Individual consultancy services (international) on the standardization of histological examination for cervical dysplasia screening

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading global organization that promotes the right of every woman, man, and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. Established in 1969, UNFPA works in over 150 countries, with a mission to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization focuses on reproductive health, gender equality, and population issues, and it collaborates with governments and partners to implement programs that improve health outcomes and empower individuals. UNFPA's work in Turkmenistan is particularly focused on enhancing reproductive health services and addressing issues related to maternal and child health, family planning, and gender-based violence.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is aimed at addressing the pressing issue of cervical cancer in Turkmenistan, which is a leading cause of cancer mortality among women. The Government of Turkmenistan, through the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, has initiated a comprehensive national cervical cancer screening program that has already reached over 880,000 women. The consultant will play a critical role in standardizing histopathological examinations for cervical dysplasia screening, which is essential for improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment effectiveness. The consultant will work closely with national health authorities and UNFPA to develop protocols that align with WHO recommendations and ensure that the screening process is objective and reliable. The consultancy will involve conducting assessments, developing methodologies, and providing training to local specialists, ultimately aiming to enhance the quality of cervical cancer screening and reduce mortality rates.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key phases of work:

• Assessment Phase - Conduct a desk review of existing histopathological protocols in Turkmenistan, comparing them with international standards, and develop a gap assessment report with recommendations.
• Protocol & Methodology Development - Create standardized guidelines for biopsy procedures, define quality control indicators, and develop objective criteria for data interpretation. This phase includes conducting an online workshop with national pathologists to finalize the developed documents.
• Capacity Building Phase - Compile training materials and deliver practical training for national specialists on the updated protocols and interpretation criteria. Provide technical advisory on AI-assisted technologies in pathology.
• Reporting Phase - Develop a final consultancy report summarizing the findings and recommendations. The consultant will also be expected to provide weekly updates on progress and challenges encountered during the consultancy.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree in Medical Sciences with a specialization in clinical pathology or histopathology. Candidates must have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in oncopathology or gynecological pathology. Expert knowledge of WHO recommendations and international standards for CIN classification is essential. Proven experience in standard pathohistological examination is also required. The consultant should demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with national health authorities and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in Medical Sciences, specifically with a focus on clinical pathology or histopathology. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of cervical dysplasia screening and histopathological examination.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in the field of oncopathology or gynecological pathology. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant has a deep understanding of the subject matter and can effectively contribute to the standardization of histological examinations.

Languages:
Fluency in English or Russian is mandatory for this position. Familiarity with the Central Asian context is considered an asset, as it may enhance the consultant's ability to navigate the local healthcare landscape and collaborate effectively with national partners.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 27 working days, from June 8th to August 31st, 2026, including one in-country mission to Ashgabat for 5 days. The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the P-4 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories effective January 1, 2026, and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of deliverables. UNFPA is committed to gender equality and diversity in the workplace and encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process.