Cold Chain Specialist, (NO-C) at UNICEF

Towards achieving high immunization coverage while introducing new vaccines through equity-focused vaccination program, the need for effective immunization supply chain remains vital. Efficient supply chains equipped with reliable cold chain equipment are important in helping countries primarily to reaching children with potent lifesaving vaccines to protect them against vaccine preventable diseases and subsequently increase immunization coverage.

To support countries in improving their cold chains, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) has established Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP). Through the Platform, GAVI has committed funding to jointly invest with countries to purchase and install cold chain equipment that meets specific technology requirements. With this initiative a total of 55 countries are eligible out of which 14 are in Eastern and Southern Africa Region(ESAR).

Cold chain equipment suppliers will be responsible for in-country storage, distribution, installation and commissioning of equipment. UNICEF SD will be the sole procurement agency for this activity that requires effective planning, implementation and monitoring of multiple activities across wide geographical areas within a short window of time.

While suppliers are responsible for all in-country operations, UNICEF strives to place the national government in the best position to oversee and manage the supplier’s performance, ensuring that all commissioned equipment meets procurement expectations, such as the agreed upon time, place, location, condition, quantity, and cost.

Hence, UNICEF/ ESARO is seeking a suitable candidate to support roll out of CCEOP and to assist with planning, implementation and monitoring of activities.

How can you make a difference?

Under the general guidance of the Logistics Specialist ESARO, in close link with UNICEF Supply Division Cold Chain Specialist and in coordination with Health / Immunization program ESARO, the incumbent will ensure that a phased overview is provided to every country according to the following status: Phase I dedicated to planning, phase II procurement, phase III in-country implementation and phase VI monitoring and inspection.

• Coordinate with the UNICEF CO, Regional Office (RO), Supply Division (SD), Programme Division(PD) and inter-agencies working group for example Project Management Team (PMT) to ensure correct deployment of equipment and implementation of the CCEOP project in general.  This includes preparation of country specific detail planning involving the whole project lifecycle with timeline and agree with respective countries on scope, timing and resource requirement.
• Follow up with countries on timely submission of Operational Deployment Plans (ODP) as per required quality.
• Support countries and SD in development of Terms of Reference (TOR) and Request for Proposal of Services (RFPS) documents and conduct Technical Review of RFPS as necessary.
• In close collaboration with country, orient the PMT members on their roles and responsibilities to ensure efficient country level project management and avoid deviations. Support the PMT to develop a country-specific project plan and risk matrix to track with the Project Management Team on a periodic basis.
• Work with SD colleagues to establish a mutual understanding of the subcontractor offer and related project implementation requirements. This includes characteristics of the specific project roll out and related assumption linked to country readiness. Oversee and evaluate the technical procedures followed by the supplier or subcontractor during installation and report on the process and quality of the installation of the cold chain equipment.
• Provide quality technical assistance in deviation management and health facility readiness.
• Evaluate the content and quality of technicians/Health workers training on preventive maintenance, installation, trouble shooting.
• Provide technical support on random quality inspection exercise such as Post Installation Inspection.
• In collaboration with Supply and Health/Immunization teams in respective ESAR COs implementing CCEOP program, support Ministry of Health and PMT to update and maintain the government’s CCEI (Cold Chain Equipment Inventory) on an on-going basis.
• Document lessons learnt.

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

• Advanced university degree in one or more of the following areas is preferred: Project Management, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Public Health, Data Management and Analysis or related to supply and logistics operations in UNICEF program areas.
• First university degree combined with additional two years relevant professional work experience and understanding of relevant functions may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.
• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant experience at national and international levels in supply management, vaccines programming including cold chain and vaccine management. Work experience managing large-scale projects, working with governments, working in resource-limited settings, monitoring and evaluating supply chains, and risk management and mitigation will be an asset.
• Product knowledge on cold chain equipment, new cold chain technologies and understanding of the principles of vaccine management, knowledge and experience with data collection, data management analysis and reporting are essential. Knowledge of procurement processes and good distribution practice could be beneficial.
• Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French and/or Portuguese is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

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, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.