UNICEF Supply Division Copenhagen is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Malaria Prevention and Diagnostic Team in the Health Technology Center

Technical Associate (GS-6 level)

Health Technology Centre, UNICEF Supply Division

Fixed Term assignment

Would you like to be part of the dynamic team at UNICEF Supply Division in Copenhagen?  UNICEF Supply Division Copenhagen is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the Malaria Prevention and Diagnostic Team in the Health Technology Center, and provide assistance in technical assessment of  in vitro diagnostic products, to ensure availability of  safe and fit-for-purpose products that meet the required quality standards.

For Every Child…a Sustainable Future

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How Can You Make a Difference?

Under direct supervision and guidance of the Technical Officer, the Technical Associate is to research, compile, organize and analyze technical information as well as manage and maintain all aspects of technical documents and products. The incumbent will be working in a collaborative team environment to support technical specialists in translating programme needs into procurement specifications, developing product technical requirements, assessing product dossiers and evaluating product samples, among others.

.

 MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

1. Drafts, prepares and finalises product specifications on basis of existing documentation, directives and customer requirements.  Translates specifications with expert help if necessary. Communicates with country offices and suppliers to obtain all necessary clarifications.
2. Maintains technical aspects of the qualified supplier profiles, prepares lists of potential pre-qualified suppliers for potential/ pre-qualified suppliers for all tendering and forwards it to Contracting for further action.
3. Administers market research. Establishes and maintains database for product sources. Contacts and follows up new sources directly or through trade agencies or professional and technical organisations.  Extracts, indexes or records information from catalogues, price lists, etc. and analyses against current purchasing data.
4. In collaboration with the technical officer, assists country programmes or any special project in the preparation of supply forecasts, analyses, establishing product specifications, quantities, budgets and correct planning.
5. Provide technical guidance to procurement services requests including proposing revisions/alternative products to align with UNICEF objectives and principles.
6.  Under the guidance of the technical specialist, assists in research and cataloguing of new products, keeps abreast of programme requirements and prepares technical bulletins for publication with the Strategy, Change & Communications Centre.
7. Facilitates communication with UNICEF Programmes, Supply Division Centres, UN agencies and NGO partners on technical matters.
8. In coordination with the Material Owners, ensures that the Material Master remains updated at all times for all diagnostics and vector control products.
9. Any other related duty assigned by supervisor.

 To qualify as a Champion for every Child you will have…

Required:

• Completion of secondary education (i.e. high school diploma) is a minimum requirement
• Minimum 6 years of relevant experience in provision of health services in private or public sector organization.
• 2 years experience in technical/quality aspects of diagnostics products and other clinical laboratories supplies is required.
• Experience in the use of an ERP-based system (preferably SAP) is required.
• Advanced knowledge and experience of LAN, Microsoft Excel and all MS Office applications is required.
• Fluency in English.

Desirable:

• University degree in clinical laboratory sciences, medical technology, biomedical sciences will be an added advantage.  
• Knowledge of technical and quality requirements for in vitro diagnostics and medical devices
• Proficiency in additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, Spanish)
• Work experience in UNICEF or other UN Agencies is desirable.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results. In addition, the following functional competencies will be required for these positions:

• Applying Technical Expertise (Level II)
• Analysing (Level I)
• Planning and Organising (Level I)
• Following Instruction and Procedures (Level II)
• Relating and Networking (Level I)

To view our competency framework, please click here: https://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

Remarks

The closing date is 13 April 2020. Please be informed that all applications to UNICEF are handled via 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. Kindly also note that diversity and gender balance are factors in the selection process.  Queries can be directed to William Burgess at wburgess@unicef.org.

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. 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. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Visit us at www.unicef.org/supply/