Purpose of the Job

Under the general guidance of the Technical Specialist, the incumbent will:

• Act as material owner for a portfolio of Assistive Technology products in resource limited settings and emergency response, and support the unit in sustainability related activities.
• Apply specialized product knowledge, and in collaboration with counterparts in field offices and Programme Division, establish technical specifications, standards, and guidelines for procurement of Assistive Technology products requisitioned by UNICEF programmes and specialized UN agencies, governments, and non-governmental organizations on a procurement services basis

• Support UNICEF’s strategies to strengthen country capacity in the area of supply of Assistive Technology products, emergency response, and fostering innovation.
• Provide support to all technical team members through conducting activities which will lead to the selection of more sustainable products by the Medical Devices Unit.

How can you make a difference?

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Related to the Assistive Technology product portfolio:

• In collaboration with UNICEF Programme Division, Regional Advisers, WHO and other key partners, contributes to the formulation of policy guidelines in the area Assistive Technologies.
• Reviews, develops, and maintains technical supply specifications and requirements to ensure completeness and appropriateness of a portfolio of Assistive Technology products included in both the UNICEF database and catalogue.
• Technical adjudication of procurement tenders for Assistive Technology products.
• Advises programmes and partners on technical matters relating to Assistive Technology. Reviews programmatic needs and clarifies inadequate specifications, proposing substitute or alternative items, as necessary.

• Manages a portfolio of UNICEF’s Assistive Technology products. Conducts market research, horizon-scanning for innovations, provides analysis, background information, recommendations for improving the suitability and range of Assistive Technology products, with special emphasis on suitability of commodities for use in emergency settings, resulting in more appropriate equipment, better delivery, and lower costs.
• Ensures all Assistive Technology products supplied through SD conforms applicable regulatory requirements in accordance with UNICEF’s technical provisions on medical devices.
• Supports Procurement Services Centre in preparing cost estimates for special projects on Assistive Technology products and related services through contributions of technical knowledge of products, quality standards and performance of technologies in the field.
• Supports UNICEF country offices and government partners by assisting in needs assessments in programs or projects aimed at improving access to Assistive Technology.
• Contributes to technical capacity building in UNICEF Offices and implementing partners to ensure access to Assistive Technology.

Related to supporting technical staff members with sustainability aspects:

• Acts as the technical focal point for sustainability related aspects of medical devices and Personal Protective Equipment with the support of the technical specialist team members.
• Contributes to the development of roadmaps to increase sustainability within the Medical Devices Unit regarding the product portfolio, processes, and services.
• Engages with suppliers and manufacturers to advise on ways to improve sustainability within their product offerings and manufacturing processes.
• Advises programmes and partners in sustainable aspects of medical devices.

• Participates in interagency and partner meetings related to sustainability in medical devices and Personal Protective Equipment.
• Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor

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

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• A completed advanced university degree in nursing, pediatrics, clinical sciences, biomedical engineering, or relevant discipline and/or public health.
• A completed first University Degree (bachelor’s degree), in nursing, pediatrics, clinical sciences, biomedical engineering or relevant discipline and/or public health along with 4 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of progressive relevant professional experience.
• Experience in the procurement and application of medical devices and related applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Hands-on working experience in managing the technical aspects of a medical devices’ product portfolio.

• Preferably has experience with Assistive Technology products either in low-resourced settings or in clinical settings.
• Has preferably worked within the UN or a similar organization/NGO.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in at least one other UN language is recommended.