International consultant on investment and Anti-microbial resistance

Result of Service The ultimate results of the consultant's service will be a substantively developed regional policy framework for antibiotics production; and a regional cooperation mechanism for information exchange and pooled procurement of antibiotics.

Work Location Home based

Expected duration The consultancy service is expected to be delivered between 15 June 2022 – 15 December 2023 Effective working time: 8 months Place of Work: Arusha, Tanzania.

Duties and Responsibilities UNCTAD is implementing a project on “Investment incentives for local production of essential antibiotics in East Africa.” The project aims at addressing the misalignment between incentives for local antibiotics production and objectives to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). At regional level, UNCTAD supported a study on “Investment incentives for antibiotics production in the East African Community” (EAC), 2022. The study recommended to develop, at a regional level: 1. a special regime for the promotion of the production and supply of antibiotics; 2. a cooperation mechanism for information exchange and pooled procurement of antibiotics. The consultancy contract concerns the implementation of the above two recommendations. The consultant will report to the project coordinator at the Intellectual Property Unit, in the Division on Investment and Enterprise. The duties and responsibilities of the consultant are as follows. A. Substantive development of a regional policy framework for production of antibiotics. 1. Substantively develop elements of a regional policy framework for the promotion of antibiotics production and supply; 2. Prepare explanatory note on the regional policy framework; 3. Collect feedback on the draft regional policy framework from regional stakeholders; 4. Present and address any feedback on the draft regional policy framework at the relevant EAC decision-making organ and ensure its successful adoption; 5. Upon consultation with each EAC partner state, develop options and substantive input for a national level implementation of the regional policy framework; 6. Prepare explanatory report for EAC partner states on the options for incorporation or implementation of the regional policy framework; 7. Organize national meetings for seven EAC partner states, to present the options for implementation of the regional policy framework, and to provide capacity building on incentives for local production of antibiotics. B. Development of a regional cooperation mechanism for information exchange and pooled procurement of antibiotics. 1. Prepare a template and collect information from EAC partner states on essential antibiotics that are experiencing shortages, recurrent interruption of supply, excessive pricing and other supply challenges; 2. Analyze the information collected, develop preliminary findings on shared challenges of the EAC partner states on antibiotics supply and identify opportunities for local production; 3. Develop recommendations for regional cooperation mechanism to address the challenges of antibiotics supply, including the option to support local producers, taking into account international best practices; 4. Organize a discussion and present the recommendations for the relevant regional policy making process. 5. Finalize the regional cooperation mechanism based on input received from EAC partner states and the EAC Secretariat. C. Review the progress of implementation. 1. Undertake a review and prepare a draft report on the implementation of the previous two action areas; 2. In collaboration with the EAC Secretariat and UNCTAD, assist the organization of a regional review meeting; present the implementation report and prepare the final report; 3. Maintaining contact list and database of stakeholders, preparation of meeting and other activity reports for internal use and news reports on major milestones. Notice: Dates and methods for delivery of output could be adjusted in consultation with the consultant to comply with national and international measures to control COVID-19.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced degree in public health economics, pharmacy, biochemistry, or related fields. Experience: At least seven years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector and the investment and health regulatory framework is required.

Experience in the investment and regulatory environment for pharmaceutical industry at EAC level and in EAC partner states is required.

Knowledge of the EAC and its partner states’ policy making process is required. Language: Fluency in English is required.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.