Purpose of Consultancy

The consultancy is generally focused on the demand side of Family Planning as it seeks to understand the behavior, attitude, practice, and driver for contraception use among current and potential users, vis-a-vis their reproductive objectives and method preferences. 

Additionally, the study will aim to understand factors associated with the low use of some contraceptive methods. Recognizing that some factors may be associated with the supply side of the spectrum, the study will engage elements of the healthcare delivery system to understand associated factors that could impact the low use of these methods. 

The objective in this study is, therefore, in two folds as follows:
1. To determine the social determinants of family planning use among current and potential users in targeted counties with low mCPR.
2. To determine factors responsible for the low use of Implants, IUCD, and female condoms among users and from the perspective of the users as well as the providers in counties with low mCPR. 
 

Background

In Liberia, 24% of married women and 45% of sexually active unmarried women are currently using a modern method of contraception. Injectables, implants, and pills are the most used methods. The country has a high unmet need for family planning, with approximately a third of women who are not using any modern method of contraception for the past 2 to 3 decades. The County is said to have a narrow method mix with the client’s preference skewed to one method, leaving other methods, including long-acting reversible methods, under-utilized. About 2/3 of users opt for the injectable methods, while implants, IUCDs, and other methods are used marginally. What determines a high preference for injectables has not been documented. 

According to the 2019-20 LDHS report, 47% and 16% of women desire contraception for the purpose of birth spacing and limiting, respectively. However, most women are currently using only one long-acting reversible method, while other more reliable longer-acting methods, such as implants and IUDs, are available. Injectables account for 60% of all contraceptive use, while implants account for 20%, and the remaining products, including IUDs and female and male sterilization, constitute less than 10% or negligibly lower.

The objective of the consultancy

UNFPA has commissioned this study to understand the social determinants of family planning in high-burden counties as well as determine factors associated with the low use of some methods, including implants, IUDs, female condoms, and others. 

As a cross-sectional study, this study aims to present, discuss, and document the characteristics, behaviors, and attitudes of potential and current family planning users in six high-burden counties (Montserrado, Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Margibi, and Grand Bassa Counties) as they relate to the uptake of methods and method choices.

Scope of Work

As a cross-sectional study, this study aims to present, discuss, and document the characteristics, behaviors, and attitudes of potential and current family planning users in six high-burden counties (Montserrado, Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Margibi, and Grand Bassa Counties) as they relate to the uptake of methods and method choices. 

As a national consultancy, the consultant is expected to travel significantly to all six counties to implement this study. 

The consultant shall engage with key stakeholders, including family planning experts, managers, service providers, and clients. A special focus on adolescent and youth beneficiaries will be key to defining the social determinants of family planning and contraceptive use among women and young girls of reproductive age.  

The role of key influencers on women and girls’ behavior and practice in the context of contraception use is crucial. Therefore, the engagement of men, boys, parents, and guardians will be important in understanding perspectives and the level of influence these members of the family and community can have on women's and girls' decisions regarding contraception use. The consultant is expected to adopt a study design based on the country context suitable for the study type.

Methodology
The Assessment will use mixed methods, including quantitative and qualitative data collection methods and analytical approaches to reflect participatory and inclusive proposes. 
The consultant will develop the detailed methodology UNFPA will validate at the inception phase.

The consultant will conduct KII with major stakeholders and should be organized in a semi-structured format to include, for instance, FGDs, individual interviews, surveys, or participatory exercises with the community or individual, making sure that the perspective of the most vulnerable groups is included in the consultation.
 

Duration and working schedule

The consultant is expected to initiate and complete the family planning study over 60 days from 02 September to 31 October 2024.

Required expertise, qualifications, and competence, including language requirements

The Consultant will meet the following criteria:

• Seasoned Public Health Specialist, Social Scientist with 7 to 10 years of experience,
• Proven experience in the conduct of qualitative and quantitative studies in a similar context, 
• Excellent writing and organizational skills in workshop facilitation,
• Excellent analytical skills and a high capacity to synthesize information.
• A thorough knowledge of the United Nations system in general and UNFPA in particular would be an asset.
• Fluency in English and Familiar with the West African Region.
   

For more information, please download the attached complete Terms of Reference

Please note this is a local consultancy for Liberians only. Preference will be given to equally qualified women candidates. UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fee in condition of the application or recruitment process. Please submit all fraudulent notices, letters, or offers to the UNFPA fraud hotline at: http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm 

How to Apply

Candidates should submit their applications indicating the post, attach an updated CV, OR a completed United Nations Personnel History Form (P.11 Form), obtainable from the UNFPA website at  www.unfpa.org.
ALL APPLICATIONS, WITH RELEVANT ATTACHMENTS, SHOULD BE EMAILED TO: neblett@unfpa.org, with a copy to gaye@unfpa.org. 

The Deadline for submission of the application is 7 August 2024. UNFPA will only respond to applicants who will meet the stated job requirements.