Background

Liberia has a population of 5.3 million people and an annual growth rate of 3%. Youth (0-34 yrs) constitutes 75%, while adolescents (10-19 yrs) account for 24.2% of the population. There is rapid urbanization (54.5% of the population lives in urban areas) fueled by internal migration, which puts strain on existing public services that have not expanded at the same pace as the growing urban population. 
Liberia's TFR is 4.2 with high childhood and maternal mortality (742 deaths per 100,000 live births). Youth unemployment is very high due to limited opportunities in the public and private sectors and the lack of market-relevant skills.
Access to basic social services such as health care and education is either limited or characterized by high inequality. Although 70.3% of inhabitants have access to healthcare within one hour, there is high inequality between rural (49%) and urban (88%) households. Disparities in access to quality education, particularly between boys and girls, hinder progress towards the SDGs.  While the primary school completion rate is 10 % for boys and 11% for girls, 41% of females and 30% of males aged six and older have no formal education, while 42% of girls and 46% of complete lower secondary education. 

Purpose of the consultancy
The primary objective of this consultancy is to support the Government of Liberia in developing a comprehensive, evidence-based, and multi-sectoral National Population Policy that aligns with national development goals and international commitments.

Scope of work (Description of services, activities, or outputs)

Inception Phase
Conduct an inception meeting with the key stakeholders to clarify the scope of work, methodology, and timelines.
Develop a detailed work plan and timeline for the consultancy, including specific deliverables and milestones.
Conduct a desk review of relevant national policies, strategies, legislation, demographic data, research reports, and international frameworks.

Situation Analysis:
Undertake a comprehensive analysis of Liberia's current population dynamics, including trends in fertility, mortality, migration, urbanization, and age structure.
Assess the socio-economic, environmental, and health implications of these population trends.
Identify key population challenges and opportunities, including regional disparities and vulnerable populations.
Analyze the existing institutional framework and capacities for addressing population issues.

Stakeholder Consultations:
Design and facilitate a series of consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries, agencies, local authorities, civil society organizations, academic institutions, traditional leaders, youth representatives, women's groups, and international partners.
Employ various consultation methods (e.g., workshops, focus group discussions, interviews) to gather diverse perspectives and build consensus.
Ensure that the consultations are inclusive and participatory, reaching marginalized and underrepresented groups.

Policy Formulation
Based on the situation analysis and stakeholder consultations, draft a comprehensive National Population Policy document. 

Implementation Framework
Develop a clear framework for the implementation of the National Population Policy.

Monitoring and Evaluation Framework
Develop a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework with clear indicators, data sources, and reporting mechanisms to track progress in the implementation of the National Population Policy and assess its impact.

Capacity Building Recommendations
Provide recommendations for strengthening the institutional and human resource capacities of relevant government agencies and other stakeholders for effective population policy implementation, coordination, and M&E.
Duration and working schedule

The duration of the consultancy is sixty (60) days, commencing the first week of May 2025.

Duty Station

The consultant will work in Monrovia, Montserrado County, at the LISGIS compound and the UNFPA offices.

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.)

The Consultant is expected to deliver the following:
An Inception Report, including a detailed work plan and timeline.
A comprehensive Situation Analysis Report on Liberia's population dynamics and related issues.
A detailed report on the stakeholder consultation process, including summaries of key findings and recommendations.
A draft National Population Policy document inclusive of a comprehensive implementation framework and a robust monitoring and evaluation framework.
A report with recommendations for strengthening institutional capacity for population policy implementation and coordination.
A Final National Population Policy document, incorporating feedback from the validation workshop.
A presentation summarizing the key findings and recommendations of the consultancy.

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format, and deadline

The consultant will participate in a briefing session on the nature, scope, and methodology at the start of the consultancy, which will be jointly conducted by UNFPA and LISGIS/PPCU. The deliverables will be reviewed by UNFPA and the designated national key partners.

Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies, including language requirements

The ideal consultant should possess the following qualifications and experience:

An advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Demography, Population Studies, Public Health, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
Extensive experience (at least 5 years) in conducting demographic analysis, developing population policies, and working on population-related issues in developing countries, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa.
Strong understanding of population dynamics, reproductive health, gender equality, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability issues.
Proven experience in conducting stakeholder consultations, facilitating workshops, and engaging with diverse groups.
Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely.
Familiarity with the policy context and institutional landscape of Liberia or similar countries is an advantage.
Experience working with government agencies, civil society organizations, and international development partners.
Strong project management skills and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs within the agreed timeframe.

Supervisory arrangements

The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the UNFPA Data and Evidence Specialist and the overall guidance of the Deputy Country Representative. The consultant will be expected to work in close collaboration with the LISGIS/PPCU, UN Agencies, associated line ministries, and other government agencies.

How to Apply
Applicants can submit their Letter of expression of interest CV with evidence of qualifications and experience,  
samples of reports from previous similar assignments undertaken; detailed technical and financial proposal (to be negotiated) to the following email addresses: mulumba@unfpa.org and neblett@unfpa.org. The deadline for the application is 29 April 2025.

KINDLY DOWNLOAD THE ATTACHED TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR MORE INFORMATION  
Notice: UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. UNFPA is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNFPA does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next phase of the selection process.