UNV Technical Officer - Essential Drugs and Medicines

DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

Preamble:

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.

In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.

In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

1. Type of Assignment: International UN Volunteer

2. Type of Assignment Place: Family Duty Station

3. Assignment Title: Technical Officer - Essential Drugs and Medicines 4. Link with UNV Strategic Framework: Securing access to basic social services

5. Duty Station, Country: Jakarta, Indonesia

6. Duration (in months): 18 months

7. Expected Starting Date: As soon as possible

8. Host Agency/Host Institute: World Health Organization (WHO)

9. Organizational Context/Project:

WHO is the directing and coordinating authority for health within the United Nations system. It is responsible for providing leadership on global health matters, shaping the health research agenda, setting norms and standards, articulating evidence-based policy options, providing technical support to countries and monitoring and assessing health trends.

In the 21st century, health is a shared responsibility, involving equitable access to essential care and

collective defence against transnational threats. (http://www.who.int/about/)The Government of Indonesia is committed to achieve universal health coverage (UHC). WHO Indonesia office currently supports in all areas relevant to UHC including improving accessibility to quality drugs and medical products. Although Indonesia has progressed considerably in the area of production of drugs, certain caveats pertaining to drug quality and inspection, rational drug use, development of lab capacity and monitoring, drug management remains limited and technical support in this area is required. This is an area that WHO wishes to address and widen its support towards strengthening this major pillar of health system development and responding to SDG UHC components.

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000 Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany

F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001 www.unv.org

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).The objective of the programme at WHO Indonesia is to provide technical assistance and guidance on Essential Drugs and Medicines (EDM) and capacity strengthening of Drug Administration, National

Regulatory Authority (NRA), the National Control Laboratory (NCL) and relevant stakeholders and

national Health programmes at different levels: central, provincial and at the district.

10. Description of tasks:

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the WHO Representative to Indonesia Country

Office, and in coordination with the WHO Country Office Category IV Coordinator on Health Systems,

and working in close collaboration with the Regional Office advisor on essential drugs and medicines;

the UN Volunteer will be working with the national authorities and other relevant stakeholders to:

1) Provide technical assistance to the Government of Indonesia in the development/improvement, im-

plementation and evaluation of its national policies, strategies and plans as related to essential drugs

and medicines; other medical products and technologies;

2) Provide technical assistance to the Government and relevant authorities on strengthening the ra-

tional use of drugs and medicines and anti-microbial resistance;

3) Provide technical support towards the strengthening of regulatory functions of drugs and medicines

(including vaccines);

4) Assist in the strengthening of integrated, people-centered health service delivery, with a focus on

improving the quantification, procurement and the drug supply chain management system;

5) Assist the Government of Indonesia in strengthening its regulatory framework towards intellectual

property rights and the trade of medical products (drugs, medicines and vaccines) and technologies

while safeguarding the Government’s right to use the full provision in the Agreement on Trade-Re-

lated Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health and in par-

ticular provide access to medicines and health technologies for all;

6) Support the generation of evidence and increased demand for the use of information in the policy

process as related to the selection, financing and appropriate use of essential medicines and other

medical products (including use of health technology assessment;

7) Establish and maintain collaboration with outside partners and stakeholders including UN Organi-

zations, the Global Fund, GAVI, BMGF, and other multi- and bi-lateral organizations, civil society and

professional associations that are involved in improving access to quality assured drugs and medi-

cines;

8) Manage the WHO related workplan activities (including contractual arrangements) in regard to es-

sential drugs and medicines, anti-microbial resistance, regulatory functions of the national drug au-

thority, health and medical technology, and intellectual property rights, including the recruitment of

short term experts as required;

9) Contribute to advancing efforts to progress toward Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable De-

velopment Goals and related efforts with a focus on Essential Medicines and health technologies;

10) Support efforts towards strengthening the stewardship and good governance functions related to

Essential Drugs and Medicines and in general contribute to overall efforts on health systems;

11) Submit a quarterly assignment report and a final report upon completion of assignment; and

12) Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000A. Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany

F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001W. www.unv.org

• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local indi- viduals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possi- ble.

11. Results/Expected Outputs:

• Advanced UHC/SDG agenda in the country through contributing to the national efforts under UHC with focus on improving access to essential medicines and health technologies for all;
• Provided technical assistance to the Government of Indonesia in the development/improvement, implementation and evaluation of its national policies, strategies and plans as related to essential drugs and medicines; other medical products and technologies;
• Provided technical assistance to the Government and relevant authorities on strengthening the rational use of drugs and medicines and anti-microbial resistance;
• Provided technical support towards the strengthening of regulatory functions of drugs and medi- cines (including vaccines);
• Assisted in the strengthening of integrated, people-centered health service delivery, with a focus on improving the quantification, procurement and the drug supply chain management system;
• Assisted the Government of Indonesia in strengthening its regulatory framework towards intellec- tual property rights and the trade of medical products (drugs, medicines and vaccines) and tech- nologies while safeguarding the Government’s right to use the full provision in the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights regarding flexibilities to protect public health and in particular provide access to medicines and health technologies for all;
• Supported the generation of evidence and increased demand for the use of information in the pol- icy process as related to the selection, financing and appropriate use of essential medicines and other medical products (including use of health technology assessment;
• Established and maintain collaboration with outside partners and stakeholders including UN Or- ganizations, the Global Fund, GAVI, BMGF, and other multi- and bi-lateral organizations, civil so- ciety and professional associations that are involved in improving access to quality assured drugs and medicines;
• Managed the WHO related workplan activities (including contractual arrangements) in regard to essential drugs and medicines, anti-microbial resistance, regulatory functions of the national drug authority, health and medical technology, and intellectual property rights, including the recruitment of short term experts as required;
• Contributed to advancing efforts to progress toward Universal Health Coverage and Sustainable Development Goals and related efforts with a focus on Essential Medicines and health technolo- gies;
• Supported efforts towards strengthening the stewardship and good governance functions related to Essential Drugs and Medicines and in general contribute to overall efforts on health systems;
• The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment;

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000. Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany

F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001. www.unv.org

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities

developed.

