UNFPA National Consultant Jobs 2026: Transition Planning in Timor-Leste
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is inviting applications for a National Consultant to Support the Development of the UNFPA Supplies Partnership Transition Plan for Timor-Leste. This consultancy offers an opportunity for qualified professionals to support national planning for sustainable financing, procurement and delivery of sexual and reproductive health commodities.
Based in Dili, Timor-Leste, the assignment will involve working with government institutions, UNFPA and development partners to develop an evidence-based transition plan for 2027–2030.
The consultancy is designed for professionals with experience in health systems, health financing, supply chain management, reproductive health commodity security or policy development.
Job Overview
- Position: National Consultant – UNFPA Supplies Partnership Transition Plan
- Organisation: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- Location: Dili, Timor-Leste
- Job ID: 37357
- Contract type: Individual consultancy
- Duration: 30 working days
- Job category: Resource Mobilization and Partnerships
- Application deadline: 26 November 2026, at 5:00 PM Timor-Leste time
- Payment: Lump sum upon completion and written acceptance of all deliverables
About UNFPA and the Consultancy
UNFPA works to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide. Through its Supplies Partnership, the organisation supports countries in strengthening national ownership and sustainable financing, procurement and distribution of reproductive health commodities, including contraceptives and essential maternal health medicines.
Timor-Leste is expected to transition from Group 3 to Group 4 status under the partnership by 31 December 2030. Achieving this transition will require stronger domestic financing, national procurement capacity and supply chain systems while maintaining equitable access to essential commodities.
The consultant will support the Government of Timor-Leste and UNFPA in developing a nationally owned transition plan aligned with the partnership’s transition planning guidance.
Key Responsibilities
The consultant will work closely with the National Transition Task Force, government institutions and development partners.
Responsibilities include:
1. Research and assessment: Review relevant policies, strategies, reports and assessments concerning reproductive health, health financing, procurement and supply chain management.
2. Stakeholder consultations: Engage government ministries, procurement authorities, development partners, UN agencies, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders to identify priorities, challenges and opportunities.
3. Transition readiness analysis: Establish baseline indicators, identify data gaps and assess the country’s readiness to transition towards sustainable domestic financing and procurement.
4. Financing and resource mobilisation: Examine government commitment, budget processes, financing gaps, domestic resource mobilisation opportunities and potential financing mechanisms.
5. Supply chain assessment: Evaluate forecasting, procurement, warehousing, distribution, quality assurance and last-mile availability of reproductive health commodities.
6. Transition plan development: Prepare a comprehensive 2027–2030 plan covering strategic priorities, financing, supply chain improvements, indicators, implementation milestones and risk mitigation.
7. Workshops and validation: Support the National Transition Task Force, facilitate stakeholder consultations and help organise a national validation workshop before finalising the plan.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should have an advanced university degree in one of the following fields:
- Public Health
- International Health Policy
- Health Economics
- Pharmacy
- Supply Chain Management
A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience is required in health systems, health financing, supply chain management, reproductive health commodity security, policy development or related areas.
Candidates should demonstrate an understanding of commodity financing, procurement and supply chain systems. Knowledge of reproductive health commodity security and the Timor-Leste health system is highly desirable.
Experience working with the Government of Timor-Leste, particularly the Ministry of Health or Ministry of Finance, will be an advantage. Familiarity with domestic resource mobilisation, sustainable health financing and collaboration with UN agencies or international development partners is also desirable.
Working proficiency in English and relevant local working languages is required.
Consultancy Deliverables and Schedule
The assignment comprises four deliverable stages:
- Deliverable 1: Inception report and workplan — 7 working days. Includes methodology, stakeholder mapping, consultation plans and information requirements.
- Deliverable 2: First draft transition plan — 13 working days. Development of the draft plan in line with the UNFPA template.
- Deliverable 3: Consultation and validation workshop — 5 working days. Presentation of findings, collection of feedback and documentation of stakeholder decisions.
- Deliverables 4 and 5: Final transition plan and consultancy report — 5 working days. Incorporation of agreed recommendations and submission of the final documents.
The consultancy totals 30 working days. Payment will be made as a lump sum after UNFPA has completed its review and accepted all deliverables in writing.
Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit the following documents:
- Cover letter outlining relevant experience and suitability for the assignment.
- Updated CV detailing qualifications and professional experience.
- Financial proposal stating the proposed daily professional fee and estimated total consultancy cost.
Applications must be submitted electronically to the UNFPA Timor-Leste Country Office.
Application email: timor-leste.office@unfpa.org
Deadline: 26 November 2026, at 5:00 PM Timor-Leste time.
How to Apply
Candidates should prepare all three required documents and submit them by email before the closing date. The cover letter should clearly demonstrate relevant expertise in health financing, procurement, supply chains or policy development, supported by practical professional experience.
Applicants should also explain how their skills would contribute to a nationally owned and sustainable transition plan for reproductive health commodities in Timor-Leste.
Before submitting an application, confirm the vacancy details and any additional instructions through the official UNFPA recruitment channels.
Final Thoughts
This consultancy is an opportunity for health systems and development professionals to contribute to sustainable financing and access to essential reproductive health commodities. Candidates with relevant technical expertise, strong stakeholder coordination skills and experience working with government institutions or development partners may find the assignment particularly suitable.
Applicants should ensure that their cover letter, CV and financial proposal clearly demonstrate their suitability for the 30-working-day assignment and submit all documents before the stated deadline.
