Consultant – Conduct Menstrual Health and Hygiene Related Policy Desk Review and Analysis at Save the Children Nigeria
Save the Children Seeks Policy Consultant to Strengthen Menstrual Health and Hygiene in Cross River State
Deadline: August 4, 2025 | Location: Cross River State | Duration: 30 days
Menstrual health and hygiene (MHH) is not just a health issue it’s a human rights and dignity issue. Yet, millions of girls and women in Nigeria still face persistent barriers in managing their menstruation safely and with dignity. Recognizing this, Save the Children Nigeria, a leading child-focused humanitarian organization, is seeking an experienced Policy Consultant to lead a comprehensive review and analysis of menstrual health-related policies, with a focus on Cross River State.
For many girls, especially those in rural and underserved communities, menstruation is still shrouded in stigma, myths, and neglect. Without access to affordable menstrual hygiene products, safe sanitation facilities, or accurate information, girls often resort to unsafe alternatives like rags or tissue paper. The resulting health risks and shame lead to school absenteeism, reduced self-esteem, and gender inequality.
To address these challenges, Save the Children has been implementing interventions in refugee settlements and host communities in Cross River, including:
- Distribution of Dignity Kits in schools
- Awareness campaigns on menstrual hygiene
- Training adolescents in the production of reusable sanitary pads
- Support for environmental health clubs in schools
Still, there are policy and implementation gaps that hinder sustainability and scale-up of these interventions.
The Consultancy: Purpose and Scope
Save the Children is engaging a consultant to conduct a policy desk review and analysis of MHH-related policies across key ministries and agencies at both the national and state levels. The objective is to identify:
- Gaps in existing policies
- Opportunities for strengthening implementation
- Evidence-based recommendations to support policy reform and advocacy
The review will cover documents from Ministries of Health, Education, Women Affairs, Labour, and RUWATSSA, among others. The final output will include a policy brief with strategic recommendations to improve MHH policies and practices in Cross River State.
Target Audience
The findings of this assignment will be used to inform high-level engagement with:
- Government stakeholders and policymakers
- Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)
- School administrators and curriculum developers
- Adolescents and community members
Ethical Considerations
The consultancy will uphold the highest standards of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusivity. Save the Children will provide technical leadership in:
- Risk assessment
- Informed consent processes
- Inclusion of marginalized children (e.g., children with disabilities)
Eligibility:
Essential Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Public Health, Policy Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field
- Agreement to adhere to Save the Children’s safeguarding and ethical policies
Required Experience:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in policy analysis or review related to:
- MHH
- WASH
- Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- Health and Nutrition
- Experience working in Cross River State or similar contexts
- Strong stakeholder engagement, report writing, and facilitation skills
Applicants should submit a CV, cover letter, and samples of relevant work (with references).
How to Apply
The application deadline is 12:01 PM on August 4, 2025.
Interested and qualified candidates should click here to apply.