MPDSR Consultant Role at UNFPA: Advancing Maternal and Newborn Health|Deadline 20 Apr 2026
The consultancy opportunity with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) focuses on strengthening Maternal Perinatal Deaths Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) systems across the Asia-Pacific region. This role is highly specialized and designed for experienced public health professionals committed to reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
Understanding MPDSR and Its Importance
MPDSR is a critical public health approach that aims to:
- Identify and review maternal and perinatal deaths
- Understand underlying causes and systemic gaps
- Implement corrective actions to prevent future deaths
This consultancy contributes directly to global efforts to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes, aligning with UNFPA’s mission to ensure safe pregnancies and childbirth.
Purpose of the Consultancy
The consultant will support UNFPA’s Asia-Pacific Regional Office (APRO) in implementing technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives. The work builds on previous efforts under the TUSIP programme in:
- Cambodia
- Lao PDR
- Nepal
- Timor-Leste
The focus is on strengthening national and subnational MPDSR systems in collaboration with Ministries of Health.
Key Responsibilities
The consultant will deliver both strategic and operational support, including:
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building
- Support MPDSR training programmes at national and district levels
- Provide guidance on implementation aligned with international standards
- Assist in developing training materials and technical protocols
Supportive Supervision
- Establish virtual systems for ongoing monitoring and support
- Conduct regular check-ins with country teams
- Strengthen reporting and analysis of maternal and perinatal deaths
Strengthening Response Mechanisms
- Support the development of actionable response plans
- Advise on improvements in maternal healthcare services
- Promote best practices in obstetrics and maternity care
Knowledge Sharing and Regional Support
- Contribute to webinars and technical workshops
- Disseminate best practices across the Asia-Pacific region
- Support broader regional capacity-building efforts
Scope and Work Structure
- Duration: 70 working days (May–December 2026)
- Work arrangement: Home-based with occasional travel
- Workload: Part-time consultancy
The assignment is divided into two main phases:
Phase One (May–August 2026)
- Technical support for MPDSR training roll-out
- Assistance to countries in implementing review findings
- Development of community-based MPDSR training materials
Phase Two (September–December 2026)
- Continued supervision and technical support
- Expansion of MPDSR systems in additional regions
- Dissemination of knowledge through workshops and webinars
Required Qualifications and Experience
This role demands a high level of expertise and experience. Key requirements include:
- Master’s degree in Medicine, Public Health, Midwifery, or related field
- At least 15 years of professional experience
- Proven expertise in maternal and reproductive health programmes
- Strong experience with MPDSR systems implementation
- Ability to develop policy and technical documents
Additional advantages:
- Specialization in obstetrics and gynaecology
- Experience working with UN agencies
- Familiarity with Asia-Pacific health systems
Skills and Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong analytical and technical writing skills
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
- Commitment to human rights and UN values
Travel and Collaboration
Although the role is primarily remote, travel may be required to programme countries depending on needs. UNFPA will cover travel expenses in line with its policies.
The consultant will work closely with:
- UNFPA regional advisors
- Country office teams
- Ministries of Health
Why This Role Matters
This consultancy directly contributes to one of UNFPA’s core goals: ending preventable maternal deaths. By strengthening MPDSR systems, the consultant helps:
- Improve data-driven decision-making
- Enhance healthcare quality and accountability
- Save lives through timely interventions
Application Deadline
- Apply by: 20 April 2026
Final Thoughts
The MPDSR Consultant role with UNFPA is a high-impact opportunity for seasoned public health professionals. It combines technical expertise, policy development, and international collaboration to address one of the most pressing global health challenges.
For those with deep experience in maternal health and a commitment to systemic change, this consultancy offers a chance to make measurable contributions to improving health outcomes across multiple countries.
APPLY HERE
Join Our WhatsApp Community
Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
