Background:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is the United Nations’ population and development agency that expands the possibilities for women and young people to fulfill their potential. The climate crisis is impacting all dimensions of demography and public health. The United Nations Population Fund emphasizes the linkage between population dynamics and climate change is essential for working on policies that address this issue through reproductive health and gender equality, including reproductive rights, while safeguarding the environment. As a result, UNFPA aims to support the governments and other partners in the design of people-centered climate change solutions and enabling communities to adapt by placing women and girls at the center of these efforts.
Rising global temperatures directly correlate with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, such as increased risks of preterm births, stillbirths and miscarriages. According to some research, a 1°C increase during the week preceding delivery was associated with a 6% increase in stillbirth risk during the warm season (May–September). This incidence translates to almost 4 additional stillbirths per 10,000 births for each 1°C increase [1] . Additional analysis shows a high correlation between climate change and male and female infertility increase [2][3][4] . Indirectly, climate-induced disasters disrupt access to essential health services, menstrual hygiene, and clean water.
Like the global pattern, Türkiye is increasingly vulnerable to the multi-faceted impacts of the climate crisis. As a Mediterranean basin country, it faces increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves, prolonged droughts, wildfires, and shifting agricultural patterns etc. According to the Turkish State Meteorological Services (TSMS), 2025 was one of the hottest years on record in Türkiye. With an average temperature of 15.1°C, it was 1.2°C above the 1991–2020 average, making it the fifth-hottest year in the past 55 years. Heat extremes were particularly pronounced in summer, with July 2025 becoming the hottest July on record and the summer season ranking as the second hottest over the same period. In 2025, Türkiye’s average temperature was higher than the global average.
UNFPA aims to provide robust evidence to decision makers on how climate change affects women’s health and fertility dynamics in Türkiye. The findings should inform policy and strategic planning, providing actionable insights to guide effective and impactful interventions.
The objectives of the study are to reveal the impacts of extreme heat and climate stressors on reproductive health and fertility outcomes and/or evaluate the vulnerability of health service delivery systems and supply chains during climate-related changes or shocks.
[1] Ha S. et al (2017), “Ambient Temperature and Stillbirth: A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study”, <https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5743476>
[2] Qian Li et al (2023), “Ambient temperature and female infertility prevalence: an ecological study based on the 2019 global burden of disease study” , < https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11846354/>
[3] Gaskins A. J. et al (2021), “Impact of ambient temperature on ovarian reserve”, < https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8478715/>
[4] Qian Li et al (2025), “Temperature change and male infertility prevalence: an ecological study” < https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12070785/>
Job Purpose:
The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct National Climate Impact Analysis on Reproductive Health , an analysis of the direct effects of climate change on key reproductive health indicators, including fertility and maternal health includes policy recommendations in Turkiye.
To be considered a valid application, candidates must submit a CV together with a short proposal outlining the proposed research objectives and methodological framework, including a description of the intended data sources.
You would be responsible for:
During the consultancy period, the consultant is expected to conduct National Climate Impact Analysis on Reproductive Health , an analysis of the direct effects of climate change on key reproductive health indicators, including fertility and maternal health includes policy recommendations in Turkiye.
The study will employ a quantitative approach, using advanced statistical modeling of secondary data obtained from TURKSTAT and the Ministry of Health. The analysis will examine the relationship between adverse climate events and key reproductive health and fertility indicators over approximately the past ten years; however, the exact timeframe covered may be slightly adjusted depending on data availability and quality.
The primary dependent variables: Depending on the study frame, the fertility component of the study, the primary dependent variables may include total fertility rate and/or infertility-related indicators. The reproductive health component, the primary dependent variables may include maternal and reproductive health outcomes such as stillbirth, preterm birth, abortion, infertility, and other relevant indicators.
The independent variables: Expected to include environmental factors such as rising temperatures, extreme heat events, and humidity levels, as well as provincial-level socioeconomic indicators. Consultants are highly encouraged to propose additional relevant variables that will enhance the model of the analysis.
Methodological framework: Quantitative assessment must employ regression analysis as a baseline to establish empirical associations. Advanced analytical methods will be appreciated during the selection process. Proposals incorporating GIS-based spatial analysis at provincial or regional level will be preferable
Data sources: The analysis may draw on empirical data from national sources, including the Ministry of Health (MoH), private healthcare providers, universities, TURKSTAT, and the Türkiye Demographic and Health Surveys (TDHS). The selected consultant(s) will be responsible for identifying, accessing, and managing all primary and secondary data required for the analysis, including obtaining any necessary permissions.
Policy recommendations: Based on the findings of the quantitative analysis, the consultant shall develop evidence-based policy and programmatic recommendations aimed at informing effective interventions, strengthening institutional responses, and supporting strategic decision-making.
How you can make a difference:
Since 1971, UNFPA in Türkiye has worked with government institutions, civil society organizations, municipalities, and the private sector to improve the well-being of women, young people, and vulnerable groups. Under its 8th Country Programme (2026–2030), UNFPA Türkiye focuses on strengthening demographic resilience and promoting women and family-friendly policies; advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment; promoting women’s health and safe motherhood; empowering young people and safeguarding their well-being; and advancing climate action led by women and youth.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
The Position:
The consultant is expected to work from 20 July 2026 to 22 September 2026 and the consultancy will be home-based.
The consultant will submit a daily log including the details of working days and tasks along with the deliverables. The acceptance of services at the end of each completed deliverable will be certified through a Certification of Payment to be counter signed by both parties (IC and UNFPA).
The consultant will work under the direct supervision of UNFPA Programme Analyst, PD and will produce the following deliverables:
Deliverable 1: Submission of the inception report, 27 July 2026, 12% completion
The report gives high level details of the specific research objectives and methodological framework, incorporating a comprehensive overview of empirical data repositories and the way for data acquisition, as well as a weekly research time schedule for each analysis.
Deliverable 2: Submission of the preliminary report,7 September 2026, 60% completion
The preliminary report will provide the analysis that is agreed in the inception report phase, including the policy recommendations.
Deliverable 3: Finalization of the report, 22 September 2026, 28% completion
Finalization of the report in line with the UNFPA feedback given to Preliminary Report
Qualifications and Experience:
Education:
- Master’s Degree in Public Health, Demography, Economics, Econometrics, Mathematics, Social Policy, Environmental Science or related field
Knowledge and Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of relevant academic and research experience on public health, demography, social policy, economics, environmental policy or related fields
- A strong publication record and experience of quantitative analysis relating to health policy, demography, economics, environmental policy
- Microsoft Office, Windows-based applications, spreadsheets and databases
- Previous experience in delivering similar assignments is an asset.
- Experience of work with the UN is an asset.
- Excellent writing and research skills is an asset.
- Excellent consultation and engagement skills is an asset.
Languages:
- Fluency in written and spoken English and Turkish.
Required Competencies:
Values:
- Exemplifying integrity,
- Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
- Embracing cultural diversity,
- Embracing change
Core Competencies:
- Achieving Results
- Being Accountable
- Developing & Applying Professional Expertise
- Thinking Analytically & Strategically
- Working in Teams/Managing our-selves and relationships
- Communicating for Impact
Functional Competencies:
- Delivering result-based programs
- Providing technical support
- Providing conceptual innovation to enhance/strengthen programme effectiveness
Generating, managing and promoting the use of knowledge and information
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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. 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:
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.
