TERMS OF REFERENCE
UNICEF is seeking a consultant to support the update of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) Policy and Assessing the Accredited hospitals in the West Bank, and ensure the safety and security of personnel, assets, and operations. The role involves assessing the policy, updating as per international guidelines, visiting the accredited hospitals, and abiding by the deliverables mentioned in this TOR.
Background and Rationale the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI), led by World Health Organization and UNICEF, is a global effort to improve breastfeeding practices through implementation of the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding and compliance with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and maternity friendly care. Following the 2018 revised BFHI guidance, there is a global shift toward: • Integration of BFHI into national health systems • Institutionalization within quality-of-care frameworks • Continuous monitoring and re-certification (instead of one-time accreditation) In the West Bank, while all governmental hospitals, UNRWA hospital, and Al-Makaased hospital have been designated as Baby-Friendly, challenges remain: • Outdated policy frameworks not aligned with 2018 guidance • Weak reassessment and monitoring systems • Variability in compliance across facilities • Limited integration into routine quality improvement systems This consultancy supports strengthening national systems to ensure sustainable, high-quality breastfeeding support services. 2. Purpose To support the Ministry of Health and partners in strengthening BFHI implementation through: Updated, system-integrated BFHI policies • Robust monitoring and reassessment mechanisms • Evidence-based assessment of accredited hospitals 3. Objectives 3.1 General Objective Strengthen the quality, sustainability, and system integration of BFHI in the West Bank. 3.2 Specific Objectives 1. Update national BFHI policy in line with global guidance 2. Develop a standardized accreditation and reassessment system (MOH has an accreditation and reassessment tool that could adapted) 3. Assess compliance of BFHI-accredited hospitals 4. Identify system-level and facility-level gaps 5. Develop actionable recommendations and implementation roadmap
Minimum requirements
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
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.