Cold Chain Specialist, P-3, 364 days, Thimphu, Bhutan

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 114,213 USD and 149,553 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, Health

Bhutan has sustained high immunization coverage for the last several years contributing to the reduction of infant and under-five mortality rates. Quality immunization services must be ensured to provide potent vaccines to the beneficiaries. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bhutan has achieved coverage of 98% of C19 and 95% of RI vaccination. The cold chain system is the backbone of the immunization programme as vaccines must be transported and stored at the recommended temperature till they reach the beneficiaries. This demands that cold chain equipment always remain functional, that trained human resources and procedures are in place, and ensure uninterrupted vaccine stock availability for all planned immunization sessions. Immunization policy also requires that all vaccines be stored in WHO-prequalified refrigerators. Bhutan’s comprehensive Multi-Year Plan for Immunization 2019-2023 outlines the following six objectives- increase immunization coverage, improve programme quality, improve VPD surveillance, maintain demand for immunization, increase financial sustainability for immunization, and improve immunization data quality and management. At the same time, there is a need for oxygen availability at all levels of the health system during routine as well as during any pandemic outbreak.

In 2022, a comprehensive assessment was organized to find the major gaps and good practices followed in the country. Based on the findings from the comprehensive assessment report, it is recommended to procure and maintain the oxygen system at all levels, and capacity building of O2 health and maintenance staff.

How can you make a difference?

The Cold Chain Specialist will develop an online system for cold chain capacity (both vaccine and dry store), human resource capacity to manage the cold chain system and oxygen for C19 and RI vaccine effectively in the country, procure oxygen equipment, and provide maintenance vendors (MGPS) to six-seven hospitals based on the recommendations of O2 assessment report. In addition, the cold chain specialist will also support the implementation of the EVMA continuous improvement plan (cIP), training, and skill transfer on the vaccine, cold chain, and oxygen stock management system, to establish an online cold chain and oxygen equipment inventory management system, and to provide guidance on future cold chain and oxygen equipment requirements in the context of newer vaccine introduction and oxygen requirements in case of a pandemic; status of existing cold chain equipment; update the status of cold chain inventory across the country; capacity of cold chain related staff in terms of vaccine and cold chain management, online stock management of oxygen, vaccines, and logistics, and temperature monitoring; information on dry storage space requirements at various levels and update the status of spare parts availability and requirement of oxygen and cold chain.

A. Collaborate with implementing partners and relevant UN agencies to accelerate the implementation of the Harmonized Business practices for supply and logistic initiatives in line with Reform/coherence.

• Provide rapid and relevant responses to evolving supply needs and situations facing children and families, including emergencies, with a priority on achieving value for money.
• Responsible for immunization supply chain/logistics planning through coordination with the Operations/program section. Provides technical advice on specifications, supply, and logistics arrangements facilitating cost-effective efficient procurement, customs clearance, inventory management, and distribution of supplies and equipment, in support of the country’s immunization program implementation.
• Participate in the Country Programme strategy planning preview and reviews to advise on immunization supply chain /logistics requirements for the Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans. Develop supply/logistics component of the Country Programme, including systems for storage and distribution of immunization supplies to all project sites.
• Ensure sound, accurate immunization supply chain /logistics management systems, procedures, and documentation as well as regular, accurate reporting to maintain the highest level of integrity, standards, and accountability.
• Establish and maintain contacts with the Supply Division in Copenhagen on supply procurement and shipping policies for prequalified supplies. Interprets and advises the country office on policies and procedures impacting offshore and local procurement and delivery. Maintains links with Copenhagen on transnational shipments, deliveries, claims, and appropriateness of supplies.
• In collaboration with the supply and logistics section, establish and maintain a system of contact with customs and port/airport immigration authorities at national ports of entry on the clearance of immunization supplies, in keeping with established protocol. Conclude standby agreements with relevant private business companies for cost-effective local procurement of supplies as well as for fielding supply assistance to projects sites/End users.
• Oversee the overall preparation of appropriate documentation: cash and supply requisitions, purchase orders, long term arrangements.
• Ensure preparation of the supply status reports required for donor reports, budget reviews, program analysis, annual reports, appeals, etc.
• Regularly create and communicate accurate inventory tracking, inventory aging equipment, and incoming supplies information.
• Ensure that effective support for UNICEF and Government capacity-building efforts are provided to enhance efficient, effective, and timely supply delivery,
• Plan, design and conduct training for UNICEF's staff/consultants and counterparts in immunization supply chain management with emphasis on effective vaccine management and support training activities at county and district levels for both Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) and routine EPI by using appropriate training guidelines participates in the Mid-level management training of vaccinators, cold chain managers, and mid-level managers on immunization in practice.

B. Results-based programming on effective ISCM toward increased Immunization coverage

• Undertakes field visits to the districts, including EPI stores and health facilities for monitoring and supervision of project activities and provides hands-on training to staff for improved immunization coverage.
• Supervise and monitor the implementation of the national cold chain rehabilitation and expansion plan, and cold chain management plan for routine and supplementary immunization activities including outbreak responses.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance in the forecasting and procuring of vaccines and all devices required for the national EPI program.
• Monitor the arrival and storage of cold chain equipment, vaccines, and supplies for EPI and ensure that reports such as vaccines arrival reports (VARs) are sent to UNICEF Supply Division timely.
• Provide technical assistance to national EPI to conduct Effective Vaccine Management Assessments (EVMA), continuous Improvement Plans (cIP), and other assessments related to Immunization Supply Chains Management (ISCM) and develop improvement plans for improved ISCM practices.

C. Coordination and Partnerships

• Coordinate with the Programme Section on supply planning, providing technical advice on procurement specifications and supply administration as well as providing advice on immunization supply requirements in the development of the supply component of the Country Programme.
• Provide advice to the Country Office, Government, and implementing partners on offshore and/or local procurement policies and procedures, delivery and utilization of UNICEF immunization supplies and equipment; coordinate with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, on supply policy and/or activities.
• Team with the Programme Section and other members of the Operations Section to facilitate procurement as well as efficient customs clearance, storage, and distribution of supplies and equipment.
• Develop and maintain partnership and collaborative relations with UNICEF, Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts in immunization supplies and logistics activities including distribution, monitoring supply inputs, and inventory.
• Coordinate the immunization program of slow-moving inventory, upcoming field distributions or deliveries, incoming materials, and quality issues to ensure maximum use of available transportation, warehousing space, manpower, and other resources

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

• Advanced university degree in Public Health/ Logistics management/ Business management/ Engineering/ Environment or related field with a focus on EPI and/or Cold Chain and Oxygen Supply Management. Equivalent educational qualification in relevant areas (transport or logistics operations/management, supply management, etc.).
• Five years of working experience in the field of immunization supply chain, vaccine, and cold chain management.
• Experience working in international/UN organizations; and Asian countries, especially in the country will be an added advantage.
• Technical knowledge and experience of Oxygen plants, and MGPS.
• Experience in developing inventories of cold chain equipment and MIS and suggesting long-term plans, and developing SOP/ training guidelines on immunization cold chain supply management.
• Experience in logistics operations with a focus on emergency supply management and related fields.
• Previous work in emergency settings and humanitarian contexts is highly desirable.
• Strong facilitation skills, with prior training experience in EPI cold chain and logistics management.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.

Remarks:

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to delivering the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable Women candidates are encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. The selected candidate should be ready to work in high-altitude environments and travel in hard-to-reach geographical terrain.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for International Professional positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.