Helen Keller International
NGO / INGO / Development Projects

Helen Keller International is a non-profit organization with a vision of a world where no one is deprived of the opportunity to live a healthy life and reach their true potential. Co-founded in 1915 by Helen Keller and George Kessler, our work includes support to grow and eat nutritious food, stave off malnutrition, build strong immune systems, access life-saving medical treatments, and prevent and treat blindness and vision loss for over 80 million people in 20 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Helen Keller has been operating in Nepal since 1988, initially focusing on eye care and Vitamin A supplementation, but has since expanded to include maternal and child health and nutrition, nutrition behavior change, and nutrition-sensitive agriculture, among other sectors. We aim to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity in vulnerable communities by building local capacity and ownership; leveraging on strong monitoring, evaluation, and research systems; and advocating for national policies.

In response to the changing development landscape across the globe, Helen Keller has undergone a significant transformation. Formerly, the organization’s strategic focus was divided into three areas: nutrition, health, and neglected tropical diseases. We have now a two-pillar approach that prioritizes the food system and health systems and aims to create more impactful and resilient programs.

The organization is a pioneer in implementing integrated nutrition programs such as Suaahara I & II, Action Against Malnutrition through Agriculture (AAMA), and Sustainable Action for Resilience and Food Security (SABAL).

Coordinator – Consultant

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Helen Keller Intl. is an International Non-Governmental Organization (INGO) working in health and nutrition in Nepal since 1988 to improve the nutritional status of women and young children through evidence-based research and programs. The National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) is a key component of Nepal’s healthcare system, ensuring access to affordable, quality medicines at all levels of care. In line with the WHO Model List, Nepal has implemented the NLEM since 1986, with updates in 1992, 1997, 2002, 2011, 2016, and 2021, based on clinical evidence, cost- effectiveness, and public health priorities. To address evolving health needs, Helen Keller Intl., in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Population (Department of Drug Administration), is supporting the revision of NEML 2025. This evidence-based, consultative process engages key stakeholders and professional bodies to develop a revised list for endorsement by the Drug Advisory Committee.

We request applications from qualified individuals for short-term assignments as mentioned below:

Position: Coordinator – Consultant
Tentative duration: 20 working days
Location: Kathmandu

Background:

The consultant will lead and coordinate the full revision process of the NEML, ensuring effective planning, stakeholder engagement, and timely delivery of all expected outputs within the designated timeline.

Summary of the Job Purpose: The primary role of this position is:

Review key reference documents (WHO Model List, national guidelines, Basic Health Care Service package) to ensure alignment.
Develop a comprehensive action plan and timeline in collaboration with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA).
Identify and outline all necessary revisions for the NLEM 2025 and coordinate mobilization of resources.
Coordinate stakeholder consultations involving national programs, Essential and Emergency Services, and therapeutic experts.
Facilitate the EML expert review committee meetings, ensuring structured discussions and clear outcomes.
Lead consultative workshops and oversee feedback collection.
Prepare and submit the final draft of the revised NLEM with a detailed summary report.

Reporting Requirements

Biweekly progress meeting.
Documentation of all stakeholder consultations, workshops, and expert committee meetings.

Submission of a final report alongside the revised NLEM draft

Duration and Timeline

The consultancy will span 20 working days, commencing in May and concluded by the end of June 2025, with phased deliverables as agreed upon in the action plan.

Educational qualifications and experiences:

University degree in any health-related fields; additional training in public health or pharmacy or health management is an advantage.
At least 10 years of experience in public health program management, particularly in essential medicines list revision or related pharmaceutical policy work.

Key Deliverables:

Action plan with a detailed timeline.
Documentation of stakeholder consultations and workshops.
Reports from expert committee meetings.
Lead consultative workshops and compile feedback.

For Scope of Work, Please Click Here.