International Consultancy - Supply Chain Analysis Consultant - 6 months - Office based

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, Love...

BACKGROUND - Following the declassification of COVID-19 as PHEIC, the COVAX Facility is closing and the Gavi Alliance is transitioning the COVID-19 vaccine into a COVID-19 immunization programme. This programme is approved by the Alliance's Board for 2014-25. Given the role that UNICEF has held as the Procurement Coordinator of the COVAX Facility, a number of activities must take place to ensure a smooth closure and transition. For MSDEC, this entails the archiving and process documentation of COVID-19-related COVAX dashboards and data sources, along with the development of a new UNICEF COVID-19 programme dashboard as COVID-19 vaccines transition into a Gavi-supported vaccine programme. In addition, Gavi has seen the advantages of digital information, including on efficiencies in processes, and that they would like to maintain that for the COVID-19 programme, and are also looking at expanding it to existing regular vaccine programmes.

As part of this responsibility, UNICEF still needs to be able to provide robust and quality analysis of different aspects of the UNICEF supply chain, whether directly linked to the management of the COVID-19 vaccines, to different aspects of the UNICEF supply chain, whether directly linked to the management of the COVID-19 vaccines, to the supply chain of routine and supplementary vaccines as they are externally published, or to another health area - all of which priorities for UNICEF and SD.

The Monitoring Strategic Data and Evidence Centre (MSDEC) 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. MSDEC collects, analyses and produces supply chain intelligence that empowers the organization with knowledge, in taking decisions, and in communication. The center’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.

OBJECTIVE - The purpose of the consultancy is to support MSDEC with context specific, short or medium-term supply chain analysis to support the closure and documentation of all COVAX supply digital tools and the transition of such tools to the routine COVID-19 immunization programme; as well as help in the management and visibility of the COVID-19 programme and other UNICEF supply chains. Under the supervision of the Supply Chain Specialist (Supply Intelligence team) in MSDEC, 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.

Scope of Work - The consultant will have the following specific responsibilities:

Function as a technical focal point for supply chain analysis in MSDEC. 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 that can result in improved monitoring and analysis options for the supply chains including the new COVID-19 immunization programme, and other relevant immunization and other health products. This will entail working in close coordination with colleagues in MSDEC, 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 to be based on MS Power Bi and drawing from the existing data warehouse. Planning, prioritizing and robust and frequent communication with the MSDEC 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. This will include identifying, given the request, the best way forward and methodology in collaboration with colleagues in MSDEC, 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 requests 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 MSDEC team. 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.

Manage the preparation of various elements involved in the closure of the COVAX Facility and the transition from the COVAX Facility to the Gavi COVID-19 immunization programme. The consultant will act as the MSDEC’s project manager for the preparation of the multiple elements related to the digital supply chain analysis solutions to be closed down and archived with adequate documentation as SD’s role to manage supply information in the COVAX Facility ends. The consultant will also manage the preparations of all aspects related to supply chain information to be included in the new COVID-19 immunization programme. The project manager role will require the consultant to call for relevant meetings with stakeholders, maintain all necessary project documentation, and provide regular updates on the progress towards establishing the relevant elements in the new progress indicator dashboard.

Conceptualize, design and test the calculation process and tools for the new COVID- 19 progress indicator dashboard. The new COVID-19 immunization programme requires the development of a new progress indicator dashboard, which must undergo design, testing, and release processes. After reaching an agreement regarding the creation of the new dashboard, the consultant will initiate work on conceptualizing the design process, including the selection of data sources, data marts, SQL from InfoHub and in close discussion with key partners, such as the Gavi Secretariat. The dashboard will be developed using MS Power BI tools. The conceptualization process will draw inspiration and foundation from existing processes and tools, ensuring a degree of consistency within the COVAX Facility dashboard. Subsequently, the concept will be internally discussed within MSDEC and SD, involving relevant stakeholders. The consultant will be responsible for presenting the concept for these discussions. The consultant will then consider received comments and make necessary refinements to the processes and tools, with the goal of finalizing them. These consultations may involve iterative steps.

Support the follow-up and validation process for key reporting figures. MSDEC is responsible for the preparation, analysis, validation and finalization of all figures related to supply chain included in the various statutory reports. The consultant will support the follow-up and validation of key reporting figures related to COVID-19 and other 2023 achievements, up until they are ready for publication. This will be carried out via the coordination of inputs with the colleagues leading the 2023 project for statutory reports, validation of information, and consistent and documented working approaches and tools.

Key Deliverables.

• A minimum of 8 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 annual reporting figures identified are validated by stakeholders and ready for publication as per agreed timelines.
• Relevant documentation regarding the validation process for the key annual reporting figures identified is maintained updated in the required locations and all details are included and up to date prior to publication.
• Project management for the closure of the supply information elements pertaining to the COVAX Facility and transition to the Gavi programme, including regular meetings with stakeholders, regular reporting on progress and overview of agreements reached with stakeholders.
• Proposed structure of the MS Power BI COVID-19 dashboard, including the selection of data sources, such as SD’s data warehouse.
• Implement and release the new COVID-19 immunization programme progress dashboard based on agreed concept.

How can you make a difference?

• A minimum of 8 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 annual reporting figures identified are validated by stakeholders and ready for publication as per agreed timelines.
• Relevant documentation regarding the validation process for the key annual reporting figures identified is maintained updated in the required locations and all details are included and up to date prior to publication.
• MSDEC’s Project manager for the COVID-19 transition, including regular meetings with stakeholders, regular reporting on progress and overview of agreements reached with stakeholders.
• Proposed structure of the MS Power BI COVID-19 dashboard, including the selection of data sources, such as SD’s data warehouse.
• Implement and release the COVID-19 dashboard based on agreed concept.

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

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

Education: A completed Advanced University degree (Master’s Degree) in supply chain, economics, business administration, development studies, information systems management, social sciences, statistics, engineering or relevant field is required. A relevant first level university degree in the above areas combined with 5 years of relevant qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience: Minimum 2 years' 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.

*A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

Competencies: • Communication • Working with People • Drive for Results • Planning and Organizing • Applying Technical Expertise

Technical Knowledge: • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in supply chain data analysis • 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 knowledge of planning and / or project management principles and practices • Systems competent, preferable with knowledge of SAP and able to use the MS standard computer software • Super-user level of skill in MS Excel and knowledge of MS Power BI. • Ability to develop and maintain an effective network of working relationships

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 values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS).

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for consultants/individual contractors with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the selection process and afterwards in your assignment.

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.

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.