JOB DESCRIPTION

General Information

Publication for

Partner

Partner Name

WHO World Health Organization

Position Title

Health Procurement Specialist

Job Category

Procurement

Duty Station(s)

Dhaka

Seniority Level

Mid Level

ICS Level

ICS 10

Contract Type

ICA – LICA – Specialist – Retainer

Contract Level

LICA 10

Posting Start Date

21-Nov-2025

Posting End Date

27-Nov-2025

Duration

3 months

Job Highlight

The effective and timely achievement of the key results will directly contribute to the quality, efficiency, and impact of the assigned services and deliverables. This, in turn, will strengthen the credibility and visibility of UNOPS in delivering results that align with national priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through consistent performance and stakeholder satisfaction, it will reinforce UNOPS’ reputation as a trusted and strategic partner of choice for sustainable development, infrastructure, and project services within the country and the wider region.

About the Region

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors – including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management – supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO) supports UNOPS operations across six countries: Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAMCO delivers a broad range of services and technical expertise in climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), infrastructure, procurement, human resource management, and fund management. Each country office is staffed with local technical experts and maintains strong partnerships with national governments, ensuring context-specific solutions and effective project implementation.

About the Project Office

Since 2003, UNOPS has partnered with the Government of Bangladesh and key development partners to advance national development priorities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNOPS supports a range of projects focused on capacity development and infrastructure, leveraging its expertise in procurement, human resource management, finance, and project management to deliver efficient, sustainable solutions.

Job Specific Context

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) is implementing a range of reform measures to strengthen the resilience, efficiency, and equity of the health system in line with the recommendations of the Health Reform Commission (2025). These reforms aim to align Bangladesh”s health system with the principles of equity, participation, and accountability ensuring that health is realized as both a constitutional right and a public good. In this regard, the Ministry has prepared a comprehensive proposal titled “Health Sector Transformation in Bangladesh”, outlining the strategic priorities, implementation modalities, and expected outcomes of the reform agenda. The proposal emphasizes eight key strategi areas including governance and institutional reform, primary healthcare restructuring, workforce planning, financial sustainability, digital transformation, medicine regulation, documentation of transition strategies, and stakeholder communication.

The Ministry seeks the technical and strategic partnership of the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the implementation of these reform initiatives. WHO will provide technical assistance, policy advice, and coordination support to ensure that the reform measures are effectively implemented and aligned with global best practices in health system strengthening.

Role Purpose

The assignment aims to develop a comprehensive Procurement Policy and Guideline, complemented by a digital, user-friendly planning template for district and upazila health authorities. The initiative will standardize procurement planning, enable fast-track approvals for urgent needs, enhance efficiency and transparency, and strengthen local capacity for timely procurement of medicines, medical supplies, equipment, and minor infrastructure.

Objectives of the Assignment

• Review the existing Rules of Business, organizational setup, and workflow to identify duplication, bottlenecks, and accountability gaps.
• Develop a Procurement Policy and Guideline for district and upazila authorities aligned with national laws (PPA/PPR) and MoHFW frameworks.
• Develop a Fast-Track Procurement mechanism for urgent needs.
• Outline a digital procurement template for planning, approval tracking, and reporting.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The consultant will undertake the following tasks:

• Conduct desk review of existing policies, CMSD guidelines, and procurement workflows.
• Identify bottlenecks causing delays and inefficiencies in procurement
• Develop a District and Upazila Procurement Policy and Guideline, including standard procedures, roles, timelines, and fast-track provisions.
• Develop a digital procurement template, compatible with government PPR systems or Excel-based offline use.
• Develop a monitoring and accountability framework to track efficiency, compliance, and timeliness of procurement.

Expected Deliverables:

Sl. No.

Activities

Deliverables

Timeline

1

Procurement System Review and Data Collection – Conduct desk review and stakeholder interviews to assess existing procurement workflows, approval processes, and coordination mechanisms within MoHFW and related entities.

Gap Analysis Report – Comprehensive report highlighting procurement delays, institutional capacity gaps, process redundancies, and workflow bottlenecks.

Day 1–10

2

Development of Draft Procurement Policy and Guideline –

Design updated procurement policy framework, integrating fast-track procedures, compliance requirements, and transparency mechanisms in line with PPR and donor standards.

Draft Procurement Policy and Guideline –

Draft document detailing revised procurement procedures, approval thresholds, and operational tools for efficiency improvement.

Day 11–18

3

Validation and Finalization –

Conduct a technical consultation with key stakeholders to validate the draft policy and finalize revisions. Submit the endorsed version for approval and dissemination.

Final Submission Package –

Validated and formatted Procurement Policy and Guideline incorporating feedback and implementation roadmap.

Day 19–20

Skills

Analytical Skills, Organizational Design, Organizational Development, Procurement, Report Writing

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Social science /Public Administration, Health Systems Management, Organizational Development, or Supply Chain Management or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 5 years of relevant experience is required

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is work in institutional reform, public sector organizational restructuring, supply chain system strengthening or related areas.
• Proven track record in reviewing or designing organograms, business process reengineering, and change management.
• Familiarity with public procurement systems (PPR).
• Excellent analytical, writing, and facilitation skills.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredBengaliFluentRequired

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.