TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNICEF will engage a consultant to support the Ministry of Health (MoH) in developing a comprehensive self-paced training package aimed at strengthening maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health (MNCAH) services. This initiative is critical to improving the quality of care and reducing preventable mortality and morbidity among vulnerable populations. The self-paced training package will serve both as an initial training tool for newly deployed health workers and as a refresher resource for existing healthcare providers. It will be designed to enhance knowledge, clinical competencies, and adherence to evidence-based standards of care across all levels of the health system.
The training materials will be developed in alignment with approved WHO training standards and guidelines on maternal, neonatal, child, and adolescent health services, as well as the Ministry of Health’s national priorities and protocols. The package will incorporate essential newborn care, child survival interventions, adolescent-responsive health services, and quality improvement approaches. Furthermore, the training programme will align with the WHO Quality of Care Framework, ensuring consistency, equity, and high-quality service delivery across facilities. By standardizing competencies and promoting continuous professional development, the initiative will contribute to strengthening health system performance and improving health outcomes for women, newborns, children, and adolescents.
Scope of Work and Implementation Logic
1. Reviewing national MNH/MNCH policies, guidelines, curricula, and existing in-service training, including current simulation-based education, learning hub, and tele-mentoring approaches.
2. Conducting a rapid assessment of competency gaps and training needs among MNH service providers.
3. Designing a standardized, competency-based self-paced training framework aligned with national protocols and global best practices, covering maternal, neonatal, and child health, including IMNCI.
4. Developing modular self-paced learning content with integrated assessments, clear progression criteria, and alignment with simulation-based practical training.
5. Working with ICT team from the MOH supporting integration of the training package into the designated digital learning platform, including learner enrollment, progress tracking, assessment, and certification mechanisms.
6. Facilitating technical review, validation, and finalization of training materials in collaboration with MOH, UNICEF, and key stakeholders.
7. Orienting MOH staff and simulation facilitators and providing documentation to ensure sustainability and future updates of the training package.
If you would like to know more about this consultancy, please review the complete Terms of Reference here: Self-Paced Training Package Consultant.pdf
Minimum requirements:
Education: Advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in Public Health, Maternal and Child Health, Medicine, Nursing/Midwifery, Health Education, Health Systems Strengthening, or a related field.
Work Experience:
- A minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) programming or clinical practice.
- Demonstrated experience in the design and development of competency-based training curricula, particularly for in-service training of health care workers.
- Proven experience in developing self-paced or digital learning packages, including assessment tools and certification mechanisms.
- Experience integrating simulation-based education, mentorship, or tele-mentoring into health workforce capacity-building initiatives.
- Familiarity with national MNH/MNCH guidelines and global standards (e.g. WHO recommendations, IMNCI).
- Prior experience working with Ministries of Health, preferably in low- and middle-income country settings; experience in Southern Africa is an asset.
- Experience working with UN agencies, UNICEF, or other development partners is highly desirable
Skills:
- Strong technical expertise in maternal, neonatal, and child health
- Demonstrated ability to apply results-based management and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines
- Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills in English.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with government counterparts and multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong understanding of adult learning principles and digital learning methodologies.
- High level of professionalism, accountability, and cultural sensitivity
- Must exhibit the UNICEF Core Values
Language Requirements: Fluency in English
Deadline: 08 May 2026