National Specialist to Support the Regional Assignment on Market Intelligence & Regulatory Assessment for Guaranteed Access to SRH Commodities in Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA)

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 mission to promote reproductive health and rights, and to ensure that every individual has access to essential health services. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in the areas of family planning, maternal health, gender equality, and demographic change. UNFPA's strategic plan for 2026-2029 outlines its response to a complex global environment, emphasizing resilience and renewal in its operations. The organization employs a diverse workforce and values transparency, ethical conduct, and high-impact results in its programs.

Job Overview:
The National Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the UNFPA EECARO's regional Market Intelligence & Regulatory Assessment initiative aimed at improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) commodities across Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA). This position involves engaging with national stakeholders, collecting and organizing country-specific documentation and data, and providing logistical support for consultations and interviews. The National Specialist will act as the country focal point, facilitating coordination and stakeholder engagement to ensure the successful implementation of the regional assignment. The role requires a deep understanding of the local regulatory and procurement environments, as well as the ability to provide contextual analysis and practical insights to inform the regional consultancy's work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Specialist will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement: Identifying and compiling a list of key national stakeholders such as Ministries of Health, National Regulatory Authorities, procurement agencies, customs authorities, public health institutes, local manufacturers, distributors, humanitarian partners, NGOs, and professional associations. Facilitating introductions and communication between the lead consultant/team and national stakeholders, coordinating and scheduling interviews, meetings, and consultations, and participating in stakeholder interviews as needed.
• Documentation and Data Collection: Collecting and organizing relevant country-level documents, including national regulatory guidelines, procurement policies, importation procedures, and market authorization requirements. Supporting the collection of market intelligence data related to the availability of SRH commodities, local suppliers, product demand trends, and procurement bottlenecks.
• Local Market and Supply Chain Intelligence: Mapping local manufacturers, assemblers, distributors, and wholesalers relevant to SRH commodities, gathering information on local production capacity, registration status of key SRH commodities, and storage capabilities.
• Coordination and Reporting Support: Providing regular updates to the lead consultant/team and UNFPA, supporting follow-up communications with stakeholders, assisting in validating findings, and preparing brief country progress summaries when requested. The National Specialist will utilize various methodologies, including desk reviews, stakeholder outreach, key informant interviews, and data collection using standardized templates.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Public Health, Pharmacy, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain Management, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in health systems, pharmaceuticals, regulatory affairs, procurement, or supply chain management is required. Strong knowledge of the national health and regulatory environment, demonstrated experience engaging with government institutions and stakeholders, and familiarity with SRH commodities and humanitarian supply chains are highly desirable. Candidates should also have experience in data collection, stakeholder coordination, and report preparation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in fields such as Public Health, Pharmacy, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain Management, International Development, Social Sciences, or related disciplines. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of health systems and regulatory frameworks relevant to SRH commodities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should encompass areas such as health systems, pharmaceuticals, regulatory affairs, procurement, or supply chain management. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with government institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders, as well as experience in data collection and stakeholder coordination.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Russian and Kazakh. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful execution of the role's responsibilities.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package and is based in Astana, Kazakhstan. UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request. UNFPA is committed to equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates.