Consultant - Operations Support and Logistics (OSL), Logistics Officer

..

1. Purpose of the Consultancy

In the context of the WHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS), at the regional level, the incumbent will support the Emergency Operations (EMO) unit of the WHE of the Regional Office for the Western Pacific in the provision of a well-rounded logistics, operations support service that enables WHO to successfully implement rapid, fully functional emergency operations in response activities to emergencies and outbreaks in the Western Pacific Region.

2. Background

The Western Pacific remains the most prone region to natural disasters according to the World Risk report. Emergency operations take place in response to a range of natural hazards including flooding, earthquakes, droughts, cyclones, typhoons and more. The Region is also prone to disease outbreaks including cholera, dengue, leptospirosis, measles, ILI and others. The EMO unit provide technical support to affected member states in standing up their response operations and is there to ensure resources are available to prevent for, respond to and recover from infectious diseases and natural hazards.

The Regional Office for the Western Pacific has been working with country offices in preparedness and response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On 30 January, WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). On 11 March, WHO Director General characterized COVID-19 as a pandemic. This unprecedented situation demands a strengthening and increase in logistics capacity and support.

Reporting to the Regional Emergency Director, and under the leadership of the Programme Area Manager of the Emergency Operations unit, the incumbent is accountable for providing advisory support on logistics throughout the full cycle of the emergencies in the Western Pacific region.

3. Planned timelines

Start date: 15 November 2022 End date: 14 October 2023

This consultancy is required for a period of eleven months. As this is across the current biennium and financial cycle, a separate PO will be issued accordingly.

4. Summary of Assigned Duties

During deployment, the duty station may change, and duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the Programme. Under the overall supervision of the Regional Emergency Director, and under the leadership of the Programme Area Manager of the Emergency Operations unit, the consultant will:

Output 1: Provide technically sounds logistics support to EMO operations for the timely response to Public health emergencies including COVID-19 pandemic to WPR member States;

Deliverable 1.1: Ensure systems are in place and preparatory work is done to rapidly provide support to Member States including timely and efficient prepositioning of critical supplies, customs clearance, transport solutions including the arrangements of special charter flights;

Deliverable 1.2: Plan an end to end, timely and efficient provision of quality and adequate equipment and consumables to support emergency response operation, aiming to avoid or reduce the supplies stockouts or shortages;

Deliverable 1.3: In line with Disaster Risk Reduction frameworks, work with Country Offices and Member States on preparedness activities and provide logistics support to better mitigate and respond to potential damage and loss from public health emergencies;

Deliverable 1.4: Liaise with partners including ASEF, JICS and Roche on potential dispatch of emergency supplies from respective stocks.

Output 2: Ensure continuity of regional stockpile activities, including procurement, replenishment, dispatch and monitoring of OSL supplies to Member States in the Region.

Deliverable 2.1: Support the team in process for Stockpile replenishment and support regional timely procurement activities to ensure no stockout of critical items and life saving supplies;

Deliverable 2.2: Monitor supplies consumption rates and ensure processes are in place to prevent stockouts;

Deliverable 2.3: Adapt existing or develop and implement inventory stock control management mechanisms and ensure accurate and updated stock reports in line with internal WHO tools and other stock management systems;

Output 3: Provide support on EMO response activities in case of public health emergencies and disease outbreaks will occur.

Deliverable 3.1: Be available for urgent emergency deployment to potential PHEICs and acute public health events;

Deliverable 3.2: Act as EMO technical team lead when appropriate;

Deliverable 3.3: Perform emergency related incident-specific duties, as required by the functional supervisor.

Output 4: Provide support to EMO response activities and Regional operations protocols and procedures.

Deliverable 4.1: Advice on best practice on logistics protocols including supplies forecasting including setting minimum and maximum stock levels based on leadtime and consumption rates;

Deliverable 4.2: Support in setting up warning systems to ensure operational continuity and appropriate time to conduct timely replenishment;

Deliverable 4.3: Where necessary support the development and implementation of logistics training materials for priority Member States;

Deliverable 4.4: Assessment of OSL supplies needed in responses to public health emergencies and provide advice to EMO technical team lead accordingly.

