Associate Consultant for implementation
of Punjab National Health
Support Program (NHSP)

Period of Performance: 1^st December 2023 to 31^st May 2024

Number of positions: One position for Punjab Province

Place of Assignment: Lahore - Punjab

Background

Pathfinder International with the support from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is providing technical assistance to the federal and provincial governments of Pakistan and providing support to key health system strengthening partners such as the World Bank, Population Council, and Acacus in scaling up Postpartum Family Planning (PPFP) and Postabortion Family Planning (PAFP) within the investment case (IC) execution and NHSP design and implementation. Through this initiative, Pathfinder will support the integration and institutionalization of PPFP and PAFP in the overall provincial health systems by strengthening the health system, building the technical capacity of federal and provincial governments, and strengthening evidence-based informed decision-making and health information systems.

Purpose and objectives

Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017-18 data reveals that the proportion of deliveries that happen in facilities is rapidly increasing, yielding great opportunities to reach families with PPFP services. A 2012 Population Council study showed a similarly rapid increase in the estimated induced abortion rate in Pakistan, from 25.6 per 1,000 women ages 15 to 49 in 2002 to 50 per 1,000 in 2012. The study estimated that 46% of all pregnancies in Pakistan are unintended; 54% of these result in induced abortions[1]. FP and postabortion care (PAC) services have historically been provided separately in the public sector, and women are not counseled on or offered FP with PAC. This represents a significant opportunity to reach women with integrated PAFP services. PPFP and PAFP service data tracking, monitoring, and performance review is limited or not available at the country level, especially when PAC services are provided in the public sector or at a variety of facilities including pharmacies and private clinics. PAC services are often not available in an integrated manner at the facility level which underscores the need for integrated results-based management plans for service delivery. To address this provincial-level need, Pathfinder will use a participatory approach to strengthen provincial management's health planning capacity, which will trickle down to the district level. The results-based PPFP and PAFP framework will establish provincial-level systems for collating,analyzing, and centralizing district-wide reporting against a set of indicators and strategies and articulate clear expectations from the provincial governments (Sindh and Punjab) that ultimately support the first health system reform outlined in the UHC IC.

Description of Assignment

Pathfinder Pakistan office is looking for a strong, experienced, and skilled person who can facilitate & and assist in the finalization of TA needs required from Pathfinder and other partners, duly considering the availability of TAs within the NHSP PC-1 to ensure there is no duplication and managing the assistance of the day-to-day technical support to the PMU / PD / Deputy PD of National Health Support Program (NHSP). He would work closely with the lead consultant/ TA in the Punjab DGHS office, Lahore, and be embedded there. He would be responsible for the Preparation of meeting notes, minutes, and follow-up actions, Data analysis, and preparation of presentations, concept papers, etc. as per requirement, Drafting of notifications and letters, under the guidance of Government stakeholders and consultants, drafting of policy documents, strategies and guidelines under the supervision of the senior consultant, and in concurrence with the NHSP and relevant PSHD teams and support to consultant in coordination with the Government and partners. Following would be the specific tasks and deliverables: 

Eligibility: 

1. Public health professional with at having at least 5 years of experience working in Punjab.
2. Graduate (BS) in development/social/public administration/IR/economics from a reputable university 
3. Excellent analytical and writing skills. 
4. Professional working experience with the government particularly in Punjab
5. Ability to work independently and deliver according to deadlines in previous assignments.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer Statement

Pathfinder International provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Safeguarding and Protection Statement

Pathfinder is committed to the safeguarding and protection of the people we serve and our staff. We have zero tolerance for any type of behavior that inflicts harm on children, young people, adults, our staff, and partners including sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, and exploitation. We do everything possible to ensure that we recruit only those who are suitable to work with us. We expect that everyone we hire will abide by our safeguarding and related policies and will report any suspected or known violations. This job is subject to a range of vetting checks as legally permitted in the country where they are being hired. By applying, the job applicant acknowledges they understand our intent to verify suitability to work with us.