Job Summary: 

Under the general guidance of the Senior Manager, the incumbent is expected to develop and execute procurement strategies, including proposing method of purchase in support of ensuring an uninterrupted, sustainable supply of affordable, vaccines of assured quality. The incumbent is expected to contribute to development of programs for Ebola, mpox, and Dengue in support of country requirements in collaboration with partners, including stockpiling as applicable. Other vaccine candidates are expected to become available for use over the coming years, and the candidate will be supporting the team and engage early with relevant manufacturers and partners in products of relevance to UNICEF’s mandate and roles and responsibilities such as for example Sudan Ebola, Marburg, and Chikungunya. The incumbent conducts and contributes to market analyses and world wide market research and long ranging forecasting in order to achieve the most appropriate supply solution, manages funding requests, and reporting as required. The post will further support normative work of the Vaccine Center including regulatory aspects and procurement and contracting based on qualifications.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: JD_Contracts Specialist_P3_FT_VC Nov 2024.docx

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Ensures all procurement activities are in compliance with the UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, SD Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures.
2. Conducts contracts management to ensure supplier compliance to LTA’s and purchase order terms and conditions.
3. Issues international tender invitations to acceptable suppliers, evaluates quotations, clarifies offers, and negotiates with suppliers as appropriate.
4. Makes recommendations for finalization of purchases, adjudicates offers in consultation with WHO, and internally Technical and QA centres. Prepares and defends submissions to CRC.
5. Works closely with countries, programmes and partners on project design, work plan and procurement coordination, issues long term forecasting of quantities and planning of funding.
6. Ensures adequate and coordinated planning of procurement and demand of the commodities, including during introduction phases, peaks and campaign seasons as applicable.
7. Performs market intelligence gathering and conducts written analysis in order to establish perspectives of future market conditions, potential funding and forecasting needs.
8. Reviews material specifications and requirements with appropriate technical counterpart to ensure completeness and appropriateness of supply requests.
9. Support Country programs, Program Division and Regional Offices in the commodities strategies, the forecasting and the procurement of the center’s supplies through preparation or participation in workshops, field visits and partnership meetings.
10.  In partnership with WHO and internally Technical and QA centres, evaluates suppliers with respect to delivery performance, product acceptability, and commercial acceptability.
11.  Establishes work plans and priorities, monitors achievements and evaluates performance of support staff.
12. Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

Minimum requirements:

• Education:
• Advanced University degree in business administration, commerce or law or technical field required.

• Work Experience:Minimum five year of progressively responsible professional experience.Knowledge of worldwide procurement, contract negotiations and administration required.

  Experience in commercial activities with the public or private sector in developing and industrialized countries.

  Experience in vaccine procurement and or Health related commodities considered an asset.

  Experience with supply negotiations and working with funding and/or policy partners.

• Language Requirements:
• Fluency in English and proficiency in other UN language would be beneficial.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60