Background Information - Job-specific
The vision of the Stop TB Partnership is to realize the goal of elimination of Tuberculosis (TB) as a public health problem and, ultimately, to obtain a world free of TB by ensuring that every TB patient has access to effective diagnosis, treatment and cure; stopping transmission of TB; reducing the inequitable social and economic toll of TB; and developing and implementing new preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic tools and strategies. The Stop Partnership is uniquely positioned to support the development and further implementation by partners of the current and future Global Plan, acting as a coordinator and catalyst for the range of partners engaged in the fight against TB.
As a key initiative of the Stop TB Partnership, the goal of the Global Drug Facility (GDF) is to facilitate world-wide, equitable access to TB medicines and diagnostics across both public and private sectors. This goal is achieved through management and coordination of market activities for the full portfolio of TB medicines and diagnostics, strategic procurement and innovative logistics solutions, technical assistance and capacity building for TB programmes in better pharmaceutical management practices, and accelerated uptake of new TB medicines, regimens, and diagnostics using the GDF “launch pad”.
Country Supply Officer (CSO) is key to ensuring uninterrupted access to TB medicines and other products to all patients in the GDF client countries. Under the supervision of the GDF Country Supply Team Leader and in close collaboration with the GDF Regional Technical Advisors, CSO will act as a portfolio manager for selected priority high-burden countries to design and coordinate the assessments of countries’ TB medicines management practices and strengthening requirements; maintain and update country profiles and dashboards; establish proactive systems for forecasting, quantification, orders and supply management; promote early warning systems to avoid stock-outs and waste of medicines.
The work for this position calls for excellent technical and communication skills for active engagement and collaboration with StopTB partner organizations, national TB programs, global initiatives, and technical agencies in the field. Good knowledge of, and ability to successfully communicate with donors, such as the Global Fund, USAID, DfiD, and others is an important asset for this position. Functional Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with the UNOPS rules and regulations for procurement, the StopTB/GDF standard operating procedures for procurement and supply, and the GDF quality management standards of ISO 9001
Manage uninterrupted supply of TB medicines and products to all client countries in the assigned portfolio in accordance with the GDF standard operating procedures and timelines, and in compliance with the GDF ISO9001
Develop annual procurement and supply work plan for the portfolio of assigned countries, including performance indicators, and quarterly and annual progress reports as required
Establish and maintain a regional network for managing and coordinating rational procurement and supply of TB products: map and develop a database of regional and priority countries’ partners, donors, implementing agencies, communities; establish working relations; sensitize to the GDF strategic goals and approaches; promote the GDF expertise and tools; develop a system for regular communication and information sharing
Establish and manage a system for proactive supply of TB medicines and products to selected
high-burden priority countries in the portfolio:
- Design and conduct desk top or direct assessments of the priority countries’ TB medicines and products procurement and supply practices
- Develop and maintain online country profiles based on the information obtained from TB and pharmaceutical sector assessments and technical reports by StopTB partners, WHO Joint TB program reviews, the GDF monitoring and evaluation missions, other sources, or from specifically designed GDF-lead targeted assessments.
- In conjunction with national TB programs, the Global Fund and other donor projects in the field, and the GDF Regional Technical Advisors develop country-specific annual supply plans, including forecasting and quantification, ordering and delivery schedules, data reporting and visualization/dashboards, performance indicators, early warning, and capacity building and technical assistance needs.
- In conjunction with field projects and the GDF Regional Technical Advisors, establish and maintain a system for quarterly collection and reporting of data on TB medicines and other products consumption, pipeline, TB program and guidelines trends, and uploading these data into the GDF forecasting and early warning system. In conjunction with the GDF Technical Assistance team and Regional Technical Advisors broker the required technical assistance and capacity building for the priority countries, including assistance required for the adoption, introduction, and implementation of new medicines, regimens, and diagnostic products and technology
Develop annual summaries/briefs on priority countries as required
Establish priority country-specific stakeholders’ teams, including donors such as the Global Fund, prime recipients, and technical assistance providers, and provide technical leadership to ensure that procurement and supply issues are timely and properly addressed and coordinated, with a special emphasis on donor-funded procurement and supply projects, such as by the Global Fund
Monitor and report on the performance of Procurement Agent, freight forwarder, and qualitycontrol agency and the lead times
Monitor and analyze client satisfaction reports and develop interventions for improvements and the GDF performance strengthening
Analyze, develop and provide information as required for other GDF teams, such as Business Development and Market Management
Represent the GDF at country and international meetings and fora, promote the GDF as a source of affordable quality-assured TB medicines and products, and the GDF direct procurement mechanism with national governments, non-governmental organizations, implementing agencies, and communities
Provide technical leadership and serve as a technical resource as required for StopTB Partners’ and WHO regional TB meetings, workshops, and capacity building exercises to keep rational procurement and supply of TB medicines and products on the regional agenda
Proactively work with StopTB partners, form groups/partnerships to ensure the GDF’s presence and technical leadership at the regional NTP meetings and Regional UNION TB Conferences via joint workshops, abstract or poster presentations, impact papers, etc. promoting the GDF experience and best practices
Develop training materials as required for regional and country specific capacity building exercises for procurement and supply management strengthening
Mentor new and junior staff as required
Impact of Results
The GDF delivery of TB medicines, diagnostics, and other products is efficient and uninterrupted serving the goals of Global and StopTB Strategy to End TB
The GDF serves as efficient platform for strengthening the capacity of client countries to adequately manage the procurement and supply of TB products, including new TB tools
The GDF delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction constantly improved
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. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
- An advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in Pharmacy, Logistics, Procurement, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Project Management or related subject is required
A first Level University Degree (Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent) in Pharmacy, Logistics, Procurement, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Project Management or related subject with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Professional certification in Procurement and Supply Chain Management is desirable. Experience:
A minimum of 5 years experience within the Procurement and Supply Chain field is required A minimum of 3 years of experience in procurement and supply chain of pharmaceuticals is required Experience in procurement and supply planning, risk analysis, and providing client support or closely related experience is required Experience in supply chain and logistics operations is desirable. Knowledge of the UN Financial and Procurement Rules, Regulations and working practices pertaining to UNOPS is advantageous. Customer service experience is desired Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required Knowledge of another UN language is an asset Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
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 ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.