TERMS OF REFERENCE Hiring office: UNFPA Turkmenistan CO Title: Individual consultancy services (national) on development of TB treatment protocol for national Reproductive Health specialists The background and purpose of consultancy:
ย ย Tuberculosis (TB) remains a critical public health challenge, requiring targeted interventions to ensure effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, especially among vulnerable populations.This initiative, embedded within the broader UNDP project framework in Turkmenistan and exploring potential synergies with UNFPA's expertise, is strategically designed to achieve significant advancements in the management of tuberculosis (TB). By strengthening the capacity ofย obstetric gynecologists settings to address TB, the project aims to contribute to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment adherence, and ultimately, a reduction in the overall burden of TB within Turkmenistan. Furthermore, the collaborative potential with UNFPA offers opportunities to incorporate their specialized knowledge in areas such as gender-sensitive approaches to health programming, community engagement strategies, and ensuring access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services for all, including those affected by TB.ย
ย ย In February 2025 UNFPA initiated cooperation with UNDP to support the
implementation of the gender action plan of the Global Fund Tuberculosis (TB) grant in Turkmenistan to remove the gender barriers to TBservices.ย
ย ย A key aspect of this project is enhancing the capacity ofย obstetric gynecologistsย doctors in MCH clinics to manage TB effectively and work collaboratively with the TB doctors.
ย ย The national consultant is required for development of comprehensive TB treatment protocols, encompassing improved diagnostics, treatment regimens, patient support, and specialized care for pregnant women, is essential for reaching all individuals affected by TB and ensuring equitable access to high-quality services, thereby leaving no one behind. Scope of work:
The national specialist will be working with UNFPA RH NPO and national MOHMI specialists on development of TB treatment protocol for pregnant women including the following stages:
Assessment stage - 8 days- Desk review of existing materials and data on TB treatment of pregnant women, international best practice and WHO recommendations (8 working days)
Development stage - 20 days- Developing a TB treatment protocol for pregnant women for use of obstetric gynecologists during pregnancy management, including specialized care during pregnancy, labor and delivery (20 working days)
- Submit TB treatment protocol for pregnant women to MoHMIT for review and support the TB treatment protocol adoption process at the MoHMIT by addressing any comments and resubmission of a final version.
Analysis and reporting stage - 2 days- Preparing a final report summarizing protocol development and future recommendations (2 working days)
Note:ย The IC shall provide support for the TB and pregnancyย for a period of three (3) months (till the end of the contract) following the adoption of the clinical protocol by MoHMIT. Duration and working schedule:
The Duration of this consultancy is 30 working days, from August 29st to December 10th 2025.
Operational closure of the contract is December 21st, 2025. Outcomes and deliverables:
Deliverable 1.ย Assessment report by September 8th, 2025.
Deliverable 2.ย TB treatment protocol for pregnant women is developed by September 30st, 2025.
Deliverable 3. Final consultancy report by December 10th, 2025 Place where services are to be delivered: The consultancy services will need to be deliveredย on the duty station of the National Consultant and onsite. Delivery dates and how work will be delivered: Dates for deliverables as indicated in the outcomes and deliverables section. All deliverables should be submitted in an electronic format.ย Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:
The UNFPA Programme Analyst on Reproductive Health will monitor the National Consultantโs work through reviewing submitted materials. The consultant will weekly provide an update on progress by email or ad-hoc, on challenges encountered and support needed. ย
Ethical Considerations
UNFPA requires its consultants to adhere to ethical principles and standards when doing research. The selected consultant should clearly identify any potential ethical issues and approaches, as well as the processes for ethical review in the inception report.
National Ownership
The involvement of appropriate national partners will be a critical condition for the development of all the mission outcome materials in ensuring stakeholder ownership and its subsequent utilisation. Supervisory arrangements: The National Consultants will directly work under the supervision of and report to the UNFPA Programme Analyst on reproductive health, along with the overall guidance from the UNFPA Head of Office. Expected travel:ย No travel is expected under this consultancy. Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies including language requirements:
Recognised national researcher and practitioner with at least 7 years of professional experience in TB treatment, dev-t of protocols, standards, guidelines, programs and monitoring tools.ย Advanced degree in medical sciences (TB); Demonstrated experience in applying WHO recommendations and evidence gathered from the medical science and clinical field to development of the expected outputs under this assignment.ย Fluency in Russian and Turkmen. Knowledge of English is an advantage;ย Familiarity and prior experience with UNFPA or other UN agency context is an asset. Inputs / services to be provided by UNFPA or implementing partner, if applicable: UNFPA will provide the consultant with all the necessary materials, data, information, and available reports. The UNFPA Country Office will put together a list of core sources and readings before the start of the consultancy. Other relevant information or special conditions, if any:The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the NO-D level of the of the UN Salary Scale for National Officer categories effective 1 November 2020 and will be paid in a lump sum upon successful completion of deliverables. UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Persons with disabilities, and individuals of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity.