Ukraine's healthcare system is currently undergoing a comprehensive process of reform and gradual alignment with European Union standards as part of the country's broader EU integration agenda. The approximation of national legislation to the EU acquired in the healthcare sector represents a critical component of these efforts, aiming to strengthen governance frameworks, enhance regulatory compliance, and improve the overall quality, safety, and accessibility of healthcare services.

This process requires not only technical legal adjustments but also a strategic and coordinated approach to ensure consistency across reforms, alignment with national health priorities, and compliance with EU requirements. Given the complexity of the EU legal framework and the evolving nature of Ukraine's reform landscape, sustained legal expertise and institutional support are essential to guide the development, review, and implementation of healthcare legislation in line with European standards.

In this context, the Health Program of Expertise France in Ukraine, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, seeks to engage a National Expert in European Integration and Healthcare Law . The Expert will provide high-level legal and strategic support to the Ministry and relevant national stakeholders involved in the EU approximation process. This includes contributing to the drafting and review of legislation, supporting the work of sectoral working groups, and facilitating alignment with EU directives, regulations, and best practices.

This position is critical to ensuring the quality, consistency, and sustainability of legal reforms in the healthcare sector. By providing dedicated expertise, the role will contribute to strengthening the Ministry of Health's capacity to deliver effective legislative alignment, support evidence-based policymaking, and advance Ukraine's progress towards European integration in the health sector.

Description of the assignment

The Expert will provide legal guidance to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine to support the approximation of Ukrainian healthcare legislation to European Union law (EU acquis) and facilitate Ukraine's EU accession process in the health sector. The Expert will ensure that Ukrainian laws, regulations, and policies in healthcare are aligned with EU standards and best practices, while supporting negotiation and cooperation with national and international stakeholders.

A. EU Legislation Analysis

1.       Conduct analysis of European Union legislation (EU acquis) in the field of healthcare, as well as prepare analytical materials on their content, requirements, and regulatory approaches.

B. Ukrainian Legislation Assessment

2.      Analyse Ukrainian healthcare legislation for its compliance with the relevant European Union legislation (EU acquis).

C. Correspondence and Mapping

3.      Prepare tables of correspondence between Ukrainian legislation and European Union legislation (EU acquis).

D. Policy and Programme Support

4.      Participate in the preparation, updating, and monitoring of the implementation of measures in the healthcare sector within the framework of the National Programme for the Approximation of Ukrainian Legislation to European Union Law.

E. Drafting and Legal Support

5.      Draft legal and regulatory acts of Ukraine aimed at implementing European Union law (EU acquis) in the field of healthcare, as well as support and participate in the approval process of such draft acts.

F. Advisory and Stakeholder Support

6.      Provide expert and advisory support to representatives of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine during working group meetings, consultations, and discussions related to the approximation of Ukrainian legislation to European Union law (EU acquis) in the field of healthcare, including with representatives of public authorities, international organisations, civil society, and the expert community.

G. International Cooperation and Negotiation Support

7.      Support the Ministry of Health of Ukraine in cooperation with international and European institutions regarding the implementation of European Union law (EU acquis) in the healthcare sector, as well as during the negotiation process.

Duration and terms of performance

The assignment is expected to be implemented over a period of 12 month. The timeline remains subject to discussion and agreement with Expertise France. All activities and implementation details are to be coordinated and confirmed in advance by the designated focal point at Expertise France.

Implementation period: 12 months

Start date: 27 April 2026;

Location: the Expert is expected to be based in Kyiv, Ukraine, attend Ministry of Health of Ukraine office (approximately 40 hours per week), with potential travels to the regions and internationally if needed.

Deliverables and reporting

The Expert shall provide the following deliverables:

•        Analysis report of European Union legislation (EU acquis) in the field of healthcare, including key requirements and regulatory approaches;
•        Comparative analysis of Ukrainian healthcare legislation against relevant EU legislation;
•        Tables of correspondence between Ukrainian legislation and EU acquis;
•        Drafted legal and regulatory acts aimed at implementing EU law in healthcare, with participation in the approval process;
•        Reports and recommendations from consultations, working group meetings, and discussions with public authorities, international organisations, civil society, and expert communities;
•        Support documentation and advice provided to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine on cooperation with EU and international institutions in the healthcare sector.