Strategic Office Context and Purpose for the Job

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens addressing inequity not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Strategic office context

Access to medicines is critical for the achievement of UNICEF mission. UNICEF Supply Division plays a key role in ensuring that safe, affordable and quality assured medicines are available through UNICEF supported programmes. To this effect UNICEF establishes appropriate strategies for the supply of medicines through its Supply Division warehouse and directly to countries, both for programmes and through Procurement Services.

How can you make a difference?

The purpose for the job 

Under the general guidance of Chief, Medicines & Nutrition Centre, responsible for planning, development and procurement strategies for supplies, including contract implementation and management, monitoring suppliers’ performance, worldwide market research and long- term procurement planning in order to achieve the most cost-effective means of procurement.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results.

1. Supervise and manage effective procurement, local and/or offshore, with a goal to provide rapid and relevant responses to evolving supply needs and situations facing children and families, including emergency situations. 

Responsible for leading a group of professionals and support staff.  Establishes work plans and priorities, monitor achievements and evaluates performance of staff.

Manages procurement of materials; including proposal of supply strategy and method of purchase; LTA’s, Regional Procurement, Direct Order, LPA etc.

Participates in the negotiation of MOUs, ensuring compliance of the request with division procedures and policy.

Reviews material specifications and requirements with the Technical Staff and QA Centre to ensure completeness and appropriateness.

2. Ensure sound, accurate supply/logistics management systems, procedures and documentation as well as regular, accurate reporting to maintain the highest level of integrity, standards and accountability. 

Conducts contracts management to ensure supplier compliance to LTA’s and purchase order terms and conditions.

Ensures all procurement activities are in compliance with the UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, SD Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures.

3. Ensure that effective support UNICEF and Government capacity-building efforts are provided in order to enhance efficient, effective and timely supply delivery

Provides advice/guidance to requisitioning CO/RO concerning contractual conditions and supplier appraisals for purchasing of products/services.

Undertakes capacity building or audit missions to field offices as requested.

4. Collaboration and Partnership 

In partnership with QA Centre, Technical staffs and Warehouse & Logistics Centre , evaluates suppliers with respect to delivery performance, product acceptability and commercial acceptability.

Performs as a liaison in communication with other centres regarding implementation of procurement cycle.

Participates in procurement workshops and business seminars organized by UNICEF and/or external partners, including presentation of data and representation of SD.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education:

Advanced University degree in business administration, engineering, commerce, law, pharmacy or relevant disciplines required. Strong commercial background with technical knowledge and procurement expertise of related commodities and supplies.

A First University degree (Bachelors) in the above-mentioned disciplines in conjunction with two additional years of experience in lieu of an advanced University degree may be accepted.

Experience:

Minimum eight years of progressively responsible professional experience including at least three at the international level.  Experience in commercial activities with the public or private sector in developing and industrialized countries.  Experience with worldwide procurement,  contract negotiations and administration, combined with broader economic knowledge.

Experience in procurement and management of medicines preferred.

Language Requirement:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.