Expression of Interest (EOI) - Mid-Term Review of Product Development Partnerships (PDPs)

Job DescriptionPosition:Mid-Term Review of Product Development Partnerships (PDPs)Location: Desk-based with travel to Papua New Guines, The Philippines and one additional countryDuration: 23 March – 14 August 2026The World at Abt Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges. We are a team of 3,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game. To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you. Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance. Specialist Health Service: Managed by Abt Global, the Specialist Health Service (SHS) provides strategic input on health to the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). SHS is the primary source from which DFAT accesses health and development expertise and advisory services to improve the quality of health programming across DFAT’s global and regional health portfolio, through enabling access to responsive technical advice and support. The Opportunity The Australian Government invests in Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) to undertake research, development and access initiatives to make available drugs, diagnostics and vector control tools to prevent and treat neglected diseases like tuberculosis and malaria with a focus on affected populations in our region. Our region encompasses countries of the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Australia invests in five PDPs over five years with the investment activity concluding in 2029. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Global Health Division (GHD) will engage individuals or an organisation to conduct a Mid-Term Review of the five DFAT-funded Product Development Partnerships (PDPs):

• Medicines for Malaria Venture
• TB Alliance
• PATH
• Medicines Development for Global Health
• Innovative Vector Control Consortium

For further information/detail, please see TOR below. Key Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) for donor funded health programs including conducting evaluations and reviews of PDPs or similar
• Proven experience in gender and disability-related development interventions and climate changes issues within the health space and gender equality and disability equity and rights within the health sector
• Experience working in global health product development and international donor investments in Product Development Partnerships (PDPs)
• Experience working with PDPs including an understanding of the market they serve; the research, development and access continuum to deliver new health technologies for neglected diseases; and in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions
• Demonstrated understanding of the ecosystem that develops new products for neglected diseases from clinical trials through to procurement and the suite of donors funding that ecosystem
• Understanding of policies on gender equality, disability equity, climate change, locally led development and First Nations engagement. Knowledge of how gender and social inequalities impact outcomes in health sector in the Pacific and Southeast Asia is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including a proven ability to liaise and communicate effectively in cross-cultural contexts
• Excellent analytical and writing skills with the ability to communicate information clearly and concisely

How to apply: Please complete the Expression of Interest (using template provided below) and submit via the Abt Global website or following link Expression of Interest (EOI) - Mid-Term Review of Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) - Abt Global . Closing date is 4 March 2026. For any enquiries or issues, please email recruitment@shsglobal.com.au Applications are encouraged from individuals and organisations who meet the key selection criteria. Travel costs do not need to be included as all travel arrangements will be managed by SHS/Abt. Abt is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Disclaimer: Abt will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment. Expression of Interest – Mid-Term Review of Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) Name of Organisation: Proposed Approach (no more than 1 page): Proposed Advisers: Adviser NamePositionNumber of input daysDaily Rate AUD (inclusive any overheads /management costs)Total per adviser Summary Proposed Adviser Roles and Responsibilities for the Evaluation: Curriculum Vitae Proposed Advisers: Terms of Reference - Short Term Advisers

• Title

Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Product Development and Access Partnerships

• Adviser(s)

Sourced through Expression of Interest (EOI)

• Program

Product Development and Access Partnerships

• Classification of role as specified under safeguarding policies

Working with children Contact with children Working with Vulnerable Adults Contact with Vulnerable Adults Nil ( Desk based no travel and/or no access to personal data or images of children/vulnerable adults)

• Location/s

Desk based Desk Based with possible domestic travel Desk based with possible international travel

• Travel

Travel is required

• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• TBC: Vietnam, Laos or Cambodia

If travel is required, list the country below and select security level for destination countries below based on smart traveller website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

• Travel Details

Papua New Guinea: Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution Philippines: Level 2: Exercise a high degree of caution Country 3: (TBC)

• Term

23 March – 14 August 2026

• QA conducted by

DFAT If this box is checked, once the adviser is contracted, DFAT will liaise directly with the adviser, manage their performance, and QA all deliverables. SHS will provide logistical and administrative support only. The adviser/s will submit the agreed deliverables to DFAT, copying SHS ( team@shsglobal.com.au ) on the dates specified in section 15, below, unless other arrangements are confirmed in writing. SHS If this box is checked, SHS quality assures all the deliverables prior to submitting them to DFAT for their review, unless agreed by SHS in writing. SHS will provide technical, logistical and administrative support. The adviser/s will submit the agreed deliverables to the SHS Task Lead copying SHS ( Team@shsglobal.com.au ) on the dates specified in section 15, below, unless other arrangements are confirmed in writing. The designated SHS Task Lead will liaise with the adviser to ensure that the final output meets DFAT requirements. When SHS has QA responsibilities, deliverablesshould be submitted to the SHS no fewer than three (3) working days before the agreed deadline for submission to DFAT to allow for this process. Draft outputs are not to be circulated beyond key counterparts until final versions have been approved by the SHS