12. Qualifications/Requirements (including competencies, values and skills):

A) Qualifications, skills, experience:

Degree level:

• Essential: Graduate University degree in pharmacy and /or relevant medical and biological sciences with post graduate degree in public health or health management or pharmaceutical management related areas with demonstrated expertise in implementation of national drug policies, rational drug use, quality assurance and use of WHO standards and guidelines on pre-qualification of essential medicines and vaccines.
• Desirable: Additional training in medicines management and health product regulation; and/or ra- tional use of medicines.

WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an accredited institution. The list

can be accessed through this link: http://www.whed.net/

Experience :

• Essential: At least five years of relevant experience in essential drugs and medicines policies; ra- tional drug use principles (selection, prescribing and dispensing) in low income settings; and public health, some of which should have been obtained in an international context.
• Desirable: - Experience in pharmaceutical regulation and quality control (medicines and health legislation, surveillance system). - Experience in inter-sectoral collaboration and ability to work with other agencies and develop- ment partners; previous work experience within the UN or familiarity with the UN structure and mechanisms is highly preferred. - Knowledge on supply chain management and ability to identify bottlenecks and provide appro- priate solutions.

Language :

• Written and spoken English at mother-tongue level;
• Familiarity and working experience in Indonesia with knowledge of Bahasa Indonesia would be a great asset.

B) Competencies and values:

Essential WHO competencies:

1. Teamwork

2. Producing results

3. Communication

4. Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

5. Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

6. Moving forward in a changing environment, and

7. Other Skills (e.g. IT): Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, and working knowledge of Enterprise

Resource Planning (ERP) applications.

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000. Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany

F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001. www.unv.org

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi- cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, includ- ing ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer infor- mation and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

13. Living Conditions:

The position will be based in the Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, where basic living needs, including

accommodation, banking facilities, medical facilities and telecommunications/internet services are

readily available. All staple foods can be found in the markets, eg: rice, meat, vegetables, fruit, cooking

oil, salt, etc. Many imported goods are available in Jakarta. Jakarta has numerous good restaurants

with good health standards. The most used means of transportation are taxi or local bus. Mobile phone

is the most reliable tool to communicate with colleagues and friends. Internet service is readily available

at most apartment complexes. ATMs are everywhere in Indonesia and Western cards can usually be

used to withdraw Indonesian Rupiah.

14. Conditions of Service for international UN Volunteers:

The duration of your assignment is 18 months.

A volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) which is composed of the Monthly Living

Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents (maximum three).

The Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is paid at the end of each month to cover housing, utilities,

transportation, communications and other basic needs. The VLA can be computed by applying the

Post-Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) to the VLA base rate of US$ 1,571. The VLA base rate is a global

rate across the world, while the PAM is duty station/country-specific and fluctuates on a monthly basis

according to the cost of living. This method ensures that international UN Volunteers have comparable

purchasing power at all duty stations irrespective of varying costs of living. The PAM is established by

the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) and is published at the beginning of every month on

the ICSC website (http://icsc.un.org). For example, if the PAM for the current month is 54.6%, then the

VLA for that month will be (US$ 1,571 x 54,6 /100) + 1,571= US$ 2,429. Moreover, a Family Allowance

(FA) is added in accordance with the number of recognized dependents: US$ 250 if the UN Volunteer

has 1 recognized dependent, and US$ 450 if the UN Volunteer has 2 or more recognized dependents.

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000. Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany

F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001. www.unv.org

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).Accordingly the VLA will be US$2,120 for a volunteer without dependent; US$2,370 for a volunteer with one recognized dependent and US$2,570 for a volunteer with two or more recognized dependents.

In non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC,

international UN Volunteers receive a Well-Being Differential (WBD) on a monthly basis.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are provided a settling-in-grant (SIG) at the start of the assignment (if the

volunteer did not reside in the duty station for at least 6 months prior to taking up the assignment) and

in the event of a permanent reassignment to another duty station.

UNV provides life, health, permanent disability insurances as well as assignment travel, annual leave,

full integration in the UN security framework (including residential security reimbursements).

UN Volunteers are paid Daily Subsistence Allowance at the UN rate for official travels, flight tickets for

periodic home visit and for the final repatriation travel (if applicable). Resettlement allowance is paid

for satisfactory service at the end of the assignment.

UNV will provide, together with the offer of assignment, a copy of the Conditions of Service, including

Code of conduct, to the successful candidate.

15. Application Procedure:

If you have not yet registered in the UNV database, please apply by registering your profile at

https://ereta.unv.org/html/index.php?module=myprofile. Important: Once you have created your UNV

account by validating your email address, please complete all sections of your profile.

Go to ‘Special Recruitment’ section on the left menu, click on the ‘Edit’ button and select the

advertisement code “17IDN_DRUG” from the drop down list. Please do not forget to click the ‘Update’

button.

If you are registered in the UNV database, please update your profile at: http://myprofile.unv.org click

on the ‘Special Recruitment’ option on the left menu, then click on the ‘Edit’ button and select the

advertisement code “17IDN_DRUG”.

Application deadline is 6 March 2017. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from

qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and

culture.

T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000A. Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany

F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001W. www.unv.org

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).