Contracts Specialist (Polio) , P-3, Supply Division, Copenhagen, Denmark, Fixed Term Appointment

Under the general guidance of the Senior Manager, the incumbent is expected to develop and execute procurement strategies, including proposing method of purchase in support of ensuring an uninterrupted, sustainable supply of affordable, vaccines of assured quality. The incumbent is expected to contribute to development of programs for Ebola, mpox, and Dengue in support of country requirements in collaboration with partners, including stockpiling as applicable. Other vaccine candidates are expected to become available for use over the coming years, and the candidate will be supporting the team and engage early with relevant manufacturers and partners in products of relevance to UNICEF’s mandate and roles and responsibilities such as for example Sudan Ebola, Marburg, and Chikungunya. The incumbent conducts and contributes to market analyses and world wide market research and long ranging forecasting in order to achieve the most appropriate supply solution, manages funding requests, and reporting as required. The post will further support normative work of the Vaccine Center including regulatory aspects and procurement and contracting based on qualifications.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, A Fair Chance

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child at all times, focusing on equity and emphasizing the needs of the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. Supply Division's work continues to be a direct input to development programmes, including delivery of supplies required by programmes working towards the UNICEF SP result areas, and revolves around innovation, influencing markets, supply chain optimisation and capacity development.

Procurement centres are responsible for the supply operation, including strategic market intelligence, forecasting, procurement, delivery, innovation and analysis of product groups and procurement strategies. The contracting function leads in expertise on the supply landscape, markets, value for money and interaction with global partners to increase access and sustainable supply which can be accessed by government buyers. The incumbent provides support to optimization projects and is responsible for technical assistance and knowledge management, including knowledge sharing via communication pieces on key products/markets and publication of information.

This position is located in the Vaccine Centre at Supply Division reporting to the Senior Manager, Polio/Humanitarian Emergency Preparedness Unit.

How can you make a difference? 

Under the general guidance of the Senior Manager, the incumbent is expected to develop and execute procurement strategies, including proposing method of purchase in support of ensuring an uninterrupted, sustainable supply of affordable, vaccines of assured quality. The incumbent is expected to contribute to development of programs for Ebola, mpox, and Dengue in support of country requirements in collaboration with partners, including stockpiling as applicable. Other vaccine candidates are expected to become available for use over the coming years, and the candidate will be supporting the team and engage early with relevant manufacturers and partners in products of relevance to UNICEF’s mandate and roles and responsibilities such as for example Sudan Ebola, Marburg, and Chikungunya. The incumbent conducts and contributes to market analyses and world wide market research and long ranging forecasting in order to achieve the most appropriate supply solution, manages funding requests, and reporting as required. The post will further support normative work of the Vaccine Center including regulatory aspects and procurement and contracting based on qualifications.

If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here: JD_Contracts Specialist_P3_FT_VC Nov 2024.docx

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Ensures all procurement activities are in compliance with the UNICEF Financial Rules and Regulations, SD Manual, and all other applicable procurement procedures.
2. Conducts contracts management to ensure supplier compliance to LTA’s and purchase order terms and conditions.
3. Issues international tender invitations to acceptable suppliers, evaluates quotations, clarifies offers, and negotiates with suppliers as appropriate.
4. Makes recommendations for finalization of purchases, adjudicates offers in consultation with WHO, and internally Technical and QA centres. Prepares and defends submissions to CRC.
5. Works closely with countries, programmes and partners on project design, work plan and procurement coordination, issues long term forecasting of quantities and planning of funding.
6. Ensures adequate and coordinated planning of procurement and demand of the commodities, including during introduction phases, peaks and campaign seasons as applicable.
7. Performs market intelligence gathering and conducts written analysis in order to establish perspectives of future market conditions, potential funding and forecasting needs.
8. Reviews material specifications and requirements with appropriate technical counterpart to ensure completeness and appropriateness of supply requests.
9. Support Country programs, Program Division and Regional Offices in the commodities strategies, the forecasting and the procurement of the center’s supplies through preparation or participation in workshops, field visits and partnership meetings.
10.  In partnership with WHO and internally Technical and QA centres, evaluates suppliers with respect to delivery performance, product acceptability, and commercial acceptability.
11.  Establishes work plans and priorities, monitors achievements and evaluates performance of support staff.
12. Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education:
• Advanced University degree in business administration, commerce or law or technical field required.

• Work Experience:

  Minimum five year of progressively responsible professional experience.

  Knowledge of worldwide procurement, contract negotiations and administration required.

  Experience in commercial activities with the public or private sector in developing and industrialized countries.

  Experience in vaccine procurement and or Health related commodities considered an asset.

  Experience with supply negotiations and working with funding and/or policy partners.

• Language Requirements:
• Fluency in English and proficiency in other UN language would be beneficial.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

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

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable  underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

In this role, you will collaborate with colleagues across multiple locations. For effective collaboration, we encourage flexible working hours that accommodate different time zones while prioritizing staff wellbeing.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.