UNICEF, the world’s leading organization working for the rights of children, seeks a Contracts Specialist for a temporary position for 12 months.
BACKGROUND: UNICEF Supply Division is re-defining and broadening its role in procurement on behalf of Middle Income Countries to support new vaccine introduction in support of UNICEF’s focus on equity. It has been identified that Middle Income Countries are lagging behind in new vaccine introduction due to multiple reasons, including access to affordable vaccines. It is expected that through strengthening and systematizing its support to these countries – through pooled, multi-year procurement, technical assistance and targeted engagement with industry – that UNICEF will be able to access more affordable and sustainable vaccine supplies for these countries.
The role of the Contracts Specialist – Middle Income Countries, under the guidance of the Centre Chief and working closely with other units in the Vaccine Centre and with the Director’s Office, will include developing of procurement documents and forecasts, conducting procurement processes, coordinating with countries through UNICEF Country and Regional Offices, and engagement with partners, such as WHO HQ and EMRO.
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Ensures all procurement activities are in compliance with the UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, Supply Division Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures.
Education: Advanced University degree in business administration, commerce, pharmaceuticals or law or technical field required.
Work Experience: Minimum five year 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, at least three years at the international level. Experience in procurement of vaccine/biological materials would be an asset. Experience in commercial activities with the public or private sector in developing and industrialized countries.
Competencies: • Knowledge of worldwide procurement, contract negotiations and administration. • Experience in business analysis (eg., Product or Marketing management). • Good analytical skill and negotiating skills. • Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations. • Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form. • Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of financial and material resources. • Ability to establish harmonious work-relationships with colleagues in an international and multicultural environment. • Ability to supervise and direct a team of support staff. • Good knowledge of computer applications.
Languages: Fluency in English and proficiency in other UN language is preferred.
BACKGROUND: UNICEF Supply Division is re-defining and broadening its role in procurement on behalf of Middle Income Countries to support new vaccine introduction in support of UNICEF’s focus on equity. It has been identified that Middle Income Countries are lagging behind in new vaccine introduction due to multiple reasons, including access to affordable vaccines. It is expected that through strengthening and systematizing its support to these countries – through pooled, multi-year procurement, technical assistance and targeted engagement with industry – that UNICEF will be able to access more affordable and sustainable vaccine supplies for these countries.
The role of the Contracts Specialist – Middle Income Countries, under the guidance of the Centre Chief and working closely with other units in the Vaccine Centre and with the Director’s Office, will include developing of procurement documents and forecasts, conducting procurement processes, coordinating with countries through UNICEF Country and Regional Offices, and engagement with partners, such as WHO HQ and EMRO.
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Ensures all procurement activities are in compliance with the UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, Supply Division Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures.
- Works closely with programmes and partners on issues of long term forecasting of quantities and planning of funding.
- Ensures adequate and coordinated planning of procurement and demand of vaccines, including during introduction phases, peaks and campaign seasons as applicable.
- Support Country programs, Program Division and Regional Offices in Vaccine Security, forecasting and the procurement of Immunization supplies through preparation or participation in workshops, field visits and partnership meetings.
- Performs market intelligence gathering and conducts written analyses in order to establish perspectives of future market conditions, potential funding and forecasting needs
- In coordination with other units in VC, issues international tender invitations to acceptable suppliers, evaluates quotations, clarifies offers, and negotiates with suppliers as appropriate. Makes recommendations for finalization of purchases, adjudicates offers in consultation with WHO, and internally Technical and Quality Assurance (QA) centres. Prepares and defends submissions to CRC (Contracts Review Committee).
- Conducts and facilitate contracts management to ensure supplier compliance to Long Term Agreements and purchase order terms and conditions.
- Reviews material specifications and requirements with appropriate Technical counterpart to ensure completeness and appropriateness.
- In partnership with WHO and internal Technical and QA centres, evaluates suppliers with respect to delivery performance, product acceptability, and commercial acceptability.
Education: Advanced University degree in business administration, commerce, pharmaceuticals or law or technical field required.
Work Experience: Minimum five year 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, at least three years at the international level. Experience in procurement of vaccine/biological materials would be an asset. Experience in commercial activities with the public or private sector in developing and industrialized countries.
Competencies: • Knowledge of worldwide procurement, contract negotiations and administration. • Experience in business analysis (eg., Product or Marketing management). • Good analytical skill and negotiating skills. • Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations. • Ability to clearly and concisely express ideas and concepts in written and oral form. • Ability to manage and monitor the effective use of financial and material resources. • Ability to establish harmonious work-relationships with colleagues in an international and multicultural environment. • Ability to supervise and direct a team of support staff. • Good knowledge of computer applications.
Languages: Fluency in English and proficiency in other UN language is preferred.
How to apply:
Remuneration: Please send detailed resume, cover letter and completed United Nations Personal History Form, in English, quoting “Contracts Specialist, TA” to dangsrecruit@unicef.org . Queries can be directed to Lilia Winkel-Petersen, at: lwinkel@unicef.org . The UN Personal History form can be found at the following web address.
Please note that candidates will be assessed on foundational and functional competencies and that diversity and gender balance are also factors in the selection process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Visit us
Applications for this position must be received by 9 January 2012.
Please note that candidates will be assessed on foundational and functional competencies and that diversity and gender balance are also factors in the selection process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Visit us
loading...
