Research Consultant

The consultant will lead investigations into the ‘The UK’s benefit from funded Health Partnerships under the DHSC funded GHWP’.  

As benefit back to the UK becomes increasingly important in the evolving funding landscape, GHP is commissioning a study to explore and examine the value of DHSC-funded health partnerships to the UK health system. While bi-directional learning and mutual benefit have been highlighted through GHWP reports and sharing and learning events, these insights have not yet been fully synthesised or clearly articulated in a way that supports future funding and policy positioning.  

We wish to commission a short-term consultancy to review and examine existing literature and data, including published and grey literature, including GHWP reports, reports from other DHSC-funded GHP projects, and other available documentation on the benefits of global health engagement to the UK. (see Related Papers section). 

Some qualitative data collection may potentially be involved.  

Assignment 

Aim  

The aim is to produce a concise, evidence-based report that captures key themes such as professional development, system learning, innovation exchange, and reputational value, demonstrating the tangible and strategic returns to the UK from its investment in global health and global health partnerships.  

Objectives 

1. To identify and analyse the professional and institutional gains for UK health workers and organisations involved in the implementation of the GHWP. 

1. To assess how the GHWP work has contributed to UK health worker and health system strengthening, innovation, and global health leadership. 

1. To build on existing literature and evaluations, including from other DHSC-funded GHP programmes to provide a robust evidence base for the mutual benefits of global health partnerships. 

Outcomes  

• Re-centre Health Partnerships as a key component of the UK’s global health offer, showcasing benefits to the UK.   

• Encourage greater support within the NHS for institutional engagement in global health and support within the UK Government for increased spending on global health. 

Lead Knowledge Mobilisation for Central Research Question 

Focus areas:  

Examine the benefits of Health Partnerships for the UK, using and building on GHP and other data and evidence. 

Indicative areas of focus (to be finalised in consultation with the GHP team)  

• In what ways have GHP been successful in bringing benefits to the UK at an institutional as well as individual level?   

• How has GHWP work in Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria provided tangible and strategic benefits to the UK? 

• Highlight through selected case studies how UK individuals and institutions are benefitting personally/professionally because of Health Partnership work.  

• Provide examples of how global health innovations and/or ways of working are benefitting UK institutions because of Health Partnerships work, and/or the engagement of diaspora health workers in Health Partnerships. 

In the submission the consultant should submit a technical proposal outlining the approach and methodology for the study, including the key research questions. This will then be developed further with the GHP team. 

Methodology  

Desk review to include the following: 

• GHWP reports (HP reports as well as GHP reporting to DHSC)  

• Available GHWP quantitative and qualitative data. 

• Other DHSC-funded programme reporting and material where feasible. 

• Published literature examining the benefits of Health Partnerships to the UK. 

Qualitative data collection 

Key informant and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, if required 

Proposed Timeframe  

The work is to be undertaken between August and November 2025. 

Contractual Responsibilities  

Reports to: The Technical Director, based in the UK, who will provide technical oversight of the study. The Consultant will be responsible for managing their workload and conducting the activities in a timely and efficient manner as set out in this document. The Consultant will agree with the Technical Director which aspects to prioritise. The Consultant will also have regular reporting points with the Head of the Evidence and Impact Team and other GHWP colleagues, as required. 

The contract will run from August 2025 over a 4month period. The Consultant will submit a technical proposal and budget of up to £14,000 for the whole programme of work. The consultant will invoice GHP on a monthly basis. Please note that this is non-negotiable. 

Key Deliverables and Dates  

• Scope of Work and technical proposal (co-produced with GHP) 

• Draft Report  

• Power point presentation and evidence brief (summary report) of key findings and recommendations 

• Final report submitted November 2025 

Essential Qualifications and Experience: 

• Postgraduate degree in Global Health, Public Health, Health Policy, International Development, or a related field. 

• Proven experience in health systems research, particularly in the context of global health partnerships or workforce development. 

• Familiarity with the UK health system (e.g., NHS) and its global health engagement strategies. 

• Experience working with or evaluating global health partnerships, ideally involving LMICs such as Ghana, Nigeria, or Kenya. 

Skills and Competencies: 

• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills, including data collection, analysis, and synthesis. 

• Ability to critically appraise and integrate evidence from diverse sources (e.g., programme reports, academic literature, policy documents). 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience producing reports, policy briefs, or academic publications. 

• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to liaise with UK institutions, diaspora health professionals, and international partners. 

• Competence in using research tools and software (e.g., NVivo, SPSS, Excel, or data visualization platforms). 

Desirable Attributes: 

• Experience working with or through organisations like Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET), NHS Global Health Partnerships, or UK FCDO-funded programmes. 

• Knowledge of health workforce development frameworks and global health diplomacy. 

• Understanding of diaspora engagement in health systems strengthening. 

• Ability to work independently and manage timelines for deliverables.