Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) Consultant

1w1 week ago

UNDP

Pretoria, ZA · Part-time · ZAR 600,000 – ZAR 900,000

About this role

UNFPA leads efforts for safe childbirth and fulfilled potential worldwide. This consultancy assesses and strengthens awareness, response, and service readiness for Perinatal Mental Health (PMH) in South Africa. Emphasis falls on policy alignment, data systems, and stakeholder engagement to inform programming and national dialogue.

Perinatal mental health disorders affect up to 30–40% of women during pregnancy and postpartum, especially in underserved provinces like KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Limpopo. Factors including HIV, teenage pregnancy, intimate partner violence, and poverty heighten vulnerability. South Africa’s National Mental Health Policy Framework (2023–2030) prioritizes maternal mental health amid implementation gaps at primary care levels.

Current data systems like DHIS2 capture limited PMH information without routine nationwide screening. The role aligns with the Presidential Health Compact, GBVF National Strategic Plan, and UNSDCF (2025–2030). Work involves desk reviews, stakeholder mapping, and awareness assessments in a collaborative environment with government, academia, and civil society.

Deliver evidence-based recommendations and a roadmap for scaling PMH within SRHR and primary health care. Contribute to ending preventable maternal deaths and advancing ICPD Programme of Action. Join principled staff defending human rights in a rapidly changing landscape.

Requirements

Expertise in perinatal mental health disorders and maternal health in South Africa
Knowledge of National Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2023–2030
Familiarity with DHIS2 and maternal health data systems
Experience assessing health system readiness for mental health services
Skills in stakeholder mapping and engagement with government and civil society
Background in SRHR, primary health care, and policy analysis
Ability to evaluate awareness and demand for PMH services in underserved communities

Responsibilities

Assess South Africa’s health system readiness to respond to PMH including policies, guidelines, investments, and service delivery
Map PMH stakeholders and initiatives across government, academia, civil society, and private sector
Review data availability, gaps, and opportunities for integrating PMH into DHIS2 and maternal health reporting
Assess awareness, acceptance, and demand for PMH services among health workers, communities, and mothers
Provide evidence-based recommendations and a roadmap for scaling up PMH interventions within SRHR and primary health care platforms
Conduct desk review of national and provincial policies including Mental Health Policy Framework 2023–2030