• Background

The Australian Government invests in Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) to undertake research, development and access initiatives to make available drugs, diagnostics and vector control tools to prevent and treat neglected diseases like tuberculosis and malaria with a focus on affected populations in our region. Our region encompasses countries of the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Australia invests in five PDPs over five years with the investment activity concluding in 2029. DFAT Global Health and Education Division (GHD) is one of many donors that invest in the PDPs to achieve high level outcomes. For this reason, GHD has taken a streamlined and efficient approach to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) to understand how partner (PDP) activities are contributing to the PDAP investment outcomes. The MEL system includes:

• The PDAP team (GHD with input from partners) developed an investment level program logic and MEL framework. Partners agreed to deliver on specific outcome areas, and to report on select indicators within the framework. PDPs were consulted on the indicators, and where necessary the indicators were revised based on feedback from the PDPs. Refer: Attached PDAP MEL Plan Annex 2 for the MELF including indicator selection.
• PDAPs have developed their program designs, with a comprehensive MEL framework and indicators. These are specific to their program and serve the needs of a wide range of donors of which DFAT is one. As above within this indicator framework, PDAPs have agreed to specifically report on the selected PDAP indicators.
• Regular program meetings are held between DFAT GHD Program Managers and each of the PDPs – documenting data on progress, any challenges and other information relating to both product development and the partner engagement pathway. Partner meetings contribute to evidence informed decision making.
• Program reporting is a key source of evidence used to assess progress, performance and to inform decision making.
• GHD will undertake a mid-term review of the PDAPs. The mid-term review (MTR) will focus on the key evaluation questions provided below (section 13), and any other emerging areas will be included as required.
• Purpose and objectives

Undertake an independent Mid-Term Review of the five DFAT funded PDPs:

• Medicines for Malaria Venture
• TB Alliance
• PATH
• Medicines Development for Global Health
• Innovative Vector Control Consortium
• Scope of Work

The adviser(s) will undertake an MTR that uses appropriate methods to collect and analyses data and evidence from the five listed PDPs. The MTR will answer the following key evaluation questions (KEQs) for each of the PDPs and the PDAP investment as a whole:

• To what extent are the five PDPs on track to increase the development, trialling, registration of, and access to new or modified drugs, diagnostics, vaccines and vector control tools for use in partner countries in our region? Is the overall PDAP investment on track to meet its stated outcomes?
• What impact has there been as a result of product development and access initiatives? (ref EOPO1, see Attached PDAP MEL Plan ) ie. What is the available evidence on impact on health outcomes, health systems and the health-economic impact of newly developed products?
• What evidence is there of improved equity as a result of product development activities? To what extent has the PDAP GEDSI analysis informed the PDP’s work? ( Refer: Attached Inclusive Innovation report.) How have the PDPs contributed to greater climate resilience? What are the lessons learned from our work on cross-cutting priorities? (ref EOPO1 and 2)
• How well have PDPs engaged with national Governments, affected communities, other donors and multi-lateral agencies to strengthen access to medical products? What have we learned?
• How effective and efficient has the PDAP model for investment been (compared to alternative models for DFAT to invest in product development)? Is the Australian Government’s investment in PDPs good value for our region?
• How have the PDPs efficiently managed their portfolio and progressed products along the development pathway?
• How well has the partnership approach worked? What improvements, if any could be made, and what are the positive aspects of the partnership approach that can be replicated?
• How well have the MEL arrangements worked to understand PDAP performance and monitor accountability?  

The Adviser(s) will be responsible for:

• Reviewing key documents
• Developing the evaluation methodology and plan including refining and finalising the key evaluation questions and working with DFAT to finalise the stakeholder consultation list
• Leading consultations with DFAT and other stakeholders remotely
• Drafting and finalisation of all deliverables required under the evaluation consistent with the TOR including an accessibility checked final evaluation report for publishing on DFAT’s website
• Ensuring integration of GEDSI considerations into the design of the evaluation, including data collection and analysis and consideration of GEDSI in findings and recommendations
• Presenting findings from desk review of documentation and consultations
• Ensuring all key deliverables are high-quality and delivered on time for DFAT review
• Revising and finalising documents (including accessibility checking final report) responding to feedback from DFAT and other relevant reviewers

