National Consultant/Country team leader of the Program for International Quality Assurance in Treatment (PIQAT)

Expected tangible and measurable output(s)/deliverable(s): • Completed and analyzed national and sub-national assessment of treatment systems using the QA tool, with a consolidated service database and report highlighting system strengths, gaps, and strategic priorities. • Validated action plans with stakeholders and the QA Country Team. • Country-level PIQAT program action plan designed, adopted, and disseminated, including implementation roadmap and materials shared with stakeholders. • Resourcing and sustainability plan developed with high-level officials, detailing costs for monitoring, follow-up cycles, and QA evaluation. • Support provided to national officials for actionable policy and legislative changes: aligned treatment guidelines with international standards, adopted national regulations that integrate PIQAT standards into the country’s addiction treatment system, adopted policies for long-term sustainability of quality assurance systems, to ensure long-term regulatory compliance.

This Consultancy is home-based within assigned country (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan).

14.04-15.06.2026

Background of the assignment: The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) implements global projects on the treatment of drug use disorders (DUD) with the overall objective of enhancing the quality, accessibility and effectiveness of drug dependence treatment services worldwide. These initiatives seek to mitigate the adverse health and social consequences associated with drug dependence through strengthening data systems, building national capacities in evidence-based treatment approaches, promoting advocacy to counter stigma and discrimination, and supporting Member States in the establishment of comprehensive, community-based treatment and social service networks to ensure a continuum of care. In line with its strategic framework, UNODC previously supported the development of Treatnet Quality Standards to assist countries in the formulation of national standards of care and in the assessment and planning of interventions within their drug dependence treatment systems. Following the launch of the World Health Organization–UNODC International Standards for the Treatment of Drug Use Disorders and the adoption of Commission on Narcotic Drugs Resolution 59/4, which calls for the dissemination of the International Standards and encourages Member States to adopt national accreditation standards in accordance with national legislation, the need has emerged for updated, globally applicable quality assurance tools supported by a structured dissemination strategy. Such tools are intended to promote an evidence-based, ethical and effective response to drug use disorders. Since 2018, UNODC has introduced Quality Assurance Mechanisms (QAM) and related instruments in Central Asia, including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, with a view to piloting and strengthening systematic service delivery responses. These efforts aim to promote continuous quality improvement, support alignment with international standards, and enhance the sustainability of national treatment systems. The process envisages active engagement of relevant national institutions, policymakers and service providers to map existing services, identify gaps, and strengthen mechanisms to ensure quality, safety and respect for human rights in the provision of care.

An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Medicine, Public Health, Psychology or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. At least 2 (two) years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of drug dependence treatment is required. Experience in data collection and analysis, along with advanced database management skills, is required. Proven knowledge and understanding of the national drug dependence treatment system is required. Experience in designing guidelines/protocols/standards for drug dependence treatment and care is desirable. Intercultural work experience and/or experience working with the UN is desirable

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written Russian is required. Knowledge of English is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations official language is an advantage.

Not available.

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.