And we never give up.
For every child, Health
Background
Lesotho, faces significant challenges in neonatal care, particularly for small and sick newborns. According to Lesotho Demographic health survey, the country’s neonatal mortality rate is 26 per 1,000 live births, reflecting the high number of preventable deaths among newborns. This is exacerbated by a high incidence of preterm births, low birth weights, and birth asphyxia. The healthcare system in Lesotho is also under-resourced, with a limited number of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), insufficient equipment, and a shortage of skilled healthcare workers like pediatricians, neonatal nurses. As a result, many newborns, particularly those in rural areas, do not receive timely, high-quality care, contributing to higher mortality rates.
The introduction and implementation of quality care standards for small and sick newborn care in Lesotho is essential to addressing these challenges and improving neonatal health outcomes. The proposed standards aim to ensure that every newborn, especially those who are preterm or born with low birth weight, receives appropriate and effective care, regardless of their geographic location or economic status. The standards will be based on a comprehensive approach that includes improving healthcare infrastructure, training healthcare workers, strengthening referral systems, and increasing public awareness of neonatal health.
UNICEF has been a key partner in supporting the Ministry of Health in Lesotho to improve child healthcare services, particularly for newborns. However, the full impact of these efforts can only be realized with the development and enforcement of Quality Care Standards. To achieve this, UNICEF is seeking a consultant to assist the Ministry in the adaptation WHO for quality care standards for small and sick newborn Care. By developing these standards, Lesotho will be better positioned to reduce neonatal mortality and improve health outcomes, contributing to the country’s progress toward achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
How can you make a difference?
Purpose of the assignment:
Under the overall supervision of Child Survival Chief, UNICEF Health Officer and MOH Team (Quality Assurance Director and Family health head under Child health program manager) the consultant will support the ministry of health to develop the country specific quality of care standards for small and sick newborn care units.
Scope of work:
Engaging a consultant to support the Ministry of Health (MOH) in the development of Small and Sick Newborn Care Units (SSNCUs) is crucial for improving neonatal care and reducing mortality and morbidity among vulnerable newborns. The standards for the care of small and sick newborns in health facilities define, standardize and mainstream inpatient care of small and sick newborns, building on essential newborn care and ensuring consistency with the WHO quality of care framework.
Scope of Work and Implementation Logic
Inception report detailing understanding of TORs, methodology to be employed, detailed work plan and resource needs Conduct Situational Analysis (SitAn) and stakeholder’s consultations to identity the status of care for the small and sick newborn care units, strengths, gaps, missed opportunities and challenges. Facilitate development of a TOC and proposed small and sick newborn care units’ structure, design, equipment needed, staff requirements, and M&E framework. Development of the final standards for the care of small and sick newborns in health facilities Development of the costed implementation plan of these standards
WORK ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW
asks Deliverable/output Timeline/deadline Payment structure Inception Report Inception report detailing understanding of TORs, methodology to be employed, detailed work plan and resource needs 10 days 10% Situational analysis Conduct Situational Analysis (SitAn) and stakeholder’s consultations to identity the status of care for the small and sick newborn care units, strengths, gaps, missed opportunities and challenges 20 days 20% Development of TOC Facilitate development of a TOC and proposed small and sick newborn care units’ structure, design, equipment needed, staff requirements, and M&E framework 20 days 25% Draft of the Standards for small and sick newborn care units Development of the final standards for the care of small and sick newborns in health facilities 20 days 25% Costed implementation plan for the small and sick newborn care units Development of the costed implementation plan of these standards 10 days 20% Total 80 days 100%
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Master’s degree in public health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, epidemiology, or other health-related sciences*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
Work experience:
Demonstrable experience of developing policy documents, guidelines, and quality assurance approaches for maternal and child health services. Experience working with Government Ministries, ideally in document development and review including in conducting stakeholder consultations and engagements. The incumbents must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality technical and analytic materials. Samples of previous work outputs may be requested at a later stage of recruitment. At least five years professional experience in maternal and child health programming or research at national and subnational levels Strong facilitation skill and proven ability to interpret new technical and knowledge on maternal and child health considering the current knowledge on maternal, neonatal, infant and child mortality rates Prior experience working with United Nations, or a multi-lateral or international health and development agency
Language
Fluency in English
Specialized skills and/or training:
Expertise in writing technical documents, applying analytical skills.
Ability to organize, compile and summarize inputs from different writers, provide clarity using result-based languages. Ability to synthesize complex documents into key messages.
Following skills/experiences are an asset:
Experience with editing and proofreading UN documents and familiarity with UNICEF’s style and UN editorial manual desirable
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).