[Hiring] National Consultant – Midwifery Competency Assessment @UNDP

Role Description

Developing evidence-based recommendations to strengthen SRHR competencies within the national midwifery competency model.

Under the direct supervision of the UNFPA SRH National Programme Analyst, the two consultants (International and National) will work collaboratively to develop evidence-based recommendations to strengthen SRHR competencies within the national midwifery competency model.

The national specialist in midwifery education will provide technical input, support data collection and analysis, and ensure alignment of the outputs with national education systems, regulatory requirements, and health service delivery context.

You will report to UNFPA SRH National Programme Analyst.

How you can make a difference:

• 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.
• 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;
  • Adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.
• Kazakhstan has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality over the past two decades, but gaps in the quality of care and clinical competencies of health workers remain.
• Strengthening the capacity of midwives and nurses is essential to improving the quality of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
• The 2021-2025 programme cycle includes the integration of maternal and reproductive health content into postgraduate higher medical education curricula.
• Key challenges include:
  • Limited integration of evidence-based SRHR content;
  • Insufficient focus on practical and simulation-based training;
  • Gaps in alignment with international standards such as WHO and ICM.
• Strengthening pre-service midwifery and nursing education systems is a key priority in the UNFPA Country Programme for Kazakhstan (2026–2030).
• This reform will be implemented in phases over the programme period, with 2026 focusing on assessment and development of a competency framework.

Job Purpose:

To implement this assignment, UNFPA plans to recruit a qualified international consultant in midwifery education with in-depth knowledge of organizing and conducting teaching processes in line with the ICM standards.

Responsibilities

The assignment will consist of the following components:

• Analysis of the current midwifery education system
• Development of SRHR competency framework for midwifery
• Development of high-level curriculum structure for midwifery education
• Stakeholder consultations and validation

The National Specialist will:

• Collect and systematize national data, including curricula, regulatory documents, and teaching materials
• Apply the assessment framework to conduct the analysis of the current system
• Assess alignment with national policies, regulatory requirements, and service delivery context
• Analyze practical aspects of implementation, including training approaches, faculty capacity, and clinical training opportunities
• Validate findings through consultations with national stakeholders
• Consolidate the analysis results into a single document
• Align the revised framework with national regulations and existing competency models
• Ensure consistency with national education and service delivery context
• Support validation with national stakeholders
• Lead the development of the high-level curriculum structure
• Define curriculum components, sequencing, and balance between theoretical and practical training
• Ensure alignment with national education standards and regulatory requirements

The consultants (International and National) will conduct consultations with key stakeholders to present findings and validate the analysis results, revised competency framework, and high-level curriculum structure.

The consultancy is expected to be carried out over a period of approximately 4 months, from May to August 2026 (Q2–Q3), on a part-time, home-based basis.

Deliverables

• Analytical report on the current midwifery education system, including findings of the review, gap analysis, and benchmarking against international standards - Not later than 30 June 2026
• Revised SRHR competency framework for midwifery, aligned with international standards and adapted to the national context - Not later than 20 July 2026
• High-level structure of the updated midwifery education programme - Not later than 30 July 2026
• Final report - Not later than 20 August 2026

The consultants are expected to work remotely and coordinate closely with UNFPA and national stakeholders throughout the assignment. Participation in one in-country or virtual one-day technical meeting is required as part of the validation process.

All deliverables will be submitted in electronic format (MS Word) to the CO for review, validation, and comments at the indicated date of delivery.

Qualifications

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in midwifery, nursing, medicine, public health, or a related field
• Additional specialization or training in medical education with concentration in midwifery and/or nursing, curriculum development, or competency-based education is an asset
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in organizing midwifery education, nursing education
• Proven experience in curriculum development, competency-based education in midwifery and/or nursing education
• Experience in working with the Ministry of Health, academic institutions, or professional associations
• Previous experience in the area of organizing midwifery care with UN agencies, or international organizations is an asset
• In-depth knowledge of midwifery and/or nursing education system in Kazakhstan
• Understanding of SRHR and maternal health priorities in the national context
• Experience in developing competency frameworks and curriculum structures
• Ability to collect, systematize, and analyse technical and policy documents

Languages

• Fluency in English (required)
• Proficiency in Russian (required)

Required Competencies

• Strong analytical and structured thinking
• High-quality drafting and documentation skills
• Strong coordination and facilitation skills

UNFPA Work Environment

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.

Disclaimer

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.