International Consultant: Health Supply Chain Competency Framework in EECA countries

The Position:

The Individual Consultant will lead the development of a standardized, competency-based framework and qualification standards for public health supply chain managers across Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA). Key responsibilities include conducting a regional situational analysis of SCM training pathways, consulting key national and international stakeholders to identify SRH commodity management gaps, and benchmarking global SCM standards.

The consultant will design an EECA-adapted competency framework differentiating entry-level and advanced roles across core domains such as procurement, warehousing, inventory management, and quality assurance. Additionally, the consultant will establish clear learning outcomes, assessment criteria aligned with EQF principles, and policy guidance to support national adoption.

You will report to the UNFPA EECARO Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Advisor, a.i., with technical monitoring and day-to-day oversight provided by the UNFPA EECARO Regional Supply Chain Specialist. 

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards and will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates who transform, inspire, and deliver high-impact sustained results, ensuring effective external relations, communications, partnership-building and resource mobilization in a rapidly changing development and funding landscape. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them, and who commit to delivering excellence in programme results

Job Purpose:

Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) programmes rely on efficient and interoperable supply chains to ensure uninterrupted access to essential commodities, including contraceptives, maternal health medicines, HPV testing systems and other regulated SRH products. In Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA), however, supply chain management is not yet fully institutionalized within countries. There is no standardized curriculum for supply chain personnel, yet staff are expected to maintain high standards in procurement practices, inventory management, and quality assurance across the health supply chain. This gap contributes to suboptimal management of health products—including SRH commodities—from central warehouses to service delivery points.

A major driver of these challenges is the absence of standardized, competency-based qualification requirements for public health supply chain managers. Training opportunities across EECA vary widely in content, quality, assessment rigor, and alignment with global standards. This activity line will support the development of a structured competency framework and qualification standards tailored to the needs of supply chain personnel in EECA, aligned with international best practices, and supported by a policy brief to promote national adoption.

Purpose of the Assignment

To conduct a situational analysis, benchmark global standards, and develop an EECA-adapted competency framework and qualification assessment standards for health supply chain managers, including a policy brief to support national integration and endorsement.

Objectives

Overall Objective
To strengthen SRH commodity security in EECA by defining standardized competencies, qualification requirements, and assessment standards for public health supply chain managers.

Specific Objectives

● Assess current supply chain management (SCM) training, qualification pathways, and competency gaps relevant to public health/SRH supply chain management in EECA.
● Benchmark global and regional SCM standards and curricula to defi ne best practice competency expectations.
● Develop a competency-based framework that differentiates entry-level and advanced roles, with clear learning outcomes and assessment standards.

NB: This consultancy will be supported by local consultants in participating EECA countries

Scope of Work and Key Activities

Geographic Scope

The assignment will cover the following countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan.

Phase I: Situational Analysis and Needs Assessment (Desk Review & Consultation)

Objective: Understand the current landscape of SCM training and qualification assessment for health supply chain managers in participating EECA countries, identifying gaps related to SRH product management.

Key Tasks:

Review Existing Standards

1. Conduct a desk review of:

• National qualification standards and SCM-related workforce frameworks in EECA countries
• International and regional supply chain competency frameworks relevant to public health supply chain management, including EU-aligned approaches where applicable

2. Map Current Educational Offerings

• Develop an inventory of existing SCM training programmes across selected EECA countries, including:
  • Pre-service programmes (universities, vocational education and training institutions)
  • Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and in-service training programmes
• Capture details such as programme length, accreditation status, delivery modality, target audience, and SRH relevance.

3. Stakeholder Consultation

• Design and implement structured consultations (interviews and/or surveys) with:
  • Ministries of Health and Ministries of Education
  • UNFPA/WHO regional and country offices
  • Logistics and supply chain professional associations
  • SRH supply chain managers and logisticians
• Identify SRH-specific competency gaps including:
  • Cold chain management and temperature monitoring
  • Expiry and batch tracking (FEFO practices)
  • Regulatory compliance for controlled SRH products
  • Stockout prevention and inventory optimization
  • Reporting, forecasting, and data use for SRH commodities

Phase II: Developing the Competency Framework and Standards (Including Global Benchmarking)

Objective: Define the core knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for competent SRH supply chain management personnel in EECA, structured into a formal competency framework aligned with global best practice.

Phase II-A: Competency Framework and Qualification Standards (EECA Context)
 

Key Tasks:

1. Draft Core Competencies

• Develop a competency-based training (CBT) framework that differentiates:
  • Entry-level / pre-service roles
  • Advanced and specialized roles (CPD / in-service)
• Structure competencies into domains, proficiency levels, and measurable indicators.
   

