E4H FED TA: HEALTH SYSTEMS POLICY ADVISOR

The Senior National Short-Term Technical Advisor (STTA) – Health Systems Policy Advisor will provide expert technical support to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) in developing an implementation-oriented proposal to integrate Primary Health Care (PHC), Universal Health Coverage (UHC), International Health Regulations (IHR), and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) competencies into pre-service medical and dental education. This role supports the Evidence for Health (E4H) programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), which aims to strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare system by aligning medical education with national health priorities. The advisor will work closely with PMDC and key stakeholders to map current curricula, identify gaps, build consensus, and develop a feasible, evidence-based proposal to enhance the competencies of future medical and dental graduates in line with evolving health system needs.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead the inception phase by confirming scope, objectives, and stakeholder roles with PMDC, mapping key stakeholders, and reviewing relevant policies and curricula for MBBS and BDS programs.
- Conduct a detailed evidence and gap assessment to analyze how PHC, UHC/EPHS, IHR/health security, and AMR competencies are currently integrated within medical and dental education frameworks.
- Identify priority competency gaps and feasible curriculum entry points, focusing on Community Medicine, public health disciplines, and integrated curricula without duplicating existing review processes.
- Assess faculty capacity, training needs, and availability of teaching resources, including practical exposure opportunities in PHC settings, surveillance systems, and antimicrobial stewardship programs.
- Develop evidence-based advocacy materials and facilitate structured consultations with PMDC, universities, faculty, and technical partners to validate findings and build consensus.
- Support PMDC in drafting a practical, implementation-oriented proposal outlining priority competencies, integration strategies, curriculum revision implications, faculty development, regulatory considerations, and institutional responsibilities.
- Assist PMDC in finalizing the proposal, creating an implementation roadmap with sequenced actions, resource requirements, monitoring indicators, and review mechanisms.
- Conduct knowledge transfer sessions to enable PMDC’s institutional ownership and ongoing leadership in integrating these competencies through existing regulatory and educational mechanisms.
- Ensure alignment with national health policies, E4H initiatives, and donor-supported programs to promote coherence and avoid duplication.

Required Qualifications

- Postgraduate degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Health Systems, or a related field.
- Minimum of 15 years’ experience in health policy, health systems strengthening, and national-level advocacy.
- Demonstrated expertise in medical education curriculum development, review, or competency framework assessment.
- Strong knowledge of Pakistan’s health priorities including UHC, EPHS, IHR, and AMR frameworks.
- Familiarity with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council Act 2022 is preferred.
- Excellent skills in research, documentation, coordination, and report writing.
- Proven ability to engage multiple stakeholders and facilitate consensus-building processes.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits

- Experience working within regulatory or accreditation bodies related to medical and dental education.
- Prior involvement with health workforce development or health system strengthening projects in Pakistan or similar contexts.
- Ability to develop practical, evidence-informed policy proposals and advocacy strategies.
- Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact programme aimed at transforming health education and strengthening Pakistan’s health system resilience.

The assignment is planned for approximately 45 days between November 2026 and March 2027, subject to final mobilization and contracting. The advisor will report to PMDC with coordination support from the Ministry of NHSR&C and E4H programme partners.