Organization: World Health Organization (WHO) Position: International Consultant Project: Strengthening AMR Response, Regulatory Systems & Access to Medical Products Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia Contract Type: International Consultancy (Short-Term) Closing Date: 4 February 2026
The World Health Organization (WHO) Cambodia is actively recruiting an International Consultant to lead critical reforms in the country’s pharmaceutical and regulatory sectors.
As Cambodia updates its “Law on Pharmaceutical Management” and implements its National Strategy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), the country requires a high-level technical expert to guide the Ministry of Health. This role is pivotal for ensuring that all Cambodians have access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines—a fundamental pillar of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
If you are a specialist in Regulatory Systems Strengthening (RSS), Pharmacovigilance, or AMR Policy, this is a high-impact opportunity to shape national health legislation in 2026.
Also check Remote UN Opportunities: UNICEF Writers & Editors Wanted (Apply Now)
Table of Contents
Background & Project Context
Access to quality medical products is a challenge in the Greater Mekong Subregion. Cambodia has taken bold steps to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a crisis driven by the misuse of antibiotics and the circulation of substandard medicines.
In 2026, the WHO Country Office is supporting the Royal Government of Cambodia to:
- Review and Update Legislation: Finalize the new law on pharmaceuticals to enforce stricter regulations.
- Implement Benchmarking Recommendations: Act on the findings from the “Workshop on Self-Benchmarking of the Cambodian Regulatory System” (held in 2025).
- Strengthen Oversight: Improve market authorization and post-marketing surveillance to stop falsified medicines.
As the Consultant, you will provide the technical roadmap to achieve these goals, working directly with the Department of Drugs and Food (DDF) and the Ministry of Health.
WHO Vacancy 2026: Strengthening Regulatory Systems & Medical Access (Cambodia)
Key Responsibilities
You will serve as the primary technical advisor on pharmaceutical governance.
- Regulatory System Strengthening:
- Provide technical guidance on implementing the Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) recommendations to elevate Cambodia’s regulatory maturity level.
- Advise on the finalization and enforcement of the new Law on Pharmaceutical Management.
- AMR & Stewardship:
- Support the implementation of the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance.
- Develop frameworks to monitor Antimicrobial Consumption (AMC) and enforce prescription-only regulations to curb self-medication.
- Quality Assurance:
- Design mechanisms to detect and remove “substandard and falsified” (SF) medical products from the market.
- Strengthen post-marketing surveillance and pharmacovigilance systems.
- Capacity Building:
- Train national staff on dossier evaluation, inspection, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Qualifications & Requirements
WHO is seeking a senior-level expert with a proven track record in regulatory affairs.
Education
- Essential: Advanced University Degree (Master’s or PhD) in Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Medicine, Public Health, or Law (with a focus on health regulation).
Experience
- Professional Experience: At least 7-10 years of international experience in:
- Medicines regulation and quality assurance.
- Pharmaceutical policy development.
- AMR stewardship programs.
- Regional Experience: Prior work experience in Southeast Asia or the Western Pacific Region is highly desirable.
- Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with WHO Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) and international regulatory standards (ICH).
Skills & Languages
- Languages: Expert proficiency in English (Read/Write/Speak) is mandatory.
- Soft Skills: Strong diplomatic skills to negotiate complex policy changes with government officials and development partners.
Why Apply for This Position
1. Strategic Impact You are not just writing reports; you are helping to write the law. Your work will directly influence the legal framework that governs every medicine sold in Cambodia for the next decade.
2. High-Profile Portfolio This role touches on the most urgent topics in global health: AMR and Supply Chain Integrity. Success in this project is a strong credential for future senior roles at WHO HQ or major regulatory bodies (FDA, EMA).
3. Location Phnom Penh is a vibrant hub for international development professionals, offering a high quality of life and proximity to the rest of Southeast Asia.
How to Apply
This vacancy is open for a limited window.
- Visit the UN JobNet or WHO Careers Portal.
- Search Keywords: “Consultant Regulatory Systems Cambodia” or “Strengthening AMR Response.”
- Job Reference: Look for the specific WHO Cambodia vacancy listed with a closing date of 4 Feb 2026.
- Submit: Upload your CV and a Cover Letter detailing your specific experience with national regulatory authorities (NRAs).
Pro Tip: In your application, explicitly mention any experience you have with WHO Benchmarking or Legislative Review. These are the core deliverables of this consultancy.
Suggested Focus Keywords
WHO Cambodia Jobs 2026, Regulatory Affairs Consultant, AMR Policy Jobs, Pharmaceutical System Strengthening, UN Health Jobs Phnom Penh, Medicines Regulation Career, International Consultant Health Policy
