Individual Consultant: VALIDATION OF 30 YEARS OF QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS, POLICY REVIEW, AND QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY PLANNING INEQUITY IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION, Johannesburg, South Africa

Formation / Diplômes

Individual Consultant: VALIDATION OF 30 YEARS OF QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS, POLICY REVIEW, AND QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY PLANNING INEQUITY IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION, Johannesburg, South Africa Organization: UNFPA - United Nations Population Fund Country: South Africa City: Johannesburg Office: UNFPA Johannesburg Individual Consultant: VALIDATION OF 30 YEARS OF QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS, POLICY REVIEW, AND QUALITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF FAMILY PLANNING INEQUITY IN EASTERN AND SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION Johannesburg, South Africa Job Info Job Identification 33601 Posting Date 04/29/2026, 10:32 AM Apply Before 05/09/2026, 03:59 AM Job Schedule Full time Locations Johannesburg, South Africa Grade P5 Vacancy Type Temporary Contract Duration 2 months Education & Work Experience Master's Degree - 10 year(s) experience Required Languages Must be fluent in English (oral and written) Vacancy Timeline 2 Weeks Job Description TERMS OF REFERENCE (to be completed by Hiring Office) Hiring Office: FP/Supplies Unit, UNFPA ESARO Purpose of contract: Purpose of contract: The primary purpose of the consultancy commissioned by UNFPA ESARO is to conduct a qualitative validation and operational audit of 30 years of demographic data to uncover the underlying why and how of structural inequities in family planning access across the East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR). While quantitative metrics show a tripling of the modern contraceptive prevalence rate since 1990, these aggregate successes frequently mask profound disparities. By employing a granular, person-centred approach to humanize these statistical trends, the consultancy aims to surface the real-life narratives of invisible, high-risk populations and assess the impact of recent investments made since ICPD. Ultimately, this assignment seeks to bridge the gap between quantitative modelling and actionable policy, facilitating a strategic shift away from relying on national averages toward a sub-national model that prioritizes interventions and resources for those left furthest behind. Background & Context: In the East and Southern Africa Region (ESAR), Modern Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (mCPR) has more than tripled over the last three decades (from 13.9% in 1990 to 43.4% in 2024), yet these aggregate successes frequently mask severe structural inequalities. Even when data on unequal access to contraceptives across countries and within countries may be available, there is a lack of detailed qualitative data to explain the underlying cause of the inequities in the statistical trends. This consultancy is strategically designed to uncover the why and how the observed inequities occur. The assignment moves beyond national averages to validate data through a granular, person-centred lens, ensuring that interventions are transitioned toward a sub-national and background characteristics model that prioritizes those furthest behind. The ESAR has undergone a demographic transformation in the last three decades. Preliminary analysis shows that, between 1990 and 2024, the mCPR escalated almost tripled, while unmet need declined by one third, from 35.4% to 22.7%. However, this progress is non-linear. The region faces a High-Inequality paradox in countries like Kenya and Namibia, where national success is fueled by affluent urban groups, leaving rural populations in conditions reminiscent of the 1990s [1] . Conversely, the negative equity trap seen in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) represents an infrastructure failure, where equity is achieved only because access is universally low for both rich and poor. These disparities are most acute at the sub-national level, exemplified by the Simiyu-Lindi divide in Tanzania, where the Lindi region reports a world-class unmet need of 6.7% while Simiyu faces a crisis-level unmet need of 41.7%. Qualitative deep dives are essential to validate the institutional and behavioural context of these gaps. The strategic intent of this consultancy is to humanize demographic trends and service access/utilization. It is not a simple information collection exercise, but a comprehensive operational audit designed to surface the narratives of invisible, high-risk populations. By synthesizing technical modelling with lived experiences, this exercise will help to bridge the gap between quantitative data and actionable policy informed by real-life experiences. Primary Objectives: Validation : To conduct a technical review and validation of the findings of the 30-year secondary data analysis to ensure they reflect current institutional and field realities. Qualitative : Conduct qualitative studies (desk review of laws, policies and social norms; in-depth interviews; etc) to understand the barriers and facilitators of family planning use (eg: socioeconomic, demographic, policy, and political, etc). Triangulation : Capture specific narratives regarding barriers and facilitators to triangulate with the quantitative evidence. Attribution : Assess the impact of UNFPA investments in Family Planning programs in the region, including investments in enhancing service quality and community engagement. Scope of work: (Description of services, activities, or outputs) The Scope of this work is rooted in rigorous validation logic, updating available recent information, adding more layers of information, incorporating reports, conducting qualitative data collection and analysis, based on agreed concept notes, validation tools, and DHS protocols to ensure high-fidelity reporting. The consultant will adapt a draft tool typically used for validation and gathering of additional information. The scope includes all countries in the Eastern and Southern Africa region. Specifically: Strategy & Evidence: Conduct all validation and in-depth interviews to evaluate national FP action plans for quantitative targets concerning sub-groups (Youth, Unmarried, Rural). Quality & Task-Shifting: Assess SOW alignment with WHO guidelines and the efficacy of

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