Individual Contractor - Supply Chain Analysis Consultant - Supply Division, Copenhagen - Office Based - 11.5 months full time

Contract

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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, integrity

How can you make a difference?

Background:

UNICEF Supply Division (SD), based in Copenhagen, is responsible for UNICEF’s supply operation globally. As a global organization responding to a rapidly evolving environment, the use of supply data and monitoring have become increasingly important in UNICEF’s strategic direction and the decision making.

In order to combat the Covid-19 pandemic vaccines are required and must be available to everyone. COVAX is a pillar in The Access to Covid-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator and is focused on making vaccines available. More than two-thirds of the world’s countries are engaged and COVAX has the largest and most diverse portfolio of Covid-19 vaccines. UNICEF is the Procurement Coordinator and one of the procurement agencies for the COVAX Facility and has the responsibility of planning, procuring and delivering vaccines to nearly 100 countries. As part of this responsibility, being able to provide robust and quality analysis of different aspects of the UNICEF supply chain and its results, whether directly linked to the management of the Covid-19 vaccines, to another health areas or to the area of children’s education, which is also a priority for UNICEF, is essential for the operation.

The Monitoring Strategic Data and Evidence Unit (MSDEU) focuses on the collection, generation, synthesis, use and sharing of evidence and data as key contributions to supply chain optimization, programme design, and demonstrating results and achievements. MSDEU collects, analyses and produces supply chain intelligence that empowers the organization with knowledge, in taking decisions, and in communication. The unit’s work is cross-cutting in nature, providing end-to-end supply chain monitoring and analysis to SD, Regional and Country Offices, and collaborating with other Divisions and external supply partners.

Purpose of Activity/Assignment: The purpose of the consultancy is to support the Monitoring Strategic Data and Evidence Unit (MSDEU) with context specific, short, or medium-term supply chain analysis to help in the management and visibility of Covid-19 and other UNICEF supply chains. Under the supervision of the Planning Specialist the Demand planning and forecasting unit within MSDEU, the consultant will ensure the provision of reliable and timely supply data in view of supporting analysis, monitoring, and planning for supply and logistics activities. Support the annual forecast exercise process within the Demand Planning and Forecasting unit in MSDEU The Demand Planning and Forecasting team is responsible for the preparation and implementation of comprehensive forecast exercises to secure quality demand plans for a sustained and uninterrupted supply of UNICEF essential and strategic supplies, including the generation and maintenance of relevant historical databases, and the regular demand updates and follow-up with contract managers. The consultant will design a process and accompanying tool for monitoring country forecast submissions and forecast review. In addition, the consultant will identify an enhanced process for monitoring the forecast materialization. The consultant is also expected to establish a proper document repository using MS SharePoint to organize all forecast related documents.

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT:

The consultant will have the following specific responsibilities:

Support the annual forecast exercise process within the Demand Planning and Forecasting unit in MSDEU

The Demand Planning and Forecasting team is responsible for the preparation and implementation of comprehensive forecast exercises to secure quality demand plans for a sustained and uninterrupted supply of UNICEF essential and strategic supplies, including the generation and maintenance of relevant historical databases, and the regular demand updates and follow-up with contract managers. The consultant will design a process and accompanying tool for monitoring country forecast submissions and forecast review. In addition, the consultant will identify an enhanced process for monitoring the forecast materialization. The consultant is also expected to establish a proper document repository using MS SharePoint to organize all forecast related documents.

Support the Demand Planning and Forecasting unit in the forecast digitalization project. Currently the country forecast processes are facilitated using MS Excel. UNICEF country offices submit Excel based forecast templates which then are reviewed and processed by UNICEF SD. This process has proven to be cumbersome due to the limitation of MS Excel. The Demand Planning and Forecasting team started the planning phase of the digitalization project. The consultant will provide support in identifying and mapping all data points that are being collected in the templates, support in collection of end user requirements through leasing with the different project stakeholders. The consultant will regularly update the project work plan and maintain a document repository using MS SharePoint for all project related documents.

