Procurement Specialist - Advisory Services (Medical Equipment)

Contract

This is a IICA-2 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - IPAS

Based in Copenhagen, Denmark, the UNOPS Integrated Practice Advice and Support (IPAS) serves all the regions and headquarters, primarily with advice and solutions to everyday implementation challenges. IPAS consists of a diverse team of subject matter experts in the six practice areas of HR, Administration, Legal, Finance, Procurement, Project Management and Infrastructure. IPAS has three main roles:

Support to operations in the field offices: IPAS provides timely advice and supports actively finding of solutions to everyday implementation challenges, based on policy and best practices. It also provides operational support in specific areas.

Business efficiency: IPAS recommends changes to policies, processes and operating standards based on the feedback and experience of the field offices. IPAS also ensures transparent and efficient project implementation, in line with policy and business needs.

Body of knowledge: IPAS contributes to research and coordination within the policy groups and project practitioners. It provides structured knowledge and subject matter expertise which is used across practice areas to provide coherent and tailored advice to the requesting offices.

IPAS Procurement supports UNOPS Country Offices and HQ Business Units in all aspects of UNOPS procurement. Our major areas of support are:

• Advisory: Advice and technical support on procurement policy and processes
• Operational: Establishment and management of global contracts and LTAs

Background Information - Job-specific

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

UNOPS provides health infrastructure, procurement and fund management services to our partners (Governments, UN organizations, International Financial Institutions, Funds) in some of the world’s most challenging environments. From constructing hospitals, to procuring pharmaceuticals or medical equipment, UNOPS is working to deliver sustainable health outcomes for millions of people.

In recent years, the demand for health related services from our partners has increased significantly and this has translated into an equivalent increase in the procurement volume of health related goods and services, which since 2019 has totalled over $ 400 million in pharmaceuticals and medical devices (including medical and laboratory equipment, consumables, surgical instruments and supplies, etc.).

In line with the framework agreement signed with the Government of Mexico, UNOPS supports the different collaboration initiatives by the government that are aimed at the fight against corruption and transparency in the public management; as well as in the exercises aimed at the strengthening government actions in the areas of acquisitions, infrastructure and management of high impact projects in Mexico. This position will support those efforts with specific focus on the PharmaMX project.

The objective of PharmaMX is to support the Government of Mexico in its effort to guarantee the right to health to the largest number of inhabitants through the planning and management of the consolidated purchase of medicines (period 2021-2024), as well as assistance in the profiling of the system and model of consolidated purchase of medicines for the health sector of the Government of Mexico.

IPAS Procurement has decided to create this new technical position to strengthen its capability to respond to the growing demand from UNOPS Country Offices for expertise and support in procurement of medical equipment.

This position will report to IPAS Procurement Team Manager and will work closely with other procurement specialists within IPAS Procurement team and in country offices around the world.

This position will be for the duration of the PharmaMX project.

Functional Responsibilities

Summary of functions:

1. Procurement Advisory Services
2. Operational Support for projects/programmes implementation
3. Quality assurance
4. Procurement Management
5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Procurement Advisory Services

• Advice and support to the Mexico project as well as any other UNOPS project on technical aspects of the procured goods (Medical Equipment), contribute with the expertise to development and review of the technical specifications;
• Advice and support to the Mexico project as well as any other UNOPS project on procurement strategy and methods for medical equipment.

2. Operational Support for projects/programmes implementation

• Conceptualize, elaborate and implement procurement and contract strategy including tendering processes and evaluation, contractor appraisal, evaluation and negotiation of offers, administration of the contract and the performance management of the contractors, legal considerations and payment conditions as well as risk assessment;
• Act as focal point for medical equipment related procurement in IPAS Procurement team, and provide leadership and strategic direction for such;
• Assist with cost estimations and reasonableness of costs for the required goods/services.

3. Quality assurance

• Assist with Quality Assurance of the procured goods, e.g. inspections of production sites, pre-delivery inspections, assurance of compliance with regulatory requirements, pre-qualification processes of suppliers, etc.

4. Procurement Management

• Carry out sourcing for medical products;
• Run procurement processes to establish new global LTAs for Medical Equipment;
• Collaborate with and guide UN WebBuy team in offering medical products to UNOPS’ clients through UNWB+ platform;
• Review solicitation documents;
• Participate in evaluation of tenders;
• Review and preparation of submissions to Contracts and Property Committee;
• Contract Management of contracts and LTAs for medical equipment;
• Review and recommendation of call-off orders against existing LTAs’
• Supplier Performance Management within the category of medical equipment.

5. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Conduct market research to keep abreast of market developments; research and analyze statistical data and market reports on the world commodity situation, production patterns and availability of goods and services;
• Identify new technologies, and products/services, evaluate and recommend potential supply sources and update the procurement program based on these results;
• Collaborate with Procurement Group on developing and implementing the strategic framework for solidifying the Health categories as one of the business pillars for UNOPS.
• Develop capacity of local offices to handle projects with procurement of Medical Equipment (e.g. transfer skills in procurement of Medical Equipment and quality assurance to national staff);

• Support business development teams on the technical aspects in the process of acquiring and developing new projects;

• Perform other duties and responsibilities relevant to the functions of a Procurement Specialist.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education: - An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in the field of Medical/Biomedical Engineering (or relevant) - Bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of a Master’s/advanced university degree

Experience: - With an advanced university/Master’s degree, at least 5 years of progressive experience in the healthcare environment; - Medical Engineering knowledge is required; - Experience in procurement of medical equipment is required; - Good working knowledge of appropriate medical regulatory standards; - Medical Equipment OEM experience is an asset; - Possession of relevant certificates in training for specific medical Equipment/hospital furniture/diagnostic equipment is an advantage.

Language Requirements: - Full working knowledge of English - Knowledge of another official UN language (Spanish, French) is an 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. 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

Contract type: ICA Contract level: I-ICA 2 Contract duration: open-ended, subject to satisfactory performance and the duration of the PharmaMX project

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 Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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 (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.