TERMS OF REFERENCE
Sri Lanka has achieved remarkable progress in maternal and newborn health over the past several decades, with maternal and neonatal mortality rates declining to levels comparable to those of some developed countries. This success has been largely attributed to a well-structured Maternal and Newborn Care Programme, supported by evidence-based policies, strategic plans, standards, and clinical guidelines, and their effective implementation across community and hospital settings.
However, progress in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes has stagnated over the past two decades, highlighting the need for renewed strategic focus and innovation. The current Maternal and Newborn Health Strategic Plan (MNH SP) 2017–2025 reached its conclusion in 2025. In light of the unfinished agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those to be achieved by 2030, it is crucial to update the MNH Strategic Plan without delay to accelerate progress and address emerging challenges.
Updating the Maternal and Newborn Health Strategic Plan is essential to provide strategic direction and a coherent framework for the development and implementation of action plans for maternal and newborn care at national, provincial, and district levels, as well as across hospitals providing maternity and newborn services for the next planning cycle. To achieve this, an external consultant is required to undertake end-term review and support drafting of an updated, evidence-based, and contextually relevant National Strategic Plan on Maternal and Newborn Health for 2026 -2030.
Objective; To develop the National Strategic Plan on Maternal and Newborn Health (2026-2030)
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
- An up-to-date TMS profile and curriculum vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
Remarks
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