Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) – EWARS/IDSR Integration Consultant

UNICEF is seeking a Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) – Early Warning Alert, and Response Systems (EWARS)/Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) Integration Consultant to provide strategic guidance and technical oversight for a global health initiative. A Global MNCH Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Surveillance Task Force has been established under the Global Health Cluster to support this work. This consultancy aims to strengthen real-time MNCH surveillance in crisis-affected areas by integrating prioritized MNCH indicators into EWARS/IDSR systems. The project will initiate with a pilot program in South Sudan and focus on developing a replicable model for global implementation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance and technical oversight for the integration of MNCH indicators into surveillance systems.
• Strengthen real-time MNCH surveillance in humanitarian and crisis-affected settings.
• Lead the pilot integration project in South Sudan and document findings to create a replicable global model.
• Coordinate with the Global MNCH Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Surveillance Task Force and the Global Health Cluster (IMTT group).
• Establish links with the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Task Team and broader MNCH communities of practice.
• Develop comprehensive surveillance protocols, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and training materials.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Public Health, Global Health, or a related field with a documented concentration in Epidemiology.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of professional experience in public health and surveillance systems.
• Technical Skills: Integration of Primary Health Care (PHC) level interventions; proven hands-on experience with EWARS and/or IDSR systems.
• Software: DHIS2 configuration experience is highly desirable.
• Domain Expertise: Demonstrated expertise in MNCH programs, particularly in humanitarian or fragile settings.
• Documentation: Proven experience in developing technical protocols, SOPs, and educational materials.
• Background: Previous professional experience with UN agencies (especially UNICEF), CDC, or leading International NGOs is highly desirable.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply online through the UNICEF recruitment portal by following the link provided in the application section. Ensure your application includes all relevant documentation regarding your epidemiological background and surveillance system experience.