2. Define Key Competency Areas 

The framework must include, at minimum:

• SRH product storage and warehousing (including cold chain)
• Procurement and tendering
• Inventory management (expiry management, stockout prevention)
• Distribution and transport
• Quality assurance and risk management
• Regulatory compliance for health products and controlled SRH commodities
   

3. Define Qualification Standards

• Specify required educational qualifications per competency level (e.g., certificate, diploma, bachelor’s degree).
• Define learning outcomes and expected performance requirements aligned to competencies.
   

4. Outline Assessment Criteria
 

• Establish measurable standards for competency assessment, recommending methods such as:
  • Practical simulations and scenario-based assessments
  • Competency interviews
  • Written examinations
  • Portfolio and workplace evidence review
• Ensure alignment with EQF principles (learning outcomes, levels, recognition, comparability).

Phase II-B: Global Standards & Benchmarking

Objective: Define what “good” looks like for SCM credentials and training standards at different levels, and benchmark against leading global and regional programmes.

Key Tasks:

1. Review Global SCM Curriculum Standards and Credentialing Bodies Benchmark against, but not limited to:

• American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) / Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) / Application-Specific Integrated Circuit or Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC)
• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
• ISM (Institute for Supply Management,)
• Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT)
• Global Logistics & Supply Chain Forum
• Recognized university SCM standards and curricula (e.g., Cranfield, Michigan State, Cardiff Business School, Stellenbosch)

2. Identify Regional Benchmark Programmes

• Identify strong SCM programmes and certification pathways in comparable regions.
• Document modular structures, learning

Duration, working schedule:

It is expected that all the deliverables will be completed within the period from 15 August 2026 to 31 December 2026 and will be distributed across the following phases:

• Phase I – Situational analysis and consultations
• Phase II – Framework development + global benchmarking

Place where services are to be delivered:

Electronic versions (in English) of the deliverables to be submitted by e-mail.

Delivery dates and how work will be delivered (e.g. electronic, hard copy etc.):

The Consultant is expected to submit to UNFPA EECARO the following deliverables on the specifi ed dates:

Phase I: Situational Analysis and Needs Assessment (Desk Review & Consultation) (to be delivered by 15 October)

Deliverables (Phase I):
1. Inception report and methodology (including stakeholder engagement plan and tools)
2. Situational analysis report (including key findings and recommendations)
3. Mapping matrix of training and qualification pathways across EECA
4. Summary of priority health supply chain managers competency gaps
 

Phase II: Developing the Competency Framework and Standards (Including Global Benchmarking) (to be delivered by 10 December)

Deliverables (Phase II):
● Draft health supply chain managers' competency framework (entry-level and advanced)
● Qualification standards and learning outcomes by level
● Competency assessment framework (recommended tools and methods)
● Benchmarking report comparing competencies, learning outcomes, and modular structures
● Finalized “Core SCM Competency Framework” for EECA region and participating countries? (as applicable)

All deliverables should be submitted electronically via email to the following contacts: molepo@unfpa.org and seyidov@unfpa.org

Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

The work of the Consultant at all stages will be monitored by the UNFPA EECARO Regional Supply chain Specialist. UNFPA will ensure regular consultations and coordination with relevant country offi ces and other partners.
The consultant will work remotely and will maintain regular communication with the designated focal points UNFPA EECARO through virtual meetings. The hiring offi ces will facilitate access to relevant internal documents and stakeholders.

Expected travel:

No travel is expected, but possibility of in-person presentation as per UNFPA EECARO request.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in supply chain management, logistics, public health, pharmacy, education, or related field

Knowledge and Experience: 

● At least 7–10 years of relevant experience in health supply chains and workforce development
● Demonstrated experience developing competency frameworks, curricula, or qualification standards
● Knowledge of SRH commodity management (including cold chain, quality assurance, regulated products)
● Familiarity with EQF principles and/or EU-aligned qualification frameworks (strong advantage)
● Proven ability to engage ministries, academia, and professional bodies
● Strong analytical writing and policy development skills

Languages: 

• English fluency required; Russian and/or other EECA languages are an advantage

Required Competencies: 

Values:

• Exemplifying integrity, 
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, 
• Embracing cultural diversity, 
• Embracing change

Core Competencies: 

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, 

Functional Competencies:

• Technical expertise in public health supply chain management, 
• Capacity development, qualification standards, and curriculum design,  
• Strategic planning, situational analysis, and policy development,  
• Technical knowledge of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) commodities,  
• Multi-stakeholder engagement and partnership building,  

Compensation and Benefits:

 This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

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. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

 

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.