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Visit www.unicef.org to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, support

The Cold Chain Officer reports to the Immunisation Specialist for guidance and general supervision; and is accountable for professional technical contributions to project design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and administration of immunisation Supply Chain Logistics (iSCL), specifically Cold Chain and Vaccine Management (CCVM) management activities, rehabilitation of PNG cold chain systems, redesign of vaccine supply chain, establishment of a robust cold chain maintenance system, including data analysis, programme planning, programme delivery, progress reporting, and commitment for strengthening of cold chain systems coverage, as well as enhancement of teamwork and capacity building, in support of achievement of planned objectives of the immunisation work plan, aligned with country programme goals, objectives and strategy.

How can you make a difference?

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Evidence-based planning, designing, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of immunisation Supply Chain and Logistics (iSCL)/Cold Chain & Vaccine Management (CCVM).

• Ensures the availability of accurate, complete and up-to-date information on CCE/iSCL required for effective Immunization programme and project design, implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation. Drafts sound project budgets on iSCL/CCE for review by the supervisor, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness of data and coding. Drafts updated project status reports.
• Assembles and provides updated data and information on national cold chain logistics and vaccine management systems for effective immunisation programme and on financial/administrative status for monitoring, analysis and reporting.
• Analyses of the programme status and recommends appropriate adjustments as necessary. Analyses collected data and information and prepares progress reports; drafts changes in Immunization project work plans with identification of required supplies and equipment.

Results-based programing on iSCL/CCL&VM towards increase vaccination coverage through effective implementation follow-on of Gavi supported Cold Chain Equipment rehabilitation.

• Enhances project efficiency and effectiveness through implementation follow-on, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, local conditions and resources, flow of supply and non-supply assistance and CCEOP and HSS project status.
• Undertakes field visits to districts and sub-districts for monitoring and supervision of project activities and to improve immunization coverage. Supervises and monitors the implementation of national cold chain rehabilitation and expansion plan; the national cold chain operational deployment plan (ODP) for effective implementation of Gavi CCEOP and HSS; and cold chain management plan for routine and supplementary immunisation activities including outbreak responses. Prepares reports on the results of the field visits and progress of iSCL and CCL&VM implementation effectiveness.
• Providing technical assistance in the processes of forecasting, procuring vaccines and all equipment necessary to the safe administration of vaccines. Monitoring arrival and plan storage of cold chain equipment, vaccines and supplies for EPI. Providing vaccines arrival reports (VAR).

Technical, financial and supply documentation on iSCL/CCVM.

• Monitors flow of supply and non-supply assistance to local authorities. Records supply and non-supply inventory and quarterly update on cold chain equipment, distribution and utilization.
• Ensures the appropriateness of financial, administrative and supply documentation; verifies that iSCL project expenditures are within allotments and that data is consistent with the project information and database (e.g., FLS, ProMS). Follows up on queries or initiate corrective action on discrepancies.

Training and capacity development of UNICEF Country Office, Government and other implementing partner on immunization Supply Chain Logistics (iSCL) systems

• Supports a staff training/development programme to upgrade the capacity of the Country Office and counterpart staff in the programme development, implementation and management of the iSCL management.
• Conducts relevant orientation, workshop, team work facilitation and staff learning/development activities: ensures that cold chain and logistics management teams (acceleration) are properly trained on the various aspect of EPI;
• Uses the appropriate training guidelines; participates in the Mid-level management training of vaccinators, cold chain managers, mid-level managers; participates in training activities and micro-planning workshops; participates in the training of district field assistants for community sensitization and awareness seminars.
• Train staff on the installation, commission, repair and maintenance of cold chain equipment as per the standards of Gavi Cold Chain Equipment Optimisation Platform (CCEOP).

 Knowledge Management on iSCL

• Compiles iSCL/CCL&VM section of Immunization project implementation training and orientation materials, and shares useful and appropriate information to promote knowledge sharing with donors and media.

Communication, networking and collaboration with internal and external partners.

• Ensures effective communication, networking and working relationships.
• Collaborates with Operations staff to implement internal controls systems and resolve day-to-day issues or discrepancies in financial or supply management.
• Teams with local government counterparts to exchange detail information on iSCL/CCL&VM project implementation and status as well as movement and distribution of supplies. Provides technical support in the planning of district EPI micro-plan. Recommends courses of action to supervisor, as necessary.

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

Minimum requirements:

Education: University degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, Medicine, Health, Public Health, Nursing, International Development, or a field relevant to technical assistance in immunization Supply Chain and Logistics (iSCL)

Work Experience: A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in immunisation supply chain, cold chain, logistics planning and management at the international level some of which preferably in a developing country is required. Relevant experience in immunisation program/project development and management in any UN system agency or organization is an asset.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

Desirables: Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.