Consultant for National Essential Medicines List (NEML) Integration

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. The organization aims to achieve universal access to sexual and reproductive health, promote gender equality, and support the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health. UNFPA's mission is driven by the belief that every person has the right to a healthy life and the opportunity to contribute to their community and society. The organization is committed to addressing the unmet need for family planning, ending preventable maternal deaths, and combating gender-based violence, all while adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies and programs.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position focuses on analyzing the integration of modern contraceptives within National Essential Medicines Lists (NEMLs) across the Arab Region. The consultant will work to establish a robust regional evidence base and execute strategic advocacy aimed at institutionalizing the inclusion of modern contraceptive commodities within NEMLs. This role is critical in addressing the barriers to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and ensuring that reproductive health commodities are reflected in national health priorities. The consultant will report to the Regional Supply Chain Management (SCM) specialist and will be responsible for generating evidence, conducting assessments, and providing technical support to UNFPA country teams. The overarching goal is to ensure that life-saving contraceptives are included in national procurement budgets and healthcare supply chains, thereby enhancing access to family planning services across the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive assessment of the National Essential Medicines List for all UNFPA Arab States countries, which includes 14 program countries and 6 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Key responsibilities include developing an inception report that outlines the assessment methodology, conducting regional mapping and data collection through desk reviews and key informant interviews, producing a situational analysis report that identifies gaps and barriers, and drafting a Regional Technical Advocacy Brief. The consultant will also facilitate high-level inter-agency coordination meetings, develop tailored policy briefs for selected priority countries, and provide technical inputs to support advocacy efforts with Ministries of Health. Deliverables include a validated regional dataset, comprehensive situational analysis, and a regional advocacy package that includes a contraceptive inclusion plan and policy briefs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Public Health, Pharmacy, Health Economics, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in health systems research, particularly in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and family planning, is required. Extensive knowledge of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), essential medicines policy, and familiarity with the political and cultural context of Arab countries is essential. Experience in generating analytical reports, policy summaries, and multi-country assessments for UN agencies is necessary, along with proven expertise in developing communication and advocacy materials tailored for policymakers. Previous experience in similar regional assignments and familiarity with UNFPA’s mandate is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, either a Master's or a PhD, in relevant fields such as Public Health, Pharmacy, Health Economics, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and the integration of essential medicines into national health policies.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 7 years of professional experience in health systems research, with a strong focus on sexual and reproductive health and family planning. This experience should include working in fragile or conflict-affected settings and generating complex analytical reports and assessments for UN agencies. Familiarity with the political, social, and cultural contexts of Arab countries is also important, as is experience in advocacy and policy development related to health systems.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic and French is considered a significant asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to deliver specific programmatic outputs, including an inception report, completed desk review report, comprehensive situational analysis, and a regional advocacy package. The work environment at UNFPA reflects values of gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and the organization encourages applications from underrepresented groups. The position may involve remote work and requires strong leadership, initiative, and the ability to work independently. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities and does not charge any fees in connection with the application process.