Expression of Interest (EOI) for Consultant to Develop Department of Drug Administration five-years strategy with costed action plan

Expression of Interest for

consultant to develop Department of Drug Administration five-years strategy with costed action plan

Date of Publication: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

The Promoting the Quality of Medicines Plus (PQM+) program, funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), aims to sustainably strengthen medical product quality assurance systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Among its activities, PQM+ is focused on strengthening Nepal’s National Medicines Regulatory Authority. In collaboration with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA), PQM+ is addressing gaps identified through the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) assessment, providing targeted support in risk-based post-marketing surveillance, risk-based inspections, and assisting the DDA in its efforts to achieve ISO 9001 accreditation. These initiatives work collectively to ensure the provision of quality medicines for the people of Nepal.

Objective:

The purpose of this invitation is to seek qualified candidates for a consultancy role to develop a 5-year strategic plan with annual implementation plan for the DDA. The strategy should align with global health goals, the National Health Policy, the National Health Sector Strategy, and the National Medicine Policy. It should define the DDA’s vision, mission, goals, and strategic objectives, and outline a detailed annual implementation plan with anticipated outcomes for each targeted area. This strategy and plan will support the DDA in advancing towards a higher maturity level as a medicines regulatory authority. Key responsibilities for the role are outlined below:

Key responsibilities:

1. Conduct a desk review of pertinent internal and external documents.
2. Align overall strategic objectives of the Department of Drug Administration with those of the Ministry of Health and Population and Government of Nepal. Review and reference key policy documents to ensure that the strategic objectives of the DDA are consistent with the overarching goals of the Ministry of Health and Population and the Government of Nepal. Key documents to consider include:
   • National Health Policy and National Medicine Policy
   • Drug Act and Other Relevant Policies/Regulations
   • Nepal Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP)
3. Prepare a strategic analysis and implementation plan including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT analysis) related to the regulatory functions of the DDA. 
4. Propose and convene relevant stakeholders to collect and verify strategic information necessary to complete the task.
5. Work with DDA staff to develop the draft strategic plan for feedback by PQM+ and DDA’s management
6. Work according to an agreed timeline

Deliverables:

• Inception report 
• Consultative meeting reports
• Draft 5-year strategy & action plan
• Final draft strategy and costed implementation plan (Nepali and English version)

Expected Level of Effort (LOE): 30 days 

Basic Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in pharmacy, public health, public administration, management, public policy or related field; a higher degree will be an advantage.
• More than 10 years of experiences in developing policy, strategy and specific experience in developing long term and short-term strategic plan for different program. Relevant experience  working with MoHP program will be preferred.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and professional skills in interacting with government and development partners along with high level coordination with government entities
• Proven communication and facilitation skills in diverse settings
• Fluency in Nepali and English with excellent command over Nepali
• Ability to demonstrate highest degree of ethics and integrity
• Experience of working in USAID funded program will be preferred.

Application Process:

Eligible consultant/s may submit an Expression of Interest based on the above basic requirements including their consultancy fees per day (8 hour per day basis), CV, sample of previous work on strategy/business plan development, 3 references and a copy of PAN/VAT registration certificate. Application should indicate the subject as “Consultant to develop five-year strategic plan for Department of Drug Administration” and submit to usp.nepal@usp.org by November 30, 2024 (5:00 PM).  

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further process.