Individual consultancy services (international) on adoption of cervical cancer treatment clinical protocols and development of compliance monitoring indicators

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund), which is a leading UN agency focused on reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries, working to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes gender equality and women's empowerment, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce maternal mortality rates globally. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. They work in partnership with governments and civil society to strengthen health systems and promote access to reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health, and the prevention of sexually transmitted infections. UNFPA also plays a crucial role in advocating for policies that support reproductive rights and gender equality, making significant contributions to the global health agenda.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on enhancing cervical cancer treatment protocols in Turkmenistan, where cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality among women. The consultant will assess existing treatment protocols, update them to align with WHO recommendations, and develop compliance monitoring indicators. The role involves collaboration with national oncologists and health specialists to ensure that the updated protocols are effectively implemented. The consultant will conduct online training sessions for national specialists, ensuring that they are well-equipped to apply the updated protocols in clinical settings. The overarching goal is to improve the quality of cervical cancer care in Turkmenistan, thereby increasing survival rates and enhancing the overall health of women in the country. This position requires a deep understanding of oncology, clinical guidelines, and the ability to work collaboratively with local health authorities to implement sustainable health interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities during the consultancy period. These include conducting a desk review of existing cervical cancer treatment protocols, facilitating online technical meetings with national oncologists to discuss current methodologies and treatment opportunities, and supporting the update of cervical cancer protocols to ensure alignment with WHO standards. The consultant will also develop a Manual Peer-Review Methodology for clinicians to assess adherence to the updated protocols, define Clinical Compliance Indicators for national monitoring, and conduct workshops to refine the methodology. Additionally, the consultant will be responsible for preparing a final consultancy report that summarizes the findings and recommendations from the consultancy work. The consultant will work closely with UNFPA and national health specialists throughout the consultancy period, providing weekly updates on progress and challenges encountered.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in medical sciences, specifically in Oncology and Gynaecology. A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in the field is required, along with a strong understanding of existing WHO recommendations and good practices in cancer treatment. The consultant should have experience in developing clinical protocols, guidelines, and methodologies, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Turkmenistan and the Central Asian region. Fluency in either Russian or English is mandatory, with familiarity with the Central Asian context considered an asset. The consultant should also exhibit strong communication and training skills, enabling effective knowledge transfer to national specialists.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in medical sciences, with a specialization in Oncology and Gynaecology. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant possesses the necessary knowledge and expertise to assess and update cervical cancer treatment protocols effectively. The consultant should be well-versed in current medical advancements and WHO recommendations related to cervical cancer treatment, which will be critical in guiding the development of updated clinical protocols and compliance monitoring indicators.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in the field of oncology, particularly in the context of cervical cancer treatment. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to develop clinical protocols and guidelines, as well as a strong understanding of quality assurance processes in healthcare. Experience working with national health authorities and familiarity with the healthcare system in Turkmenistan or similar contexts will be advantageous. The consultant should also have a proven track record of conducting training sessions and workshops for healthcare professionals, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and capacity building.

Languages:
Fluency in Russian or English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to communicate effectively with national specialists and stakeholders. Proficiency in both languages is preferred, as it will facilitate better collaboration and understanding among diverse teams. Familiarity with the local language or dialects may also be beneficial, although not explicitly required. Understanding the cultural and linguistic context of Turkmenistan will enhance the consultant's ability to engage with local health professionals and ensure the successful implementation of updated treatment protocols.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 22 working days, from May 18th to September 30th, 202

• The work will be delivered online, with no travel expected. 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 promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, encouraging 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.