Purpose of consultancy ย
To evaluate the research capacity and scientific output of medical universities in Ukraine and provide evidence-based recommendations for enhancing their role in advancing academic medicine and contributing to healthcare innovation.
Background ย
Strengthening the scientific foundation of medical education is a key element of Ukraineโs health system reform. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, aims to improve the quality and international relevance of medical education and research. This includes developing university hospitals and integrating research into clinical practice to align with EU standards. In response to a formal MoH request, WHO will commission an expert to assess the state of research in Ukrainian medical universities, focusing on relevance, capacity, and quality. The consultant will work within the WHO Country Office and the MoH. Between August and October 2025, WHO will further support efforts to strengthen and promote Ukrainian medical science internationally.
Objectives and Deliverables
Deliverable 1: Analytical report on scientific output, relevance, and research capacity of medical universities in Ukraine
The expert will carry out a structured assessment using an agreed methodology and work plan, which will include desk review, citation analysis, stakeholder consultations, and a SWOT analysis. The report will provide a comprehensive overview of current research activity, institutional capacity, and alignment with international standards.
Expected by: 30 September 2025
Deliverable 2: Set of practical recommendations for the Ministry of Health, WHO, and academic institutions.
Based on the findings of the assessment, the expert will formulate actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing the research environment in medical universities. These will include suggestions on governance, infrastructure, funding models, internationalization, and research integration into clinical and educational settings.
Expected by: 15 ย October 2025
Deliverable 3: Presentation of key findings to stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and WHO
The expert will prepare and deliver a clear, evidence-based presentation of the main findings and recommendations in a stakeholder meeting or roundtable, facilitating discussion and feedback.
Expected by: 30 October 2025
Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications: ย ย
Essential: Bachelor university degree in public health, medical science, health policy, or a related field.
Desirable: Advanced university degree (Masterโs) or PhD in public health, medical science, health policy, or a related field.
Experience
Essential:ย
โข At least 2 years of relevant professional experience in health systems research, academic medicine, or research policy.
โข Proven track record of conducting institutional capacity assessments, particularly in academic or research settings.
Desirable:
โข Experience working with Ministries of Health, universities, or international organizations is an asset.
โข Experience in medical education, health policy, or scientific research within international or academic settings.
โข Familiarity with scientometric analysis, bibliometrics, or university research assessment frameworks.
โข Work experience in WHO or another international public health organization.
Skills/Knowledge:ย
Essential:ย
โข Strong analytical and writing skills.
โข Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
Desirable:
โข Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs on time.
Languages and level required :
Essential: Expert level in Ukrainian language, expert level in English language
Locationย
Off-site: Home-basedย
Travel ย
The consultant is not expected to travel
Remuneration and budget:
Expected duration of contract : 3 months
Pay band level NO-B
Contract total value: 9 546 USDย
Monthly rate: 3 182 USD per month
Total number of ย working days: 60 (20 working days per month)
Terms of payment: The payment will be done on a monthly basis after provision of Technical Report and approval from Responsible Officer.
Expected duration of contract: 60 days, 3 months.
Target Start Date: 01 August, 2025
Target end date: 30 October, 2025
Additional Information:
โข ย ย This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
โข ย ย Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
โข ย ย A written test may be used as a form of screening.
โข ย ย If your candidature is retained for interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.
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โข ย ย An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter (https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/our-values) into practice.
โข ย ย WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of short-listed candidates.
โข ย ย WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
โข ย ย Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority.ย
โข ย ย WHO shall have no responsibility for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
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