Individual Consultancy Baseline Assessment for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention (APP) Project in Belize – UNFPA SROC, Belize

Purpose of Consultancy

The purpose of the baseline assessment is to establish clearly defined, measurable baseline values that are fully aligned with the project’s Theory of Change (ToC) and Performance Measurement Framework (PMF). The baseline assessment will:

• Provide quantitative and qualitative data on current knowledge, attitudes, and practices concerning adolescent SRHR among Indigenous and Tribal adolescents in Belize.
• Inform evidence-based refinement of planned interventions and strategies and support stakeholder alignment on behavioural outcomes.
• Establish key indicators and benchmarks for incorporation into the Performance Monitoring Framework, which will be utilised for project monitoring and evaluation.
• Document existing SRHR service delivery capacities, CSE availability, and current policy environments.

Scope of work/Main tasks and responsibilities, et al

To design, implement, and analyse a comprehensive mixed-methods baseline assessment that establishes culturally sensitive, reliable, and actionable benchmark data on adolescent SRHR knowledge, attitudes, practices, behavioural determinants, service availability, and institutional capacities among indigenous and tribal populations in Suriname. The findings will inform programme refinement, Performance Monitoring Framework, guide MERL indicators, and support evidence-based, context-specific strategies for reducing early and unintended pregnancies. 

The baseline assessment will rely on a clearly articulated behavioural science framework (as appropriate), explicitly selected and justified in the inception report. It will include a service-delivery component covering facility assessment, service mapping and triangulation with provider interviews and administrative data. Specific Tasks 

The consultant will:

• Define the behavioural model that is appropriate to the project intervention and current PMF.
• Co-lead the development of data collection tools, define sound methodology, including data management, to assess the current SRHR knowledge, attitudes, practices (behaviours including service demand) among indigenous and tribal adolescents and map the behavioural determinants (capability, opportunity, motivation, norms, agency, access, risk perception, etc.).
• Conduct a desk review and data-mapping exercise of existing national and subnational datasets and documents, including project-specific products such as the MILENA study, to understand the current SRHR situation in the two countries, identify gaps in access to SRHR services, and identify opportunities to improve SRHR access in Suriname.
• Identify socio-cultural, economic, and geographic barriers impacting adolescents’ SRHR access (specific causal pathways)
• Assess the enabling policy and legal environment affecting adolescent pregnancy prevention, including: legal and policy barriers, key influencers and gatekeepers
• Identify current gaps in the collection and utilisation of SRHR data from facilities, including youth-friendly services.
• Based on the assessment findings, proffer recommendations to improve and promote efficient access to SRHR information and services in the two countries.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Public Health, Epidemiology, Social Sciences, Behavioural Science, International Development, Health Systems, or a closely related discipline.
• A first university degree with additional relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree. 

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of proven experience conducting mixed-methods research, baseline assessments, programme evaluations, or SRHR-focused studies.
• Strong background in adolescent sexual and reproductive health, behavioural science, gender, or public health programming, preferably within the Caribbean or similar multicultural contexts.
• Demonstrated experience collecting data in indigenous, tribal, or geographically remote communities, including culturally sensitive engagement and ethical practice.
• Proven experience in designing and administering KAP surveys, qualitative research (FGDs, KIIs), and participatory techniques (e.g., journey mapping, vignettes, card sorting).
• Prior experience working with UN agencies, government counterparts, and civil society organisations is an asset.

Technical Skills: 

• Strong quantitative analysis skills using tools such as STATA, SPSS, R, or equivalent.
• Competency in qualitative data coding and thematic analysis using relevant software.
• Excellent report-writing, data visualisation, and presentation skills.

Language:

• Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
• Working knowledge of Dutch or Sranan Tongo (for Suriname) is an asset; however, interpretation support will be available where necessary.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.   

Note: 

• There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. 
• UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.
• UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life.  We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.