Objectives The consultant will support the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management, and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MOSAL) in rolling out the Syria MRA. 

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

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

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results
 

The primary objectives are: 

● To evaluate national capacity across five pillars: Policy, Coordination, Data, Resources, and Service Delivery. 

● To facilitate a multi-sectoral participatory process (including interviews and focus group discussions) to identify systemic gaps, and compile/consolidate/analyze responses to the MRA questionnaire.

 ● Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), as well as gaps to be addressed (by section/sub-section) and potential remedial measures. 

● To develop a validated national MRA report and National MISP Preparedness Roadmap with an action and monitoring plan

1. Delivery of an inception report with a detailed methodology, stakeholder mapping, and a technical desk review of Syria’s health and emergency and disaster policies.
2. Facilitation of Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and/or consultative workshops to complete the MRA questionnaire.
3. Collation of assessment results to produce a draft Syria MRA Report analyzing the five pillars: Policy, Coordination, Data, Resources, and Service Delivery (in English and Arabic).
4. Drafting of a time-bound National MISP Preparedness Roadmap with an action and monitoring plan that outlines specific actions to bridge the gap between humanitarian response and developmental recovery.
5. Facilitation of a high-level validation workshop with the Intersectoral Steering Committee and delivery of the final, endorsed MRA report and MISP preparedness roadmap in English and Arabic.
6. Submission of a final MRA report and roadmap in English and Arabic

A minimum of master’s degree in public health, Global Health, Medicine, International Development, Health Policy and Management, Social Sciences, Emergency and disaster management or any related field. 

• Proven experience in conducting health systems research, particularly in sexual and reproductive health with at least 5 years of professional experience in working in the humanitarian and development sector.
• Familiarity with the political, social, and cultural context of Syria with solid experience and extensive knowledge on universal health coverage and relevant data and indices. Strong knowledge of SRH (including the Minimum Initial Service Package for reproductive health- MISP and its relevance) and health systems 
• Strong analytical and report writing skills. 
• Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative data collection, including Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and desk reviews. 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities. 
• High-level workshop facilitation and strategic reporting.
• Exceptional skills in data collation and drafting high-quality technical reports, roadmaps, and policy briefs. 

Fluency in English and Arabic are required.

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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. 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.

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.