In-Country Consultant – DMPA-SC/SI Enabling Environment (multiple Countries)

I. Introduction

Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR) is an indigenous non-profit institution that works to accelerate positive health, social, and economic reforms through high-quality program design and implementation, capacity building, implementation science research, and knowledge generation, as well as agenda-setting and stakeholder convening across human development sectors. Our work seeks to benefit primarily disadvantaged and underserved populations. We implement transformation programs in Nigeria and are expanding our footprint to several West and Central African countries. We are building a competent, world-class management team.

The Future Injectable Market Steward (FIMS) project is a consortium-led initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other donors to catalyze a sustainable and scalable market for DMPA-SC and self-injection (SI) contraceptive products by 2030. Solina Centre for International  Development and Research (Solina) is a core consortium member leading on enabling environment activities in select priority countries with a focus on creating an enabling environment for institutionalization by supporting regulatory approvals, integration into national systems, and evidence-based policy advocacy, while strengthening financing and market sustainability.

In line with FIMS’ vision to institutionalize DMPA-SC/SI within national health systems and unlock public and private sector financing for scale-up, Solina is recruiting a high-performing in-country consultant to support country-level policy, coordination, financing, and systems integration work.

II. Description and Objectives 

The In-Country Consultant – Enabling Environment Advisor will be embedded in-country (typically within or closely aligned to the Ministry of Health/Family Planning (FP) unit). They will lead the country-level effort to advance the enabling environment for DMPA-SC/SI scale-up, with a strong focus on regulatory and policy reforms, coordination, data systems integration (HMIS/LMIS), and sustainable financing mechanisms. This is a strategic and hands-on technical role requiring a combination of high-level engagement with stakeholders and practical execution support.

The consultant will also support the program manager and the RRT by contributing to the development and implementation of market landscaping, stakeholder mapping, advocacy, and sustainable financing activities. The role will require high-quality research, analysis, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with in-country partners.

III. Technical Responsibilities and Expectations

The In-Country Consultant – Enabling Environment Advisor will provide technical guidance for the following:

a. Market Landscaping and Data Collection

• Support MOH and partners to review, revise, and implement policies, guidelines, and regulatory frameworks for DMPA-SC/SI scale-up.
• Support the design and execution of DMPA-SC/SI institutionalization landscaping using the SI Institutionalization Tracker.
• Collect, clean, and analyze country-specific data on policy, coordination, financing, and implementation using primary and secondary sources.
• Facilitate the integration of DMPA-SC/SI into pre-service and in-service training, supportive supervision, HMIS/LMIS platforms, and national essential medicine lists
• Track institutionalization progress using tools such as the SI Institutionalization Tracker and coordinate inputs for routine reporting to FIMS leadership.
• Summarize findings in actionable insights to inform strategic planning and policy engagement.

b. Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement

• Conduct stakeholder mapping in FIMS priority countries to identify and profile key actors, their roles, influence, and interests.
• Convene and support the national FP Technical Working Group and other relevant coordination mechanisms to advance SI integration
• Support the development of stakeholder database and engagement strategies tailored to specific institutionalization objectives.

c. Advocacy and Communications

• Collaborate with MOH and partners to develop tailored advocacy materials (e.g., investment cases, budget tracking tools).
• Assist in adapting and disseminating advocacy materials for policy change.

d. Sustainable Financing

• Support analysis of public sector financing for FP commodities and services, with a focus on identifying financing gaps and advocating for domestic resource mobilization.
• Support the development of cost models and financial roadmaps for DMPA-SC/SI scale-up, working closely with health financing experts and country teams.
• Conduct in-country primary and secondary data collection and analysis to identify opportunities for domestic financing and insurance scheme inclusion.
• Provide technical input into budget proposals, costed implementation plans, or donor coordination discussions related to FP commodities.
• Draft country-specific summaries of financing opportunities and policy pathways.

e. Coordination and Project Support

• Prepare presentations, concept notes, and progress reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to learning, documentation, and knowledge sharing from project activities.
• Any other task(s) assigned by the program manager

f. Monitoring, learning, and reporting

• Provide timely updates, case studies, and lessons learned for sharing with the broader FIMS community of practice.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of country-level monitoring and learning frameworks aligned with FIMS IO2 objectives.
• Participate in regular check-ins with Solina HQ and RRT members, sharing progress and identifying technical assistance needs.

IV. Required Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of at least two of the following areas: FP program implementation, health policy advocacy, institutionalization of health interventions, or public financing for health.
• Strong understanding of FP method mix, self-care approaches, and market access principles

Problem-Solving

• Ability to think critically and strategically to solve complex problems.
• Creative approach to developing innovative and evidence-based solutions for maternal health challenges.
• Strong decision-making skills supported by thorough analysis and evaluation.
• Ability to manage and utilize data effectively for project planning and evaluation.

Communication

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in the official language of each country (strong English language skills are an asset)
• Strong writing skills for creating reports and other project documentation

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in data analysis tools and Microsoft Office Suite. 

Productivity and Work Output

• Exceptional ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively

• Professionalism and Personal Leadership
• Strong ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and external partners
• Awareness and sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work effectively in diverse environments
• Strong attention to detail to ensure high-quality deliverables
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and remain effective under pressure, and be flexible to respond to new challenges and opportunities.
• Strong interpersonal, coordination, and facilitation skills, with demonstrated political sensitivity.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a multi-stakeholder environment.

V. Education and Experience

i. Academic training: Advanced degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Development Studies, or related field.

ii. Experience: Minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in health systems strengthening, FP/RH program implementation, or health policy reform in low- or middle-income countries

iii. Demonstrated experience with policy research, advocacy, stakeholder mapping, or health financing preferred.

iv. Demonstrated success in working with ministries of health, national-level reproductive health/family planning technical working groups, and global health initiatives in the specific country

VI. Deliverables

• Country-specific landscaping summaries, stakeholder maps, and database
• Program monthly reports
• Advocacy briefs and policy change tracking tools
• Financial modelling support outputs and draft roadmaps
• Meeting reports, presentations, and learning documentation

VII. Equal employment opportunity statement

Equal employment opportunity statement - SCIDaR is an equal opportunity employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.

Acronyms

• DMPA-SC/SI: Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate – Subcutaneous/Self-Injectable
• HMIS/LMIS: Health Management Information System/Logistics Management Information System
• RRT: Regional Resource Team
• MOH: Ministry of Health
• SI: Self-Injectable
• FP: Family Planning
• IO2: Intermediate Outcome 2
• RH: Reproductive Health

• HQ: Headquarters

Locations

This vacancy is open in the following Countries: DRC, Ghana. Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria.