The Product Innovation Centre (PIC) within Supply Division (SD) works closely with internal and external partners to drive R&D and scale of new innovative products to improve the lives of children. This is done by identifying needs not appropriately met by products currently available and then scanning the market to see if there are products that can meet this need. If yes, we procure and scale the products, if no, we drive R&D utilizing develops product profiles to specify the performance a product has to deliver and incentivize R&D, using our procurement and implementation power. In addition, PIC is mandated to push the envelope of the organization in terms of coming up with new innovative concepts to influence R&D of products beyond UNICEF’s procurement, evolve the global thinking around product innovation for development/humanitarian contexts as well as to develop new ways of driving scale of products. Key to these ambitions is an aim to ensure most impact for disadvantages children for the resources available, always pushing for value for money of products.
The Product Innovation Centre operates within public procurement practices to drive research and development (R&D), validation and implementation of new products to address programmatic and/or emergency needs. In instances where there are no products in a procurable form on the market, a Product Innovation Project (PIP) is initiated with the ultimate goal of enabling procurement of fit-for-purpose and value-for-money supplies across all UNICEF program areas.
Key Tasks:
Under the supervision of the Disability & Innovation Specialist, Product Innovation Centre, and working closely with the Health Technology Centre at UNICEF, the objective of this consultancy is to provide technical support throughout the tendering process for a full range of Vision products - from the creation, review and finalization of tender specifications up until Direct Order Long Term Arrangements (DO LTAs) are in place for these products
Deliverables:
The consultant will be responsible for ensuring the following deliverables are achieved:
The consultant should consider that there will likely be required 2 visits (up to 10 business days) to Supply Division in Copenhagen
Per diem cost and ticket cost will be reimbursed for all approved trips related to the assignment, in line with UNICEF the travel rules. Financial quote should include estimated cost for these trips.
Pre-tender deliverables 45% :
Develop a list of priority products based on inputs from internal and external stakeholders.
Finalized tender specifications for a full range of full visions products (number of products to be decided) using WHO specs as inputs and ensuring children’s needs are catered for.
Draft the technical evaluation scoring table/criteria/framework for product evaluation.
Develop a list of invitees for tender.
Author technical materials developed in Power-point format for pre-tender industry consultation.
Lead the pre-tender technical consultation and develop technical document to transparently report on questions and answers from the meeting.
Finalized technical sheets for all products.
Develop transparent testing program for both sample evaluation and subsequent technical evaluation.
Share constant update on the progress of the project to the project team.
Deliverables during tender process and technical evaluation 45%:
Documentation of clarifications communicated with suppliers while tender is out.
Participate in sample evaluation.
Complete technical evaluation of tender bids.
Revised technical cards for database input as appropriate.
Technical materials developed for webinar on Direct Order Long Term Arrangements (DO LTAs) for the full range of Incontinence products.
Revisions to relevant sections of the Technical Guidance document related to procurement.
Other duties (10%):
Other duties as per needs identified by the supervisor.
Share update on the progress of the of the product to the relevant coordination committee.
Support with presentation and provide guidance when necessary.
This position will work either on-site or remotely.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
University Bachelors degree in data science, global health, marketing, research, innovation, social science or related field.
University degree in a health-related university degree, preferably in a vision related field including ophthalmology, optometry, orthoptic, engineering, biomedical engineering or related disciplines. Advanced degree (Masters) preferred.
Professional Experience and Knowledge:
Minimum five years of relevant, progressively responsible, professional experience is required.
Hands-on working experience with vision development, procurement or evaluation is required.
Experience with writing specifications and tender material is required.
Specialist technical knowledge of Incontinence products is required.
Knowledge and experience of UN procurement processes is a strong asset.
Experience with and knowledge of differing target groups is a strong asset.
Further, the following areas are an asset and will be factored into the evaluation of applicants:
High level of technical writing expertise
High level of analytical skills and attention to detail
Understanding of assistive technology and its target groups in low resource settings
Knowledge of regulations and standards in assistive technology industry (ISO, etc.)
Knowledge of MS Office Suite, especially Excel
Knowledge of the environment in which UNICEF operates (i.e., global health sector)
Language Requirements:
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
