Project Overview

Funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Delivering Accelerated Family Planning in Pakistan (DAFPAK) programme aims to expand access to quality family planning (FP) services in the public and private sectors. There are four components of the programme which are implemented by different consortia/partners as described below:

• Component 1: Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) implemented by M&C Saatchi
• Component 2(a): Private Sector Service Delivery implemented by PSI, MSI and DKT
• Component 2(b): Public Sector Service Delivery (PSSD) implemented by Palladium and its partners
• Component 3: Enabling Environment - Advocacy and Policy Development led by UNFPA
• Component 4: Audits, Third Party Validation, Monitoring and Research led by Integrity

DAFPAK’s Public Sector Service Delivery (PSSD) component is focusing on engaging with the provincial and district-level governments to strengthen systems for FP through enhancing 1) FP coordination; 2) procurement and supply chain; 3) FP data demand and use; and 4) access to quality FP services. PSSD is implemented by Palladium in partnership with Pathfinder International. The geographic scope of DAFPAK-PSSD covers 20 districts across the three provinces of Pakistan (i.e. 10 in Sindh, 6 in Punjab, 4 in KP).

Assignment Background

Pakistan’s Council of Common Interests (CCI) 20230 commitments aim to strengthen the family planning (FP) systems in the country to achieve a prosperous and healthy society. Punjab province is home to more than half of the country’s population, and therefore most critical in achieving the FP2030 commitments. The Government of Punjab has successfully introduced and implemented approaches and strategies to improve FP and health systems considering the unique challenges in the world's fifth-most populous subnational entity. These included the introduction of the Independent Monitoring Units, technological innovations, and applying a Roadmap approach to healthcare delivery systems.

The Public Sector Service Delivery (PSSD) component of the FCDO-funded Delivering Accelerated Family Planning in Pakistan (DAFPAK) Programme is a technical assistance (TA) Project implemented in three provinces of Pakistan. PSSD aims to strengthen public sector FP systems and service delivery through provision of TA in critical areas of FP coordination, data systems, commodity supplies, and service delivery. The Project is designed to supply demand driven TA to public sector counterparts addressing critical gaps identified.

­Assignment Purpose:

The Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department (P&SHD) of Punjab has requested PSSD support in establishing a Delivery Unit which will lead the extension of the highly effective Roadmap approach to the FP service delivery. Data from Monitoring & Evaluation Assistants (MEAs) and the Department’s Electronic Medical Record (EMR) will be used to track progress on indicators. Through inputs of the Delivery Unit and the application of the roadmap approach, the Department has identified the following areas to monitor and steer:

• Improving service delivery and basic infrastructure of Family Health Centers (FHCs) and ~270 Family Welfare Centers (FWCs) located in the premises of P&SHD’s health establishments
• Provision of FP services at Well Women clinics in DHQHs / THQHs
• Leveraging staff (nurses, doctors) of high patient footfall specialties (Gynecology, Pediatrics etc.) at DHQH/THQHs for improving FP awareness
• Improving governance through health council, Monitoring Evaluation Assistant based performance management routines and IT interventions
• Improving FP awareness & communication strategy with general public availing services at P&SH service delivery points (BHU, RHCs, THQHs, DHQHs)  

Assignment Scope:

The Associate (Awareness & IEC) works under the immediate guidance of the Team Manager, contributing to the strategic planning and operational execution of the Roadmap approach in FP service delivery. He/She will take the lead in developing and executing awareness and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategies related to FP. The Associate (Awareness & IEC) also oversees improvement initiatives for Family Health Centers, Family Welfare Centers, and Well Women Clinics ensuring enhanced service delivery and infrastructure. The detail of the assignment scope are as follows:

• Work under the immediate guidance of the Team Manager, contributing to the strategic planning and operational execution of the Roadmap approach.
• Lead the development and execution of awareness and information, education, and communication (IEC) strategies related to FP.
• Oversee the improvement initiatives for a total of 270 Family Health Centers and Family Welfare Centers to enhance service delivery and basic infrastructure.
• Take charge of facilitating the provision of FP services at Well Women Clinics, ensuring quality care and adherence to established guidelines.
• Leverage healthcare staff (nurses, doctors) in high patient footfall specialties (e.g., Gynaecology, Paediatrics) to enhance FP awareness.
• Supervise the workstream of Analysts. Diligently delegate tasks to Analysts to ensure the effective implementation of the Roadmap approach, and provide guidance and support to ensure efficient and effective delivery.

Payment Deliverable

Assignment Timeframe

The Associate (Awareness & IEC) is expected to complete the assignment to the satisfaction of Secretary P&SHD/ PD IRMNCH&N Programme and PSSD-DAFPAK Provincial Team Leader (PTL), within six months after the recruitment cycle is concluded.

 Qualifications and Experience

MS/MSc in Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, Public Policy and two years relevant experience in any well reputed national or international health organisation OR mid-level relevant experience.

Note: This position is contingent upon approval of budget from donar.