UNICEF Supply Division focuses on procurement and supply activities for timely and effective service delivery, including for emergencies, programmes and procurement services partners, creating healthy markets and sustainable national supply chain systems, and providing supply financing solutions.
The position is within the Malaria Prevention & Diagnostics Unit (MPD) in Health Technology Centre (HTC) in UNICEF Supply Division. HTC supports UNICEF country programmes and procurement services partners through applied technical, contractual and operational expertise for procurement and supply of in vitro diagnostics, clinical laboratory supplies, mosquito nets, medical devices, oxygen equipment, and other essential health commodities.
How can you make a difference?
Working under general guidance of the Contracts Manager MPD, the incumbent will provide technical direction to work for supply of in vitro diagnostics, clinical laboratory supplies, including engagements for novel, innovative and niche products, needed in integrated health care programmes implemented or supported by UNICEF.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Applies significant specialized knowledge of commodities, implementation context, industry trends and development needs, to define, refine and maintain UNICEF's portfolio of in vitro diagnostics and clinical laboratory supplies. Provides guidance and support on material ownership, technical screening and evaluation.
Articulates, communicates and enforces UNICEF's technical perspective on in vitro diagnostics and clinical laboratory supply as part of integrated health care and with the view of organizational mandate, vision and priorities.
Creates awareness and understanding of the need for adequate quality standards, best laboratory practice and do-no-harm policies. Ensures that policy guidelines and regulatory requirements are appropriately and consistently applied to UNICEF procurement of in vitro diagnostics and clinical laboratory supplies.
Represents and positions UNICEF in technical fora and groups for in vitro diagnostics and laboratory system strengthening; manages such engagements; serves as liaison between internal stakeholders and external technical groups; keeps internal stakeholders well informed; uses intelligence on collaborative technical efforts to inform UNICEF's decisions and strategies, address gaps and build capacity.
Provides advice and guidance on latest technical developments in the area of in vitro diagnostics and clinical laboratory supplies. Collaborates with Programme Group and/or other UN agencies in promotion and improvements in use, availability and appropriateness of in vitro diagnostics.
Develops/co-develops target product profiles, technical specifications, standards and guidelines for in vitro diagnostics and clinical laboratory supplies needed in integrated health care programmes requisitioned by UNICEF programmes and specialized UN agencies, governments and non-governmental organizations.
Conducts market research, provides analysis, background information, recommendations for improving the suitability and range of products within the specialized area, resulting in more appropriate products, better delivery and lower costs. Contributes to development of procurement strategies and approaches for in vitro diagnostics and clinical laboratory supplies.
Supports introduction and scaling up new and/or innovative in vitro diagnostics in programmes. Monitors, evaluates and reviews how the new products fit for purpose. Creates and executes development plans and revises as appropriate to meet changing needs and requirements. Works closely with SD centers, programmes and partners, providing technical input for special/specialized project planning, design, work plan and technical coordination.
Ensures quality and timely technical inputs needed to assist country offices and partners, also for sourcing and procurement of in vitro diagnostics and clinical laboratory supplies, including solicitations and direct engagements according to the HTC LTA calendar.
Articulates, communicates and enforces UNICEF's technical perspective on in vitro diagnostics and clinical laboratory supply as part of integrated health care and with the view of organizational mandate, vision and priorities. Furnishes strategic technical communication such as technical bulletins, product notes, market landscape reports, webinars, etc., related to the in vitro diagnostics and clinical laboratory supply portfolio.
Leads the technical team, supervises professional and support technical staff, establishes work plans and priorities, monitors achievements and evaluates performance.
Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.
Impact of Results:
The outputs generated by this post will ultimately contribute to UNICEF's commitment to (a) improved delivery for national testing programmes through sustainable and innovative products and practices; (b) influencing and shaping markets to meet current and future needs of children, focusing on the availability, affordability, quality and appropriateness of quality-assured, fit-for-purpose, affordable in vitro diagnostics; (c) enhanced UNICEF staff capacity for better outcomes for children.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education:
Advanced university degree in laboratory science, microbiology, or another relevant science discipline. Studies in innovation, public health, project management will be an asset.
Specialist knowledge of in vitro diagnostics required.
Experience:
Minimum eight years of progressively responsible professional experience, including at least three at the international level, in a technical field of laboratory service, public health services and/or programming and/or other technical areas in relation to procurement of in vitro diagnostics.
Demonstrated significant specialized knowledge of in vitro diagnostics and applicable quality standards. Knowledge of products, markets, and trends.
Record of publications and/or other communication delivery in the related field.
Knowledge of public procurement is an asset.
Proven record of successful supervisory experience.
Language requirements:
Fluency in English required.
Knowledge of French, and/or another UN language is an asset.
