International Consultant on revision of obstetric clinical protocols

TERMS OF REFERENCE Hiring office: UNFPA Turkmenistan CO Title: Individual consultancy services (international) on revision and updating of clinical protocol in the area of obstetric health The background and purpose of consultancy:

 The global target set within the Sustainable Development Goals is to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030, with each country encouraged to set their own ambitious goal. While the global MMR has fallen in Turkmenistan to 5 per 100 000 over the years given that many women have gained access to family planning, antenatal care, skilled birth attendance and obstetric emergency care, more needs to be done to maintain the low level and further eliminate preventable maternal deaths, which is one of three transformative results set by UNFPA as part of its support to the 2030 agenda. 

   UNFPA and the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry (MoHMI) cooperation aims at reducing MMR through (a) making access timely to quality emergency obstetric care; (b) providing all pregnant women with skilled and respectful care in a safe environment during delivery; and (c) ensuring that all women of fertile age are given the choice to use contraception to avoid unintended pregnancies. 

   UNFPA has been supporting the MoHMI in standardizing the medical practice of maternal health services based on international evidence, research findings in the country, and WHO/UNFPA recommendations. Forty-four clinical protocols in the area of obstetrics were introduced to every maternity followed by monitoring of their implementation. All obstetricians employed in maternities were trained by regional health department specialists on providing maternal care in line with the introduced protocols. Starting from 2015, UNFPA has supported the MoHMI in setting the three levels of maternal health care with a defined set of human resources, equipment, and services. 

    In 2022, with international expert assistance, UNFPA facilitated the update of clinical protocols. However, continuous data evolution necessitates keeping these protocols current and relevant. The list of the clinical protocols which need revision and update as the following:

   The UNFPA Turkmenistan country office is looking for an international expert to enhance maternal health quality through improved implementation of clinical protocols.The selected expert will be tasked with a comprehensive review and update of the current clinical protocols in the area of obstetric care. This revision process will ensure that the existing protocols are brought into alignment with the most recent World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and international standards. These protocols will reflect the latest evidence-based practices and recommendations in obstetric care, thereby promoting optimal maternal and neonatal health outcomes and ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped with the knowledge and procedures necessary to address the complex challenges of modern obstetrics. The revised protocols will serve as a valuable resource, facilitating consistent and effective care delivery across all healthcare settings, and contributing to the reduction of maternal mortality. Scope of work:

The international specialist will be working with UNFPA RH NPO and national MOHMI specialists on revision and updating of obstetric clinical protocols including the following stages:

- Desk review of existing obstetric clinical protocols (2 working days)

- Conduct on-line technical discussions with national specialists and desk review on  technical needs of the updates of the protocols according to the most recent data. (3 working days)

- Compilation of all inputs to   an updated clinical protocol for obstetric healthcare (3 working days)

- Conducting onsite training sessions for doctors of obstetric health care on implementing of updated clinical protocols (3 working days)

- Conduct onsite community meeting on Preconception counseling (1 day)

- Development of a preliminary report on implementation of  refined obstetric protocols for national healthcare specialists (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 14 working days, from July  10th to October 21st 2025 including operational closure of the contract. Outcomes and deliverables:

Deliverable 1. Assessment report by August 15th, 2025.

Deliverable 2. Revised and updated clinical protocols are developed and discussed with national healthcare specialists by September 1st, 2025.

Deliverable 3. Training on implementation and monitoring of updated clinical protocols for obstetric care is conducted by September 20th, 2025.

Deliverable 4. Final consultancy report by October 1st, 2025 Place where services are to be delivered: The consultancy services will need to be delivered  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.  Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

The UNFPA Programme Analyst on Reproductive Health will monitor the National Consultant’s 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.  

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: 

One in-country travel is expected under this consultancy.

Travel in September 2025 for approximately 6 days is expected for conducting 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 UNFPA’s

Duty Travel Policy. Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies including language requirements:

The consultancy fee will be calculated based on the P4 level of the UN Salary Scale for Professional and higher categories effective 1 January2025 and will be paid in a lumpsum  upon successful completion of all 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.