Background
The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC), with support of UNFPA are developing a new Strategic Directions for Nursing and Midwifery (SDNM) for the period 2026-2030. The exerciseย is crucial for ensuring that the nursing and midwifery workforce, the backbone of Zimbabweโs health system, is optimally positioned to contribute to achieving theย Universal Health Coverage (UHC), reducing maternal and neonatal mortality, and effectively responding to the dynamic and evolving health needs of the nation. Zimbabweโs health outcomes are dependent on the strength and capabilities of its nursing and midwifery workforce. These professionals are at the forefront of healthcare delivery, providing essential services in communities, hospitals, and clinics across the country. Recognizing their pivotal role, the MOHCC prioritizes strategic planning to guide the development of this critical workforce.
The previous SDNMโs ( 2016-2020) expired during the Covid 19 pandemic and this led to a delay in developing a new strategy. The availability of funding from the MNHF prioritised the development of a new strategic framework to address emerging challenges and capitalize on new opportunities. The Nursing Directorate has started the process and a consultant is being engaged to lead the acceleration ofย the completion of the strategy.
How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organizationโs response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.ย
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
ย UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact and sustained results and ensure effective external relations, communications, and partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results.
Overall Responsibility
Review andย address gaps through desk reviews, virtual and physical consultative meetings ย Finalise the situation analysis report Lead the development of the SDNMย Develop a SDNMย (2026-2030) document in line with the MOHCC format Lead the SDNM validation and submit final document to MOHCC and UNFPADeliverablesย
Duration of the Assignmentย
The consultancy will run for 36 working days from theย date of signing the contract. It is envisioned that the consultant will not work continuously as s/he will wait for some inputs from the technical working group hence the 36 working days are spread from 1 November ย to 19 December, 2025
Qualifications and Experience:ย
A Masterโs degree or equivalent (Higher degrees are an added advantage) in the following fields: Nursing, Nursing Education, Administration ,or Midwifery Education or related field Direct experience with nursing and midwifery services and education or equivalent Proven track record in development of Educational and clinical nursing and midwifery programmes (samples of previous work done would suffice) Minimum ten (10) years of extensive involvement in Educational or training programmes Minimum five (5) years work in Clinical settings with involvement of grassroot, district, provincial and tertiary levels Experience in the development of health-related strategic directions Excellent writing and facilitation skills. Strong appreciation ofย Sexual Reproductive Health services and Rightsย
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - clickย hereย to learn more.
Disclaimer:
Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.ย
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.ย
Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.