BACKGROUND

Tunisia aims to strengthen its health sovereignty by developing national capacity for the production of biotechnology-derived medicines, including vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. However, limited local expertise across the bio-manufacturing value chain constrains progress in this strategic sector.

The proposed establishment of a national bio-manufacturing centre (TUNISIA Bio Hub) would support pilot-scale GMP-compliant bioproduction and technology transfer, with positive impact for Tunisia, the EMRO Region, and Africa.

In this context, the Ministry of Health has requested WHO’s support to recruit a national consultant to lead the feasibility study.

DELIVERABLES

Deliverable 1: Inception and Strategic Vision

Output 1.1

• A validated concept note defining:

• Strategic vision

• Objectives

• Target beneficiaries

• Governance model

• Operational model of the bio-training and bio-manufacturing center

Output 1.2

• Drafted and validated technical frameworks, including:

• User Requirement Specifications (URS)

• Preliminary design documents (APS/APD)

Output 1.3

• Preliminary cost estimates for the establishment of the bio-manufacturing center.

Deliverable 2: Selection of Technical Expert Office

Output 2.1

• Defined technical requirements and selection criteria for the engineering/biopharmaceutical expert office.

Output 2.2

• Technical evaluation and selection report of the consultancy firm.

Output 2.3

• Technical support provided for contracting and onboarding of the selected expert office.

Deliverable 3: Partnerships and Technical Validation

Output 3.1

• Formalized partnerships with relevant national, regional, and international stakeholders.

Output 3.2

• Reviewed and validated technical deliverables produced by the expert office:

• URS

• APS

• APD

Output 3.3

• Consolidated and validated detailed budget estimates aligned with technical designs.

Deliverable 4: Procurement and Tendering

Output 4.1

• Tender documentation for construction of the bio-manufacturing center.

Output 4.2

• Tender documentation for procurement of bio-manufacturing equipment.

Output 4.3

• Technical support provided for the launch of tendering processes.

Deliverable 5: Reporting and Project Closure

Output 5.1

• Quarterly progress reports outlining:

• Activities

• Progress

• Challenges

• Next steps

Output 5.2

• Final comprehensive report summarizing:

• Key results

• Lessons learned

• Recommendations for subsequent phases

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Essential

• PhD in:

• Immunology

• Molecular Genetics

• Biotechnology

• Or another field related to the biological production of medicines and vaccines

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Minimum 10 years of expertise at national and international levels in:

• Biological research

• Development

• Production of medicines and vaccines

Asset

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing a Bio Technopole at national or international level.

• Strong knowledge and understanding of:

• The Tunisian context

• Tunisia’s health sector

SKILLS / KNOWLEDGE

• Strong technical expertise in biotechnology and vaccine production.

• Capacity to coordinate feasibility studies and technical partnerships.

• Ability to support procurement and tendering processes.

• Experience in stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

LANGUAGES

Essential

• Perfect command of French.

Asset

• Fluency in English.

LOCATION

The Consultant is expected to perform his/her work in Tunisia, especially in Tunis and other governorates, in order to:

• Raise funding

• Develop partnerships

• Strengthen networking

MEDICAL CLEARANCE

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

HIRING UNIT

• Communicable Disease Unit

TRAVEL

Travel to some governorates is expected, including visits to potential partners in Tunisia.

EXPECTED DURATION OF THE CONTRACT

• 180 days