Cold Chain Officer, Maseru, Lesotho (Open for Lesotho Nationals only)

The incumbent is accountable for contribution to the development, planning and implementation of the Immunization supply chain and Logistics system required for routine immunization including introduction of new vaccines, periodic EVMA and supplementary immunization activities

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

All UNICEF procurement supports UNICEF goals and priorities for children and women. UNICEF is the leading agency for vaccine procurement globally. The GAVI Alliance Supply Chain Strategy highlights supply chain leadership and human resources as one of the key fundamentals required to strengthen and optimize country supply chains for sustainable vaccine availability. The first pillar of GAVI’s SC strategy is to ensure supply chain managers are in place with the right capabilities, authority and accountability in every country. UNICEF is an active partner and board member of the People that Deliver (PtD) Initiative, a global partnership of organizations focusing on professionalization of supply chain personnel by advocating for a systematic approach to HR for supply chain management. Currently Lesotho scored 50% on supply chain scorecard and there is need to attain a 80% score that meets global standards.

Strategic office context: (Please provide an overview of the office context in which this position works, briefly summarizing UNICEFs current objectives in that office/division, as well as the specific role of the positions section in contributing to their achievement). UNICEF LCO is responsible for buying all vaccines, cold chain equipment and its installation and other related items (that meet WHO safety and quality standards) on behalf of the Government of Lesotho through its procurement services. This is achieved through accurate forecasting ensuring availability of adequate immunization supplies for children and the use of vaccine arrival reports. Delivering potent vaccines to children requires the use of vaccine vial monitors, and use of auto-disable (AD) syringes, or single dose, pre-filled AD injection devices ensure injection safety. Additionally, LCO supports GOL with periodic Effective Vaccine Management Assessments, development of cold chain improvement plans and capacity building efforts of immunization supply chain and logistics issues for the Health sector.

Purpose for the job (Please outline the overall responsibility of this position)

The incumbent is accountable for contribution to the development, planning and implementation of the Immunization supply chain and Logistics system required for routine immunization including introduction of new vaccines, periodic EVMA and supplementary immunization activities. This assignment is particularly designed to work with CO team to:

1. Support MoH on selection & quantification of vaccine requirements.
2. Support MOH with continuous improvement planning based on periodic EVMAs
3. Support MoH with procurement of immunization-related supplies using UNICEF procurement system.
4. Technical support to MoH on storage and distribution of vaccines.
5. Support MoH on ensuring reliable cold chain equipment management.
6. Support Capacity building for MOH staff involved in EPI supply chain management and logistics.
7. Support LCO health team as required
8. Respond to Supply Division and RO requirements as needed.

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Support MoH on Selection & Quantification :
   1. Support to vaccine forecasting and supply planning
   2. Support to cold chain capacity assessment and planning.
2. Support MOH with continuous improvement planning based on periodic EVMAs
   1. Facilitate EVM Assessment and support MOH to integrate outcomes into EPI plans
3. Support MoH with procurement of immunization-related supplies
   1. Use UNICEF procurement system for vaccine and cold chain equipment procurement.
   2. Follow-up on procurement processes including delivery and vaccine arrival reports  
4. Technical support to MoH on storage and distribution of vaccines at national and district levels
   1. Work with MOH on inventory management at vaccine stores,
   2. Work with MOH on temperature monitoring,
   3. Work with MOH on temperature mapping;
   4. Work with MOH on distribution and transport plans
   5. Work with MOH on writing and revising Standard Operating Procedures
5. Support MoH on ensuring reliable cold chain equipment management
   1. Support development of preventive and corrective maintenance plans for cold chain equipment.
   2. Update cold chain inventory: elaborate replacement, expansion and extension requirement in accordance with coverage equity improvements and new vaccine introductions. To qualify as a/an [champion or advocate] for every child you will have.

Required qualification and experience:

• University degree in Health Sciences & Public Health or related field will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of work experience in national and international organization/s and national government
• Background/familiarity with Immunization supply chain and logistics
• Refrigeration systems
• Written and spoken fluency in English

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

Core competencies

• Strong analytical, oral & written communication skills
• Effective presenter including ability to adapt the message and visual aids for multiple audiences to deliver concise, impactful presentations
• Effective facilitator with proven ability to engage and train a group of individuals
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-cultural environment

The technical competencies required for this post are:

Functional Competencies:

• Quantification and forecasting of vaccines
• Training in equipment and maintenance management.
• Proficiency in solar refrigeration systems installation is an advantage
• Ability to analyse and use data on disease trends
• Knowledge in immunization supply chain assessments and logistics
• Knowledge in electronic vaccine data management tools
• Proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and PowerPoint

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

Remarks:

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

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.