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Qualifications

Purpose of consultancy  

Support Tunisian MoH to lead the feasibility study of the bio-training and bio-manufacturing center

Background 

Tunisia aims to strengthen its health sovereignty by developing national capacity for the production of biotechnology‑derived medicines, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. However, limited local expertise across the bio‑manufacturing value chain constrains progress in this strategic sector. The proposed establishment of a national bio‑manufacturing centre (TUNISIA Bio Hub) would support pilot‑scale GMP‑compliant bioproduction and technology transfer, with positive impact for Tunisia, EMRO, and Africa. In this context, the Ministry of Health has requested WHO’s support to recruit a national consultant to lead the feasibility study.

Deliverables

Deliverable 1: Inception and Strategic Vision

Output 1.1: A validated concept note defining the strategic vision, objectives, target beneficiaries, governance and operational model of the bio‑training and bio‑manufacturing center.
Output 1.2: Drafted and validated technical frameworks, including User Requirement Specifications (URS) and preliminary design documents (APS/APD).
Output 1.3: Preliminary cost estimates for the establishment of the bio‑manufacturing center.

Deliverable 2: Selection of Technical Expert Office

Output 2.1: Defined technical requirements and selection criteria for the engineering/biopharmaceutical expert office.
Output 2.2: Technical evaluation and selection report of the consultancy firm.
Output 2.3: Technical support provided for contracting and onboarding of the selected expert office.

Deliverable 3: Partnerships and Technical Validation

Output 3.1: Formalized partnerships with relevant national, regional and international stakeholders.
Output 3.2: Reviewed and validated technical deliverables produced by the expert office (URS, APS, APD).
Output 3.3: Consolidated and validated detailed budget estimates aligned with technical designs.

Deliverable 4: Procurement and Tendering

Output 4.1: Tender documentation for construction of the bio‑manufacturing center.
Output 4.2: Tender documentation for procurement of bio‑manufacturing equipment.
Output 4.3: Technical support provided for the launch of tendering processes.

Deliverable 5: Reporting and Project Closure

Output 5.1: Quarterly progress reports outlining activities, progress, challenges and next steps.
Output 5.2: Final comprehensive report summarizing key results, lessons learned and recommendations for subsequent phases.

Educational Qualifications

Essential: PhD in immunology or molecular genetics or biotechnology or other area related to the biological production of medicine and vaccines.

Experience: 

     Essential: 

Minimum 10 years’ expertise at national and international level in the biological research, development or production of medicine and vaccines.

     Asset: 

Minimum 5 years of management of Bio Technopole at the national or international level.

Knowledge and mastery of the Tunisian context and the health sector in Tunisia.

Skills/Knowledge:

Languages: 

Essential: A perfect command of French is required. Fluency in the English language is an asset.

Location

The Consultant expected to perform her/his work in Tunisia especially in Tunis and other governorates, in order to raise funding and to develop partnership and networking.

Medical clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

Hiring Unit

Communicable disease Unit

Travel

Tavel for some governorates is expected and Visiting potential partners in Tunisia

Expected duration of the contract  

Expected duration of the contract: 180 days

Additional Information :

·         This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
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