International consultant on the standardization of histological examination at UNDP

Ashkhabad, Ashkhabad, Turkmenistan -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

20 Jul, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

21 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Histopathology, Cervical dysplasia screening, Oncopathology, Gynecological pathology, WHO recommendations, Bethesda system, CIN classification, Biopsy procedures, Quality control, Data interpretation, Technical training, Clinical pathology, AI-assisted technologies, Pathology workflows, Medical diagnostics

Industry

International Affairs

Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE Hiring office: UNFPA Turkmenistan CO Title: Individual consultancy services (international) on the standardization of histological examination for cervical dysplasia screening. The background and purpose of consultancy: Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer mortality among women in Turkmenistan. In response, the Government of Turkmenistan, through the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry (MoHMI), has prioritized a comprehensive national cervical cancer screening programme. During the first stage of this initiative (2022–2025), the programme achieved remarkable reach, covering more than 880,000 women in the 29–55 age group, representing over 90% of the target population. Furthermore, the country maintains an exceptionally high HPV vaccination rate of 98%. UNFPA has consistently supported this national programme through targeted technical interventions. In 2024, with UNFPA support, a national cytology audit and specialized training were conducted to enhance diagnostic quality. In 2025, UNFPA further facilitated the transition of the screening model by supporting the development of the HPV primary testing roadmap and providing technical training for laboratory and clinical specialists. Starting in 2026, the national screening strategy has evolved, shifting from cytology-based screening to primary HPV testing. While primary screening (HPV testing) and secondary prevention (colposcopy) are well-established, the accuracy of the final diagnosis—and consequently the effectiveness of treatment—depends entirely on the quality of histopathological examination. Currently, there is a recognized need to eliminate subjectivity in the assessment of biopsy materials and ensure seamless continuity between screening results and the final histological diagnosis. Standardization is essential to align national practices with WHO recommendations and the latest medical advancements. To address this, national partners from the national cervical cancer screening programme have specifically requested the support of an international expert to eliminate subjectivity in the assessment of biopsy materials and ensure seamless continuity between the screening findings and the final clinical diagnosis. This consultancy aims to establish a unified standard of care by developing comprehensive protocols for histological examination, ensuring that every step—from biopsy rules to data interpretation—is standardized to reduce mortality and improve clinical outcomes. Scope of work: The international expert will work with the UNFPA Reproductive Health (RH) National Programme Officer (NPO) and specialists from the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry to standardize histopathological examinations for cervical dysplasia screening. The scope of work includes the following phases: 1. Assessment Phase - 5 working days * Conduct a desk review of existing histopathological protocols and regulatory documents in Turkmenistan and compare it with international standards. * Develop a gap assessment report and recommendations based on desk review. 2. Protocol & Methodology Development - 15 working days * Develop standardized guidelines for biopsy procedures and requirements for biomaterial quality to ensure diagnostic accuracy of cervix pathology. * Define quality control indicators for laboratory compliance and internal audit. * Develop objective criteria for data interpretation (using WHO/LAST terminology) to eliminate subjectivity in CIN grading. * Develop standardized reporting templates for pathological findings to be used at both hospital and national levels. * Conduct an online technical workshop with national pathologists to finalize the developed and updated documents and quality control indicators. 3. Capacity building phase - 6 working days * Compile and develop materials for presentation of developed and updated documents. * Deliver 3 days practical training for national specialists on the updated protocol, biopsy rules, and interpretation criteria. * Provide technical advisory on AI-assisted technologies in cytology and histopathology, including a review of effectiveness and efficiency. * Develop recommendations for equipment, software, and global best practices for implementing AI in national pathology workflows. 3. Reporting phase - 1 working days * Develop a final consultancy report. Duration and working schedule: The Duration of this consultancy is 27 working days, from June 8th to August 31st 2026 including operational closure of the contract. Dates may vary due to availability of the expert and the national partners. Outcomes and deliverables: The timeline below shows the final dates of delivery and can be performed earlier than that Deliverable 1: Assessment Report and recommendations developed by June 15th, 2026. Deliverable 2: Draft protocol for histological examination of CIN, including related annexes developed by July 10th, 2026. Deliverable 2: Online workshop with national partners conducted and documents finalized by July 20th, 2026. Deliverable 3: Onsite training conducted for national pathologists and MoHMI specialists by August 10th, 2026. Deliverable 4: Final consultancy report developed by August 31st, 2026. Place where services are to be delivered: The consultancy services will need to be delivered in an online mode and with one 5 days in-country mission to Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. 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 International Consultant’s work through reviewing submitted materials. The consultant will provide an update on a weekly basis on progress, challenges encountered, and support requirements. 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: One in-country travel for 5 days is expected under this consultancy in August 2026. During presence in the country, consultant will meet with UNFPA staff and deliver tasks specified above. Exact dates of travel to be agreed with 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 additionally according to the UNFPA’s Duty Travel Policy Required expertise, qualifications, and competencies including language requirements: * Advanced degree in Medical Sciences with a specialization in clinical pathology or histopathology; * Minimum 7 years of relevant experience in oncopathology or gynecological pathology. * Expert knowledge of WHO recommendations, the Bethesda system, and international standards for CIN classification. * Proven experience in working with the standard pathohistological examination. * Fluency in English or Russian. * 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 2026 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. 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.

Responsibilities

The consultant will develop standardized protocols for histological examination and biopsy procedures to improve cervical cancer screening accuracy. They will also conduct technical workshops and provide capacity-building training for national specialists in Turkmenistan.