Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with Governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the pledge to leave no one behind reflect the interconnectedness of health and sustainable development issues such as the widening economic and social inequalities, the climate crisis, rapid urbanization, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis, COVID.19), the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases and the emergence of health threats. The scope and scale of delivering health and well-being for all demands innovative partnerships and financing.

UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund (GF) is in line with UNDP’s HIV, Health and Development Strategy 2022-2025: Connecting the Dots, makes a vital contribution to UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the pledge to leave no one behind.  When requested, UNDP acts as interim Principal Recipient (PR), working with national partners and the Global Fund to ensure management, implementation and oversight of GF grants, while simultaneously strengthening health institutions and systems for national entities to assume the PR role over time.

In Guinea Bissau, the Ministry of Health and UNDP have had a long-standing, strategic partnership for health service delivery through Global Fund grants. UNDP is the designated Principal Recipient for the Malaria Grant for the period 2024-2026, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and its National Malaria Control Programme, other Government and UN agencies, and in collaboration with bilateral donors and International Financing Institutions.

To help the UNDP Health Team deliver health activities in a timely and quality-assured manner, while complying with UNDP and Global Fund rules and regulations, UNDP Guinea Bissau Office is recruiting a Pharmacy Associate to support the procurement and supply chain (PSM) function of the project.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the UNDP Procurement and Supply Management Specialist and in collaboration with the UNDP procurement expert, provide the National Malaria Program with technical and operational support in the area of pharmaceutical and supply chain management in order to improve availability of supplies to health facilities and patients.

Specific Objectives of the Position:

• Support, supervise and monitor the storage, distribution and pharmaceutical management of Malaria at the National supply chain,
• Promote the integration of pharmaceutical supply chain management systems and quality assurance of the pharmaceutical supply chain,
• Strengthen capacity within national program in supply chain management for health commodities.

Activities & Tasks of the incumbent:

• Assist in determining/describing a list of key PSM activities, their frequency, roles and responsibilities for the Malaria Program,
• Propose long term action plans for operational PSM work for the Malaria Program,
• Implement the Logistic Management and Information System activities including distribution activities as well as the review of the HIS and LMIS,
• Assist in the validation of requisition forms,
• Assist in the preparation, data collection, partner meetings and writing of the Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) for GF programs,
• Assist in the implementation of the activities defined in the QAP,
• Participate in the regular monitoring of the supply chain and work in close collaboration with the health and logistics staff at regional and health facility level,
• Participate and carry out capacity development activities in the area of PSM,
• Participate in the technical committees related to medicines and supply chain,
• Participate in the needs assessments in the field, of all health and non – health related products in the different structures of health assistance,
• Assist in the asset management of GF programs,
• Assist in the regular reporting towards the program and the GF,
• Participate in the reception of health products delivered at the central medical store

Expected Outputs:

• PSM activities defined and translated in an action plan,
• QAP activities related to the program defined,
• Activities under above implemented and reported,
• Medicines distribution and logistics reporting done one a regular basis and availability of supplies improved and documented,
• Active participation in meetings within the program, with CECOME and other stakeholder agencies active in Malaria drug procurement and distribution,
• PSM staff at regional and health facility level motivated, supervised and assisted in their supply chain and pharmaceutical activities,
• Regular monitoring of treatment site in Bissau and in the provinces done and documented (shared responsibility),
• Regular active participation in the quantification and forecasting activities for the health products of the program,
• Participation in workshops to build capacity of program and health facility staff in drug management and distribution,
• Implementation of a system of monitoring and evaluation of stocks of medicines and other health products (including laboratory materials) documented.
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core : 

Achieve Results:                          LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:                     LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 

Learn Continuously:                    LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:                      LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 

Act with Determination:              LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:                     LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:    LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

People Management (N/A)

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)

Thematic Area                                                        Name  Definition                                 

• Procurement   Sourcing:                              – Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services
• Procurement, Financial Analysis:              – Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their                                                                           performance and suitability
• Procurement, Management:                        – The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source.
• Procurement,  Stakeholder Management:   – Ability to work with incomplete information and balance competing interests to create value for all                                                                                                    stakeholders
• Business Management, Customer Satisfaction/Client Management:    – Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent                                                                                                                           solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfill and                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      understand the real customers” needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer                                                                                                                            service strategy Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests Ability                                                                                                                          to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns
• Business Management, Risk Management:                          – Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks
• Business Management, Communication:                             – Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and                                                                                                         verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the                                                                                                         audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social                                                                                                              media and other appropriate channels

Required Skills and Experience 

Education:

• Secondary Education is required, OR University degree (bachelor’s degree) in Pharmacy or medical degree with relevant experience in PSM of health commodities will be given due consideration but not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years (with Secondary Education) or 3 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in the area of logistics and drug management/drug distribution.
• Knowledge, training and experience in the management of health products is required.
• Experience working with governmental organizations and large networks of health centers is desired.
• Experience with health products is an asset.
• Experience working with Global Fund programs is an asset.
• Dynamic and proactive personality, Willingness to work in a team, Strong interpersonal communication skills, Ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness to travel within the country Organized and able to coordinate multiple institutions/organization.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.