TERMS OF REFERENCE ย Hiring office: UNFPA Turkmenistan CO Title: Individual consultancy services (international) on strengthening capacity of chemotherapists in cervical and breast cancer treatment.ย The background and purpose of consultancy:
ย Cervical and breast cancers remain one of the causes of SRH related mortality, but also curable if detected early and adequately treated. The annual number of new cervical cancer cases in the world has been projected to increase from 570 000 to 700 000 between 2018 and 2030, with the annual number of deaths projected to increase from 311 000 to 400 000.ย UNFPA underscores the preventability and curability of cervical cancer through early detection and treatment.ย
ย UNFPA supports national governments in strengthening healthcare systems, emphasizing accessible, high-quality cervical and breast cancer screening and treatment.ย Efforts in Turkmenistan to eliminate cervical cancer include supporting HPV vaccination for both girls and boys, promoting screening initiatives, and guaranteeing access to treatment for diagnosed individuals. By implementing organized screening and treatment programs, UNFPA aims to decrease cervical cancer rates by 80%. UNFPA has supported training of up to 80% of the country's cytologists and colposcopists.ย ย The capacity of the national colposcopists is strengthened with regard to improving early detection and treatment of cervical cancer.ย
ย UNFPA also prioritizes. on ensuring timely, high-quality treatment by supporting the development of chemotherapy and other essential cancer treatment facilities.ย However the capacity of oncologists, specifically chemotherapists and radiologists remains limited. There is a recognized need to further enhance the capacity of oncologists, particularly chemotherapists, in the treatment of cervical and breast cancers. Treatment protocols and methods need toย be updated to align with WHO recommendations, current evidence, and the latest medical advancements.
Through these integrated efforts, UNFPA aims to improve 5-year survival rates for women with cervical and breast cancers, thereby increasing life expectancy and overall well-being. This comprehensive approach reflects UNFPA's dedication to women's health and reducing the impact of these cancers on SRH-related morbidity rate.
ย ย Therefore, there is a need for an international specialist to assess existing protocols, develop updated clinical protocols, and deliver training to national oncologists in Turkmenistan.
ย ย This consultancy aims to provide capacity strengthening training to national chemotherapists on cervical and breast cancer treatment, with a specific focus on developing and updating structured clinical protocols. These protocols should detail chemotherapy regimens, phases, and timing tailored to individual patientsโ cancer type, stage, and overall health.
Scope of work:The international specialist will be working with UNFPA RH NPO and national MOHMI specialists on updating chemotherapy treatment protocols including the following stages:
1. Assessment phase - 1 dayย
- Desk review of existing clinical protocols on chemotherapy treatment of cervical and breast cancers (1 day).ย
2. Capacity building phase - 13 days
- Develop detailed clinical protocols for chemotherapy treatment of cervical and breast cancer, including specific regimens, phases, and timing for four cancer stages and individual patient conditions. This integration must align with clinical practice standards informed by international cancer research institute recommendations and the best available international evidence (3 working days)
- Deliver training sessions for oncologists on the updated protocols and individualized treatment plans (5 days on site).
3. Analysis and reporting phase - 3 days:
-ย Develop a preliminary report including findings, developed materials, and recommendations for implementation (1 day).
- Conduct consultations with national specialists to refine protocols and training materials (1 day).
- Develop a final report with an executive summary and detailed bibliography (1 day). Duration and working schedule:
The Duration of this consultancy is 17 working days, from July 5th to August 31st 2025.
Operational closure of the contract is October 1st, 2025. Outcomes and deliverables:
Deliverable 1. Assessment report identifying gaps and needs in chemotherapy treatment protocols by July 5th
Deliverable 2.ย Updated clinical protocols for cervical and breast cancer chemotherapy treatment, including specific regimens, phases, and timing tailored to individual patient needs by July 15th
Deliverable 3.ย Training sessions conducted for oncologists by August 25th
Deliverable 4. Final consultancy report by September 15th Place where services are to be delivered: The consultancy services will need to be deliveredย on the duty station of the international Consultant and in a distant mode. 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 International Consultantโs work through reviewing submitted materials. The consultant will provide an update on a weekly basis on progress, challenges encountered, and support requirements.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 International 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:ยOne in-country travel is expected under this consultancy.ย
Travel in August 2025 for approximately 6 days is expectedย for capacity building training. During presence in the country, consultant will meet with UNFPA staff and deliver actual training outlined above. Exact number of days in the country and travel dates to be communicated to the selected consultant. Logistic arrangements such as visa, tickets, stay in Turkmenistan to be arranged by the UNFPA country office. Travel costs will be covered according to the UNFPAโs Duty Travel Policy.ย
Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies including language requirements: Advanced degree in medical sciences (Oncology, Gynaecology, Chemotherapy);ย Qualified oncologist/chemotherapist possessing minimum 7 years of experience. Knowledge of existing WHO recommendations and good practices as well as evidence collected by research institutions and societies. Strong analytical skills with experience in effective, innovative teaching practices in medicine; ย Fluency in English. Knowledge of Russian is an advantage;ย ย Familiarity and experience with the Central Asian 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 P-4 level of the of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories effective 1 January 2025 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. ย