Function as a technical focal point for supply chain analysis in MSDEU As technical focal point for supply chain analysis, the consultant will participate in the conceptualization, design, development, analysis, testing and implementation of business process improvements and solutions/Dashboards that can result in improved monitoring and analysis options for the supply chains both related to COVID-19 and other relevant products non-COVID related. This will entail working in close coordination with colleagues in MSDEU, with the IT center and with colleagues in the business centers, understanding everyone’s needs and facilitating the identification of suitable solutions. Visualization solutions are likely to be based on MS Power Bi and drawing from the existing data warehouse. Planning, prioritizing and robust and frequent communication with the MSDEU team will be required, and the consultant will follow the team’s guidance when performing these tasks.

Generate supply relevant business intelligence The consultant will have the overall responsibility for the analysis of specific supply related requests assigned to him/her. This will include identifying, given the request, the best way forward and methodology in collaboration with colleagues in MSDEU, regional offices and country-level colleagues as relevant, collecting the information from identified sources, which may include SAP, existing dashboards and external sources, organizing the information, performing the analysis, and presenting it in the most suitable format and platform. Such request are expected to be cross-cutting and cover different supply commodities and services, and the consultant will work on these with the guidance provided by the MSDEU team. The role will also include back-filling for staff focused on activities related to COVID-19. As it is expected that the consultant will work on several requests at a time and in parallel, the maintenance of an implementation and analysis plan discussed regularly with the area manager will also be required.

KEY DELIVERABLES:

• A process and tool for monitoring country forecast submission and review is developed.
• An enhanced process for monitoring the forecast materialization is developed and endorsed by the demand planning and forecasting unit.
• Support the forecast digitalization project milestones.
• A minimum of 20 analysis pieces based on specific supply related requests, and as per plans agreed to with the team. The pieces will be shared with colleagues for review, finalized and submitted.
• Key data tools (Power Bi and Excel) are maintained and updated on a regular basis.
• Support the current weekly demand planning process on weekly basis by providing updates on supply vs demand gaps.
• Stock monitoring and providing weekly updates to relevant stakeholders.
• Support in the activities related planning, implementing, and reviewing of the annual forecast.

All deliverables will be provided in their final ready-to-use form, and validated and approved by MSDEU.

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

• Education: A first level university degree in supply chain, economics, business administration, development studies, information systems management, social sciences, statistics, engineering or relevant field is required.
• Work Experience: Minimum 2 year work experience in public and/or private sector with proficiency in use of data processing and data, business data analysis and intelligence, systems and process analysis, and/or performance monitoring is required, preferably in areas related to the supply chain and preferably with experience working in the field. Prior knowledge and working experience with SAP and knowledge of MS Power Bi are considered a strong asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required: Core Values attributes: • Care • Respect • Integrity • Trust • Accountability

Technical Knowledge: • knowledge and experience in supply chain data analysis is required. • Good presentation skills and experience with communicating visually and in writing analysis results • Proven ability to work independently and with colleagues in international and local settings • Good planning skills • Systems competent, preferable with knowledge of SAP, Data warehouse and able to use the MS standard computer software is required. • Excellent level of skill in MS Excel and knowledge of MS Power BI is required. • Ability to develop and maintain an effective network of working relationships.

EVALUATION PROCESS:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application
2. Financial quote including a daily rate in US Dollars and relocation expenses
3. At least 3 reference contact information from previous supervisors
4. P 11 form (which can be downloaded from UNICEF website)

Applications must be submitted through the UNICEF electronic application system by 12 December 2021. Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.

Applicants are encouraged to submit at least 1 example of prior analysis work. This will be considered confidential.

UNICEF considers best value for money as a criteria for evaluating potential candidates. As a general principle, the fees payable to a consultant follow the “best value for money” principle, i.e. achieving the desired outcome at the lowest possible fee. Please note that consultants are responsible for assuming costs for obtaining visas, travel insurance and taxes.

Successful applicants will be evaluated by the following criteria:

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (max. 75 points) Overall Response (25 points) Understanding of tasks, objectives and completeness and coherence of response Overall match between the TOR requirements and proposal Technical Capacity (50 points) Relevance of consultant’s experience with similar projects and as per required qualifications References FINANCIAL PROPOSAL (max. 25 points) Daily rate Relocation expenses Total estimated cost of contract (proposed contract fee only) TOTAL SCORE (max. 100 points)

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

To view our competency framework, please visit 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.

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:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.