DFAT will be responsible for:

• Providing additional background and briefing and working with advisers to refine the key evaluation questions and develop the stakeholder consultation list
• Providing key relevant documents
• Connecting the adviser with stakeholders as required
• Reviewing the evaluation plan and evaluation report, and providing timely, comprehensive feedback
• Responding to any general questions and requests for information from the adviser in a timely manner

Sourcing adviser(s) Organisations will be invited to submit a short Expression of Interest (EOI) for the evaluation (see Annex 3). The EOI will include: the proposed approach , adviser(s) name, input days, daily rate in AUD for each adviser; and CVs for all proposed advisers. Key Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) for donor funded health programs including conducting evaluations and reviews of PDPs or similar
• Proven experience in gender and disability-related development interventions and climate changes issues within the health space and gender equality and disability equity and rights within the health sector
• Experience working in global health product development and international donor investments in Product Development Partnerships (PDPs)
• Experience working with PDPs including an understanding of the market they serve; the research, development and access continuum to deliver new health technologies for neglected diseases; and in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions
• Demonstrated understanding of the ecosystem that develops new products for neglected diseases from clinical trials through to procurement and the suite of donors funding that ecosystem
• Understanding of policies on gender equality, disability equity, climate change, locally led development and First Nations engagement. Knowledge of how gender and social inequalities impact outcomes in health sector in the Pacific and Southeast Asia is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including a proven ability to liaise and communicate effectively in cross-cultural contexts
• Excellent analytical and writing skills with the ability to communicate information clearly and concisely

Deliverables

• Draft Evaluation Plan
• Final Evaluation Plan
• Aide Memoire (Presentation)
• First Draft Evaluation Report (maximum 40 pages plus annexes)
• Second Draft Evaluation Report (maximum 40 pages plus annexes)
• Final Evaluation Report (maximum 40 pages plus annexes that meets DFAT accessibility guidelines for publishing)
• Performance Outcomes and Deliverables, with dates

Indicative dateMilestoneVerification indicator 8 April 2026

• Draft Evaluation Plan

30 April 2026

• Final Evaluation Plan

Acceptance of deliverable by DFAT 1 July2026

• First Draft Evaluation Report (max. 40 pages + annexes)

Acceptance of deliverable by DFAT 22 July 2026

• Second Draft Evaluation Report (max. 40 pages)

14 Aug 2026

• Final Evaluation Report (must meet DFAT accessibility requirements)

Acceptance of deliverable by DFAT

• Reporting and Payment

Payment milestones The adviser will submit an activity report and invoice at the following points

• Acceptance by DFAT of [Milestone 2]
• Acceptance by DFAT of [Milestone 3]
• Acceptance by DFAT of [Milestone 5]
• Deliverable Published

No Yes Notes:

• It is the responsibility of the adviser to ensure that all deliverables that will be published are accessible, as per Microsoft’s accessibility review function and DFAT guidance, available here: Creating documents that meet accessibility guidelines
• Any use of AI needs to be acknowledged and explained in the methodology section of evaluation plans and reports.
• Policy context

Advisers are expected to align their work with DFAT’s development and foreign policy priorities and to incorporate DFAT’s cross-cutting priorities on gender equality, disability equity, climate change and First Nations engagement. Advisers should seek advice from DFAT about the most appropriate ways to align tasks to these policies. Advisers should also discuss whether there are other relevant DFAT policies.

• Conditions

Conditions of engagement may include completing and signing the following documents:

• The Deed of Confidentiality
• The Declaration of Adviser Status
• Safeguarding Code of Conduct
• As per DFAT requirements, an Adviser Performance Assessment (APA) will be undertaken at the completion of the assignment.

Annex 1: Key Documents

• PDP Partner Plans
• Inclusive Innovation Report
• MEL Plan for PDPs
• PDP Annual progress reports
• Investment Monitoring Reports
• https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/dfat-design-monitoring-evaluation-learning-standards
• https://www.dfat.gov.au/development/new-international-development-policy
• https://www.dfat.gov.au/international-relations/themes/gender-equality/new-international-gender-equality-strategy
• https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/disability-inclusive-development-guidance-note
• https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Pages/gender-equality-in-monitoring-and-evaluation-good-practice-note
• https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Pages/disaster-risk-reduction-and-climate-change-guidance-note
• https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/dfat-design-monitoring-evaluation-learning-standards
• https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/international-development-programming-guide.pdf

Annex 2: Key Stakeholders Key contacts for each of the PDPs will be provided; key contacts in destination countries will be provided. If agreed necessary, contacts in likeminded donors will be provided