Technical Specialist (Public Health Emergencies), P-4 at UNICEF

Purpose Of The Job

• Reporting to the health senior advisor outposted to Geneve and leading Centre for Health Emergency Strategy & Partnerships (CHESP), the technical specialist will support the division efforts to prepare for- and respond to- public health emergencies (PHEs) – striving for equitable access to affordable, acceptable and geographically accessible and quality medical countermeasures. The Technical specialist will be outposted to Nairobi to support the key structural shift in the 2022-25 Supply Division OMP and deliver on the localization agenda through providing technical expertise and coordination including product technical support aiming to overall strengthening of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response in the region and in support to key UNICEF regional initiatives (Africa CDC MOU, Pandemic Pool, and Global Health Initiative (GHI)).

Summary Of Key Functions/accountabilities

• Coordinate Supply Division public health emergency multisectoral response and preparedness in East Africa.
• Develop surge PHE technical support for ESR.
• Develop and review technical supply specifications and requirements to ensure completeness and appropriateness and support local sourcing. Advises requesting offices on technical matters relating to the commodities for public health emergency supplies to support country response. Clarifies inadequate specifications with requesting office, proposing substitute or alternative as necessary.
• Develop ad hoc country communications materials given evolving public health emergency and related supply stock situations.
• Collaborate with Programme Group and/or other UN agencies in promotion and improvement in use, availability and appropriateness of product and service.
• Coordinate the supply function for PHE in field offices by assisting in monitoring and evaluation of supply inputs to UNICEF PHE preparedness and response.
• Conduct periodical review of the emergency supply list to inform the strategic role for SD PHE team.
• Develop internal and external partner network around operational supply across all sectors for public health emergencies in the ESAR.
• Develop strategic data compilation on products needed across all sectors for public health emergency response and preparedness and its supply operations in the region.
• Conduct market research, provide analyses, background information, recommendations for improving the suitability and range of products within specialized area, resulting in more appropriate equipment, better delivery, and lower costs. Investigate world markets, maintain resource files on a global basis, recommending new areas of purchase.
• Conduct research, evaluation, and promotion of the development of new technologies when appropriate, to improve response to public health emergencies.
• Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.

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

• Education: An advanced university degree in health sciences, nursing, pediatrics, public health or relevant discipline. A completed 1st University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree) health sciences, nursing, pediatrics, public health or relevant discipline along with 10 years of relevant experience, may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
• Studies in maternal, new-born and child health will be an asset.
• Experience: Minimum eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in a technical field of health and/or medical device programming or procurement.
• At least three years of progressively responsible professional experience in a technical field of health and/or medical device procurement at the international level.
• Knowledge of medical devices including standards, regulatory requirement and/or essential medical devices in integrated child health services.
• Knowledge of medical devices systems and products, worldwide sources, suppliers and markets.
• Has preferably worked within the UN or a similar organization/NGO
• Language: Fluency in English is required.
• Proficiency in another UN language (Arabic, Russian, French, Spanish, or Chinese) is an advantage.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

• UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF Competencies Required For This Post Are…

• Builds and maintains partnerships
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to achieve results for impact
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Thinks and acts strategically
• Works collaboratively with others.