COVID-19 Vaccine Logistician UNV

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

UNICEF initiated co-operation with Nepal in 1964. UNICEF/Nepal's country programme seeks to advance the respect, protection, and fulfilment of the human rights of children and women in Nepal. UNICEF develops a country strategy to address the key priority issues based on the organization's mandate. Subsequently, the programme of cooperation is jointly drafted and signed with the Host Government with indicative resource allocations which are submitted for approval to the UNICEF Executive Board. Based on these plans, sectoral programmes and projects are developed for the whole cycle (usually five years) and are further dis-aggregated into Annual Work Plans. Programmes and projects are developed within the framework of the national development plans plan and implemented in close collaboration with the Host Government.

The major objective of hiring COVID-19 Vaccine Logistician UNV is to support Government of Nepal in implementing NATIONAL DEPLOYMENT AND VACCINATION PLAN 2021 FOR COVID-19 at federal by ensuring vaccines and devices are delivered in province and below and maintained supply records. The COVID-19 Vaccine Logistician ‘UNV’ will be fully engaged in providing technical assistance through continuous capacity building of cold chain managers in provincial health logistics management centre, provide regular verification of data on status of cold chain supplies and jointly monitor progress with the government counterparts. During the period, they will be responsible to conduct onsite mentoring and coaching that will enable skills transfer and increased capacity of the government counterpart in managing cold chain activities. He/she will work with the Child Health Specialist and Child Health Officer in the Nepal UNICEF Country Office to coordinate and provide coordinated technical support within the area of COVAC Cold Chain Expansion and Optimization and Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) systems strengthening.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Child Health/Immunization Specialist in the Nepal UNICEF Country Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV COVID-19 Vaccine Logistician will:

• Ensures the availability of accurate, complete, and up-to-date information required for effective COVID-19 vaccination program • Enhances COVID-19 vaccination through implementation follow-on, including monitoring UNICEF inputs, local conditions and resources, flow of supply and non-supply assistance and COVID-19 vaccination status. • Analyses collected data and information and prepare progress reports; drafts changes in COVID-19 immunization project work plans at sub-national level and in identification of required supplies and equipment • 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 • Conducts relevant orientation, workshop, teamwork facilitation and immunization staff learning/development activities ensure that vaccination teams are properly trained on the various aspect of COVID-19 vaccination; uses the appropriate training guidelines; participates in the training of cold chain managers, mid-level managers; facilitates in training activities and micro-planning workshops • Establish coordination with Management and Family Welfare Divisions and support in conduction of meetings • Provide technical support in documenting GAVI related documentation and provide monthly progress report to UNICEF • Establish and strengthen coordination between central and provincial vaccine stores • Report to provincial health directorate, child health /immunization and LMD sections and UNICEF • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible. • As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including submission of a monthly situation analysis and status of COVID-19 vaccine supplies (vaccine, devices and cold chain equipment) report • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority.

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Public Health, Pharmacy, Health Science or any related technical field. Training in vaccine and supply chain management will be an asset; Minimum two years of progressively responsible professional work experience in supply, logistics and cold chain management or relevant field within inter-government organizations (preferably UN system/UNICEF) is highly desirable. Updated knowledge on immunization program and new vaccine introduction and experience working on EPI is an advantage; Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.); e-LMIS; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF core value (care, respect, integrity, trust, accountability and sustainability) volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The COVID-19 Vaccine Logistician ‘UNV’ will be based at the Central Vaccine Store in Kathmandu (2 post) and Pathlaiya (1 post) with frequent visits to the field in provinces. The security situation in all locations is normal and have both road and air access. Moreover, all basic services/facilities are also available in all locations.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Fluency in local language is an advantage