Other Deliverable/s

• Progress report (monthly); and
• Technical report at the end of missions

=

5. Specific Requirements

Qualifications required:

Essential: First level university degree or equivalent in business management, procurement, law, logistics, transport or related field;

As per guidelines on standard minimum experience or exposure and educational requirements for international and national professional positions dated 01 November 2020 for some critical temporary positions in the emergency such as Logistician, field experience can be considered more relevant and replaces the qualifications required for this consultancy.

Desirable: Postgraduate degree in management/business management or related field.

Experience required:

Essential: At least five years' related experience, at the national and international levels, in managing emergency procurement and logistics operations and supply operations in international organizations/institutions.

Desirable:

• Prior working experience with WHO, UN agencies, health clusters partners, recognized humanitarian organizations or with an international nongovernmental organization.
• Experience or knowledge of import/export and customs administration.
• Experience and knowledge in team management and conducting training workshops

Skills / Technical skills and knowledge:

• Proficient in standard office software applications.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Ability to be flexible and respond to change.
• Good Presentation skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge logistics management in emergency context, with proven ability to identify and solve technical problems in difficult circumstances.

Language Requirements:

• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Knowledge of another UN language would be an asset.

6. Competencies

• Fostering Integration and team work
• Communication in a credible and effective way
• Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond
• Moving forward in a changing environment
• Ensuring the effective use of resources

-

7. Place of Assignment

Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO). (During deployment, the duty station may change, and duties may be modified, based upon the technical needs of the emergency event).

-

8. Medical Clearance

The selected Consultant will be expected to provide a medical certificate of fitness for work.

-

9. Travel

Depending on the situation, travel to countries in the Region may be arranged as necessary.

All travel arrangements will be made by WHO – WHO will not be responsible for tickets purchased by the Consultant without the express, prior authorization of WHO. While on mission under the terms of this consultancy, the Consultant will receive subsistence allowance. Visas requirements: it is the consultant’s responsibility to fulfil visa requirements and ask for visa support letter(s) if needed.

Additional Information

• This vacancy notice may be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level.
• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test may be used as a form of screening.
• For information on WHO's operations please visit: http://www.who.int.
• WHO is committed to workforce diversity.
• WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.
• Applications from women and from nationals of non and underrepresented Member States are particularly encouraged.
• WHO prides itself on a workforce that adheres to the highest ethical and professional standards and that is committed to put the WHO Values Charter into practice.
• WHO has zero tolerance towards sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct (i.e., discrimination, abuse of authority and harassment). All members of the WHO workforce have a role to play in promoting a safe and respectful workplace and should report to WHO any actual or suspected cases of SEA, sexual harassment and other types of abusive conduct. To ensure that individuals with a substantiated history of SEA, sexual harassment or other types of abusive conduct are not hired by the Organization, WHO will conduct a background verification of final candidates.
• Consultants shall perform the work as independent contractors in a personal capacity, and not as a representative of any entity or authority. The execution of the work under a consultant contract does not create an employer/employee relationship between WHO and the Consultant.
• WHO shall have no responsibility whatsoever for any taxes, duties, social security contributions or other contributions payable by the Consultant. The Consultant shall be solely responsible for withholding and paying any taxes, duties, social security contributions and any other contributions which are applicable to the Consultant in in each location/jurisdiction in which the work hereunder is performed, and the Consultant shall not be entitled to any reimbursement thereof by WHO.
• The purpose of this vacancy is to develop a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in this advertised roster. All applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) upon conclusion of the selection process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently may be selected for consultancy assignments falling in this area of work or for similar requirements/tasks/deliverables. Inclusion in the Roster does not guarantee selection to a consultant contract. There is no commitment on either side.