Consultant For National Medicines Policy Revision And Medicines Policy, NOD

Organizational Context

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Ghana is seeking a senior-level consultant to support the revision of the National Medicines Policy (NMP). The current NMP, established in 2017, requires an update to address implementation gaps, emerging health challenges, and align with national priorities and international best practices, including Universal Health Coverage goals.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide national technical support for the revision of Ghana's 2017 National Medicines Policy. This will be informed by the recommendations of a WHO-supported end-term evaluation and aligned with global best practices. The role aims to develop a revised, evidence-based, and forward-looking policy that addresses current and emerging pharmaceutical sector needs. Key objectives include adopting lessons learned, assessing sector priorities, facilitating broad stakeholder engagement, and preparing a comprehensive, implementable policy and its associated costed implementation plan, monitoring, evaluation, and accountability framework to support Universal Health Coverage and Ghana's Free Primary Healthcare reforms.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for reviewing the existing National Medicines Policy (NMP) and its end-term assessment findings, identifying gaps, opportunities, and strengths. This includes examining the pharmaceutical governance environment, regulatory systems, financing, supply chain, local production, and service delivery. The role involves analyzing and establishing linkages between the NMP and broader health sector frameworks, such as the Free Primary Healthcare Policy, and proposing updated policy objectives and interventions. A significant part of the role is coordinating high-level engagement through inception meetings, technical consultations, national and regional stakeholder engagements, and validation meetings. The consultant will also review national documents, legal frameworks, and global guidance to ensure strategic policy alignment, consolidate evidence, and draft the revised NMP with a costed implementation plan and M&E framework. Finally, the consultant will provide strategic recommendations for effective policy implementation.

Work Experience

Essential requirements include a minimum of 7 years of senior-level experience in health systems governance and pharmaceutical sector strengthening. Proven experience working within Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector for at least 10 years is also essential. Demonstrated ability to operate credibly and effectively at senior administrative levels is desirable.

Skills

• Health systems governance and stewardship • Pharmaceutical sector strengthening • National Medicines Policy development and revision • Health systems analysis and Universal Health Coverage • Stakeholder engagement, communication, and negotiation • Policy and technical writing • Analytical and problem-solving

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