International Consultant | Consultancy on Assessing the Inclusion of Contraceptives within the National Essential Medicine List (NEMLs)

Organizational Context

UNFPA is the UN agency dedicated to sexual and reproductive health, aiming for a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization's Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 focuses on accelerating the ICPD Programme of Action and achieving the SDGs by 2030. This role supports UNFPA's mandate by addressing unmet needs for family planning and adapting to demographic changes through evidence-based policies.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to assess the inclusion of contraceptives within National Essential Medicine Lists (NEMLs) across UNFPA's Arab States region. The consultant will generate evidence through regional mapping, data collection, and analysis to identify gaps and barriers. This evidence will inform targeted, data-driven advocacy in up to three priority countries, including fragile settings. The role involves developing technical briefs, policy recommendations, and facilitating inter-agency coordination meetings to promote the integration of contraceptives into NEMLs, thereby strengthening family planning services and contributing to public health and financial imperatives.

Responsibilities

The consultant will develop an inception report detailing the assessment methodology and inclusion criteria. They will conduct a regional desk review and data collection for 20 countries, benchmarking national lists against WHO standards. A comprehensive regional situational analysis report will be produced, identifying gaps and barriers, followed by a country prioritization note for advocacy. The consultant will also draft a regional advocacy package, including a technical brief and a contraceptive inclusion plan, along with tailored country-specific policy briefs. Furthermore, they will provide technical expertise for inter-agency meetings and hybrid technical exchanges, and support Country Offices in their advocacy efforts with Ministries of Health for NEML integration.

Work Experience

Requires 7 years of professional experience in health systems research, particularly in SRH and family planning. Extensive knowledge of UHC, essential medicines policy, and NEMLs is essential. Familiarity with the Arab countries' context and experience in fragile settings is desirable. Demonstrated experience in generating complex analytical reports, policy summaries, and multi-country assessments for UN agencies is required.

Skills

Strong analytical, report-writing, and oral presentation skills are essential. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities are required. Demonstrated commitment to SRHR and passion for serving population needs are crucial. Core competencies include integrity, accountability, professional expertise, strategic thinking, and teamwork. Leadership, initiative, and the ability to work independently are also key.

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