GDF Senior Consultant (Procurement & Supply Chain Management- PSM) Roster Recruitment/Retainer Contract, Multiple positions

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS hosts the Stop Tuberculosis Partnership Secretariat (STBP) as of 1 January 2015, in Geneva, Switzerland. The vision of the Stop TB partnership is to realize the goal of eliminating Tuberculosis (TB) as a public health problem and, ultimately, to obtain a world free of TB by ensuring that every TB patient has access to effective diagnosis, treatment and cure; stopping transmission of TB; reducing the inequitable social and economic toll of TB; and developing and implementing new preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic tools and strategies. The Stop Partnership is uniquely positioned to support the development and further implementation by partners of the current and future Global Plan, acting as a coordinator and catalyst for the range of partners engaged in the fight against TB.

As a key initiative of the Stop TB Partnership, the goal of the Global Drug Facility (GDF) is to facilitate worldwide, equitable access to TB medicines and diagnostics across both public and private sectors. This goal is achieved through management and coordination of market activities for the full portfolio of TB medicines and diagnostics, strategic procurement and innovative logistics solutions, technical assistance and capacity building for TB programmes in better pharmaceutical management practices, and accelerated uptake of new TB medicines, regimens, and diagnostics.

GDF is the largest supplier of quality-assured TB products worldwide in the public sector and, as such, is highly reliant on technology to ensure quick and smooth procurement and supply. GDF has used “QuanTB” tool to project countries’ future demands for TB medicines. Created by the USAID-funded Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceutical and Services (SIAPS) Program, “QuanTB” is a downloadable desktop software that transforms raw data on patients and products into information that is easy to understand and use for decision-making for managing medicines. When used on a regular basis (e.g., monthly, quarterly), “QuanTB” serves as an early warning system, providing information on actual versus planned consumption, potential expiries, and stockouts of medicines. TB programs express high interest in the adjustment of existing TB information systems, to ensure the generation of sound reports that can be entered into the QuanTB or vice-versa – integration of QuanTB into the information systems.

GDF has developed a Business Intelligence (BI) tool called “QuanTB Collector” that consolidates all “QuanTB” files from different TB programs, merges this with pipeline inventory data from GDF’s Order Management System and generates an aggregated global demand dataset that can be analyzed to coordinate the GDF supply chain.

With funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), STBP GDF would like to establish a roster of IT specialists/ programmers to support the smooth functioning of the tools and upgrade them to improve user interface and experience, performance, accessibility and integration with each other and with other systems and applications.

Functional Responsibilities

The senior PSM consultants will be engaged as needed upon the requests from the countries and/or defined by GDF Regional Technical Advisers. The consultants will be deployed to countries and/or will telework as required and will effectively carry out specific short and long-term assignments such as advising donors, country stakeholders, and TB programs, on developing the PSM part of quality applications (funding requests), developing the PSM part of national TB strategic plans (NSPs) and other strategic documents to enable robust responses to end TB. Senior PSM consultant will be required to identify national TB PSM improvement needs and required interventions, develop national policies and other guidance documents on different aspects of TB PSM and facilitate endorsement by the counterparts, assess the needs and propose action and implementation plans for tailored technical assistance and capacity strengthening, work with GDF on enhancing and developing GDF PSM tools, elaborate and write-up technical documents on TB commodities PSM and provid broad technical assistance to GDF, TB programs and partners. The scope of work may, illustratively, include:

• Supporting the countries in writing the PSM part of NSPs, Funding Requests to the Global Fund and related strategic documents and plans, as well as developing PSM costing estimates, work plans and budgets, monitoring frameworks and other relevant documentation. To achieve this, Senior Consultants will need to perform desk reviews of the previous or ongoing national TB strategic plans, NTP reviews, programmatic reports, national regulatory guidance, and other relevant documentation for the appropriate analyses of TB commodities PSM practices, programmatic and financial gaps in TB commodities PSM, and priority aspects of health systems focused on financing and procurement of health commodities.
• Leading PSM part of the StopTB GDF technical assistance (TA) country missions, including joint TB Program reviews to countries requiring PSM system evaluation and TA, following specific TOR. This includes but is not limited to the identification of immediate PSM gaps and supply bottlenecks and assisting in addressing these gaps and developing sound PSM recommendations to TB programs and partners; development review and validation of TB pharmaceuticals strategic forecasting and quantification; briefing and advising the National TB programs (NTP) and the Ministries of Health (MoH) on the GDF policies, processes, products, and procurement options; addressing issues and bottlenecks related to the in-country registration of Quality Assured TB commodities including GDF products; promotion of StopTB GDF recommended PSM tools such as QuanTB and helping the national counterparts and partner organizations in the introduction and implementation of these tools; promotion and advising the countries to establish optimized scheduled procurement/ordering from pooled procurement mechanisms including the GDF and/or other sources; follow-up on the recommendations made by previous missions.
• Providing expertise in the assessment of the existing regulatory framework in countries. Provision of recommendations (where it is possible) addressing complex issues such as changing legislation to allow for the public sector improving procurement processes and access to ensure that countries can purchase quality-assured TB medicines and diagnostics at efficient prices. Senior Consultant may be required to conduct an in-depth review of the national regulatory framework of health products procurement and development of national policies and other guidance documents on different aspects of TB PSM and facilitating endorsement by the counterparts,
• Working with GDF on enhancing and developing GDF PSM tools for forecasting, quantification, supply planning, and early warning tool. Promotion introduction, and implementation of the StopTB GDF recommended forecasting, quantification, supply planning, and early warning tool, QuanTB, through hands-on coaching and mentoring of key staff in the countries; Facilitation of country and regional workshops for end-users and training of trainers, including development and or update of training materials; direct technical assistance in the development, implementation, and follow-up of country plans for establishing Early Warning System (EWS).
• assisting National TB Program counterparts in the development and critical review of their supply transition plans, including phase-in phase-out plans, for the accelerated implementation of the new WHO policy guidelines on drug-sensitive (DS-TB), drug-resistant (DR-TB), and TB preventive treatment for children, adolescents and adults, and uptake and scale-up of new TB tools, such as new TB medicines, treatment regimens, and diagnostics.
• Facilitating technical meetings (training and PSM workshops) conducted by GDF or other partner organizations – to strengthen the capacity of the national PSM staff and in-country partners on how to correctly use the QuanTB tool as a quantification and early warning system for TB medicines as well as on StopTB GDF procurement procedures aiming to prevent stock-outs and expiries in the country.
• Development and review of different PSM documents, including technical information notesand standard operating procedures related to the broad spectrum of the PSM areas.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Essential: - An advanced university degree (masters or equivalent or higher) plus 7 years of experience - OR a bachelor’s degree or equivalent (plus 9 years of experience) Ideally in a health-related field, such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, public health, epidemiology, health economics, international development, supply chain management or a related discipline field.

Desirable: - Training in medicines and laboratory commodities procurement, logistics and supply chain management, quantification and forecasting – with exposure to QuanTB as a quantification tool, strengthening health systems functions and performance in relation to TB (governance, financing and allocation, service delivery, health and logistics Information systems), and funding proposal development.

Experience: Essential: - A minimum of 7 years of experience in the public health sector. - Within the 7 years, at least 3 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management of health products, ideally related to the TB program, including financing and procurement, forecasting, quantification, supply planning and early warning of TB pharmaceuticals, good storage and distribution practices or related areas. - Experience in technical assistance provision to national programs, international donors or organisations is required - Experience with international donors and organisations, specifically with the Global Fund, WHO, USAID, UNITAID, international NGOs and/or private sector companies

Desirable: - Experience working with TB programs, health and procurement regulatory systems, health information systems (i.e., LMIS, PMIS etc.), health financing. - Experience with the latest WHO guidelines on TB prevention, and Treatment of drug-susceptible and drug-resistant TB treatment in children adolescents and adults. - Strong experience in working in developing countries, and in the TB environment, together with the PSM experience is an asset.

Language requirements:- Excellent knowledge of English with proven ability to communicate in English (spoken and written) in a clear and concise manner. - Fluency in written and spoken French, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian or Arabic is a strong asset

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA), Retainer position
2. Contract level: IICA3/ICS11
3. Contract duration: 1 year - renewable depending on budget and satisfactory performance (estimated maximum no. of working days is 180)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
• As per UNOPS policy, positions in duty stations where the NPO (National Professional Officer) category has been established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), a home-based contract may be issued as a LICA Specialist position.