Local Consultancy: To Support Consultative Input to South Africa's National Strategy for Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy and its Adverse Effects

Job Description

UNFPA South Africa is currently supporting the South African Government with development of a comprehensive National Strategy for Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy and Its Adverse Effects. To ensure the strategy is evidence-based, reflects current best practice, and is grounded in the lived realities of South Africans, UNFPA is seeking the professional services of an individual consultant to conduct qualitative consultations across the country. These insights will directly inform the lead writer in the drafting of the National Strategy.

Objectives of the Assignment

To conduct qualitative consultations across South Africa to inform the National Strategy for Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy and Its Adverse Effects.

Scope of Work, Methodology, Deliverables, Timeframe

The consultant will be responsible for gathering qualitative data through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Key tasks include:

• The consultant will work closely with the strategy's lead writer in developing the sampling plan, discussion guide, and template for reporting. Regular communication between the lead writer and the consultant is expected throughout the duration of the project.

Deliverables

• Inception Plan

  Sampling plan, travel/interview schedule, and final interview guides developed in consultation with the lead writer.

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  13-17 April 2026

  20%

• Consultation Phase

  Completion of all provincial/national consultations. This includes submitting notes and synthesis within 48 hours of each completed consultation.

  20-24 April 2026

  30%

• Final Report Due

  A 2-5 page thematic report summarizing key insights from the consultations.

  20-24 April 2026

  50%

Number of days: 15 days total

Duration of Assignment

Consultant must be based in South Africa

Place Where Services Are to Be Delivered

Required:

Expected Travel

Domestic travel (air and road) expected for 3-4 provinces. (Interviews in the other provinces will be done remotely.)

Qualifications, Background, Experience

Advanced degree in the field of Social Sciences, Gender, Public Health or related area.

Supervisory Arrangements

The consultant will be directly supervised by the lead writer with overall supervision from the UNFPA Assistant Representative.

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 - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

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.

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.