Health Specialist- Pharmaceuticals and Supply Chain Management /HSS strengthening (P3), Temporary Appointment (364 days), Mogadishu, Somalia

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For every child, health

The UNICEF Somalia Country Office requires support in areas related to accountability in formulation, coordination, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the procurement and supply chain of health commodities and equipment as part of health systems strengthening to ensure overall efficiency and effectiveness of the project management, delivery and accomplishment of project goals and objectives.

In the ongoing emergency context, this position will support partners and field offices to develop review of morbidity and mortality data, epidemiological trends to advise on essential medicines and supplies requirements, quantification, and development of procurement plans. Ensuring close coordination with partners, the health cluster and health authorities.

Under the supervision of the UNICEF Chief of Health and in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Somalia and health development partners, the incumbent will be responsible for strengthening the Somali procurement and supply chain management (PSM)and coordination mechanisms of essential medicines, vaccines, nutrition and all health commodities and equipment. This is through the designing systems, guidelines, polices and providing immediate technical guidance, leadership and strategic inputs for the development and implementation of evidence based PSM strategies to strengthen the capacities of the Ministries of Health for timely and effective coordination, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all PSM activities.

How can you make a difference?

1. Programme Planning Development and Management

• Enhance effective sectoral or inter sectoral planning, coordination, development and management for the procurement and supply chain by leading, guiding, coordinating and supporting timely completion of the situational analysis on procurement and supply chain and the periodic reviews and updates through accurate and complete analysis and finalization of sectoral input.
• Consult and collaborate with government, colleagues and partners to provide technical and operational support on programme planning, implementation, and monitoring and to ensure integration, coherence and harmonization of health systems strengthening priorities with other UNICEF sectors throughout all stages of programming processes.
• Provide technical assistance in the development of the Procurement Supply Chain Management (PSCM) sectoral workplans to government and implementing partners and UNICEF workplans for effective and efficient delivery of the HSS component.

2. Capacity building, innovation, knowledge management

• Lead the development and implementation of a supply chain system strengthening advocacy strategy for Somalia including the supply chain maturity model/assessment and master plan, electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIs), Quantification Analytics Tool (QAT) deployment.
• Support and ensure functionality of the sector technical working groups including stakeholders’ coordination mechanisms on PSCM including at State level
• Lead and contribute to the development of policies, procedures and guidelines for innovation and best practices on system strengthening to ensure sustainability, optimum efficiency and efficacy in PSCM for commodity security.
• Provide technical trainings to government counterpart and IPS as part of capacity building on identified areas.
• As part of the multi-disciplinary team, provide technical support in the capacity building of health institutions infrastructure and equipment.
• Further promote knowledge management by drafting or finalizing sectoral documents and reports such as the Country Programme Recommendations and Plans of Action as well as capacity building, technical support, orientation, and training programmes targeted to Government authorities and implementing partners.
• Ensure exchange of knowledge, information, experience, or lessons learned and provide solid technical recommendations on directions for the procurement and supply chain management to improve effectiveness of the existing system and on introduction of new initiatives for procurement and supply chain management of health commodities.
• Participate in planning budgeting, reviewing, certifying, monitoring and submission of financial status reports to management in compliance regulations and guidelines.

3. Programme management, monitoring and delivery of results

• Ensure sectoral or inter sectoral efficiency and delivery by UNICEF and other partners for PSCM through a rigorous and transparent approach to programme design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• Participate in strategic PSM evaluation and review exercises and sectoral planning and reviews meetings with Government counterparts and implementing partners.
• Preparation and submission of implementation updates and quarterly/annual reports for PSCM.
• Promote the quality of rights-based health commodities supply chain management through participation in the formulation of programme /project goals, strategies and approaches.
• Bring coherence, synergy and added value to sectoral or project management processes using results-based management approach to planning and design, implementation monitoring and evaluation.
• Working with UNICEF health section team, and in collaboration with relevant units of the Supply Section (Logistics, Contract Management) and the Supply Division in Copenhagen support the forecasting, procurement, warehousing and distribution of medical supplies to NGO implementing partners (IPs) and state/regional health authorities
• Contribute to budget management activities including monthly budget reviews, quarterly phased budgeting and procurement planning, open commitments monitoring to ensure progress of program spend is tracked and remedial actions related to areas of work within the role followed up.
• Ensure preparation of the donor reports and supply status reports as required for program monitoring, budget reviews, annual reports, appeals, etc.
• Monitor health supplies in transit, in UNICEF and partner warehouses, compile regular reports to flag expiring and aging supplies
• Liaise with the logistics unit on supplies ordering and distribution frequencies, coordinate with IPs on all matters related to downstream distribution release orders and confirmation of receipts.
• Lead the monitoring of supplies across the value chain to the end users employing various mechanism that manage possible aid diversion and bring accountability and end to end visibility of supplies.

4. Advocacy, Networking and Partnerships

• Build and sustain effective close working partnerships and networks to ensure exchange of information, experience, identify new strategies and courses of action to improve delivery of services with key stakeholders to achieve overall PSCM requirements and objectives.
• Take a leading role in the coordination of existing Technical Working Groups for management of health and nutrition commodities at all levels. Prepare communication and information materials for country office programme advocacy, promote awareness, establish partnerships/alliances and support fund raising for programmes for PSCM.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: An advanced university degree from a recognized academic institution in one or more of the following areas is preferred:  Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Regulatory Pharmacy, Health System Strengthening, Health Economics, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration or other areas directly related to supply & logistics of health commodities.
• Work Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national and or international levels in developing countries in designing and implementing health commodities procurement and supply chain management including experience in supply chain system strengthening, health commodity forecasting and supply planning, development of guidelines, pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, quality assurance as well as health equipment and infrastructure procurement and establishment. Experience working with various international donors and partners essential. Experience in fragile and emergency settings will be an asset.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in Written and Spoken English is a requirement.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable [Female Candidates] are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Eligible staff members on fixed-term, continuing or permanent contracts applying to IP TA positions in a duty station designated as L2/L3, may be able to retain a lien and their fixed-term entitlements, subject to approval by their Head of Office. The conditions of the temporary assignment will vary depending on the status of their post and relocation entitlements may be limited as per the relevant policies.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.