Purpose of the Position
Collaborate with key internal and external partners in formulating policy guidelines and defining regulatory requirements and applying them to UNICEF procurement of medical devices and laboratory supplies, with a specific focus on Point of Care Diagnostics used in decentralized health care settings. Use specialized commodity knowledge, in communication with counterparts in field offices and Programme Division, to establish technical specifications, standards and guidelines for laboratory and point of care diagnostic equipment and supplies requisitioned by UNICEF programmes, specialized UN agencies, governments and non-governmental organizations on a procurement services basis, and will provide technical guidance on the selection and use of these products.
Key Expected Results
- Reviews and develops technical supply specifications and requirements to ensure completeness and appropriateness. Advises requesting offices on technical matters relating to the commodity of specialization. Clarifies inadequate specifications, proposing substitute or alternative items as necessary.
- In collaboration with UNICEF Programme Division, Regional Advisers, WHO and other key partners, contributes to the formulation of policy guidelines in the area of expertise.
- Prepares and maintains technical specifications for a portfolio of point of care diagnostic devices included in both the UNICEF database and catalogue.
- Advises programmes on technical matters relating to the commodity of specialization. Clarifies specifications with requesting customers and advises on the selection and use of the products.
- Conducts market research, provides 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. Investigates world markets, maintains resource files on a global basis, recommending new areas of purchase.
- Review sourcing an extended range of diagnostic supplies. Reviews and analyse UNICEF`s product portfolio in point of care diagnostics, background information and supply guidance, and implement recommendations for improving the suitability and range of products, resulting in more appropriate equipment, better delivery and lower costs of ownership.
- Prepare, conduct and/or manage the technical adjudication of tenders for clinical laboratory and point of care diagnostics.
- Supports the Procurement Services Centre in preparing cost estimates for special projects on laboratory and diagnostics and related services.
- Supports country offices and governments by assisting in needs assessments in programmes or projects aimed at improving access to diagnostics services and patient access to results.
- Develop and/or contribute to monitoring and evaluation of special projects aimed at improving access to diagnostics services and patient access to results.
- Supervises guides and trains support staff, and evaluates performance.
- Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Academic qualifications:
Advanced university degree in clinical laboratory, medical engineering, nursing or relevant discipline, and/or public health. Specialist knowledge of commodity area required.
Advanced university degree in clinical laboratory, medical engineering, nursing or relevant discipline, and/or public health. Specialist knowledge of commodity area required.
Work Experience:
Minimum five years of relevant professional experience. Hands-on working experience in laboratory environment, field experience in developing countries and knowledge of policy issues related to HIV clinical laboratory support and point of care diagnostics an asset.
Minimum five years of relevant professional experience. Hands-on working experience in laboratory environment, field experience in developing countries and knowledge of policy issues related to HIV clinical laboratory support and point of care diagnostics an asset.
Any other requirements:
Specific Technical Knowledge Required : Knowledge on technical and quality requirements of clinical laboratory equipment and supplies.
Common Technical Knowledge Required : Good knowledge of computer applications, internet navigation and advanced
Excel skills required.
Specific Technical Knowledge Required : Knowledge on technical and quality requirements of clinical laboratory equipment and supplies.
Common Technical Knowledge Required : Good knowledge of computer applications, internet navigation and advanced
Excel skills required.
Language requirements:
Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an added advantage.
Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an added advantage.
Competencies of Successful Candidate
- Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
- Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
- Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
- Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
- Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.
- Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.
- Identifies urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly; initiates and generates team- and department-wide activities.
- Demonstrates, applies and shares expert technical knowledge across the organization.
- Communicates effectively to varied audiences, including during formal public speaking.
- Able to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Sets high standards for quality of work and consistently achieves project goals.
- Has good leadership and supervisory skills; co-ordinates group activities, ensuring that roles within the team are clear.
- Translates strategic direction into plans and objectives.
- Analyzes and integrates diverse and complex quantitative and qualitative data from a wide range of sources.
- Quickly builds rapport with individuals and groups; maintains an effective network of individuals across organizational departments.
- Identifies urgent and potentially difficult decisions and acts on them promptly; initiates and generates team- and department-wide activities.
- Demonstrates, applies and shares expert technical knowledge across the organization.
Remarks
Post established with effect from 1 January 2014
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.
How to apply:
APPLICATIONS:
Please be informed that all applications to UNICEF are handled via UNICEF Employment, which is UNICEF's online recruiting system. You can apply to the above position by creating your profile, and application at our web site: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.php. Kindly note that all applications should be in English and that applications outside of the online recruiting system will not be accepted.
