Technical Officer, Technical Officer (Diagnostics) P2 , #113302, Health Technology Centre, Supply Division, Cph

Supply Division is looking for a Technical Specialist focusing on clinical laboratory environment.

Technical Officer (Diagnostics) P2  

Health Technology Centre, UNICEF Supply Division, Copenhagen

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.

This position is situated in UNICEF’s Supply Division in Copenhagen. Supplies are essential to fulfill children's rights.  Supporting child survival and development programmes around the world, UNICEF-procured supplies are critical in providing for children's health, education and protecting them from abuse, exploitation, and neglect. UNICEF procures and supplies over 5,000 products to address the needs of children.

As well as supporting UNICEF's ongoing programmatic activities, the Supply function provides rapid supply response to emergencies. UNICEF also procures and supplies essential commodities on behalf of governments and other partners in their efforts. These procurement services can also include in-country logistics, capacity building, and project management. Ensuring the global availability of essential supplies through influencing markets for lifesaving commodities such as vaccines, essential medicines and health products, and implementing a range of supply chain models to ensure these supplies are delivered to children, are two overarching focuses. 

How can you make a difference?

The position as Technical Officer is located in the Malaria Prevention and Diagnostics Unit within the Health Technology Centre. The unit is responsible for the global procurement of Long lasting Insecticides nets (LLINs) and broad range of in vitro medical devices including  Clinical laboratory items  and rapid diagnostics products for different diseases such as (HIV, Malaria , HPV , HCV etc.)

Under the guidance and supervision of the Technical Specialist, the Technical Officer will collaborate with key internal and external partners in formulating policy guidelines and defining quality and regulatory requirements and applying them to UNICEF procurement of in vitro diagnostics medical devices with a specific focus on Point of Care Diagnostics used in lower levels of the health care system.

The Technical Officer will use specialized commodity knowledge, in communication with counterparts in field offices and Programme Division, to establish technical specifications, standards and guidelines for in vitro medical devices 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 responsibilities will be:

• 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 in vitro diagnostics 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 in vitro diagnostic medical devices and laboratory supplies. Reviews and analyse UNICEF’s product portfolio of in vitro medical devices, 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 in vitro medical devices and clinical laboratory supplies.
• 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.
• Support and/or contribute to monitoring and evaluation of UNICEF Supply Division special projects aimed at improving access to diagnostics services and patient access to results.
• Supervises guides and trains support staff and evaluates performance.
• Maintain the portfolio of in vitro medical devices and clinical laboratory supplies for malaria, HIV, Syphilis, Yellow Fever, Zika, Ebola etc. updated in UNICEF catalogue.
• Creating awareness and understanding of the need for as well as advocacy on adequate quality standards and do-no-harm policies.
• Develop guidance notes and technical bulletins on product selection for countries.
• Providing advice to UNICEF Regional and Country offices on latest technical and quality developments in the area of in vitro medical devices.
• Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor

Overall, this position will provide support for the organization's strengthened commitment to the promotion of universal coverage and equitable access to health commodities by all and specifically children.

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

Required:

• A university degree (bachelors degree) in clinical laboratory sciences, medical technology, biomedical sciences, public health, or another relevant discipline
• Specialized training in clinical laboratory sciences/medical technology and knowledge of quality assurance for in vitro diagnostic medical devices
• A minimum of two years of progressive relevant professional experience, including hands-on working experience in a clinical laboratory environment supporting program implementation.
• Knowledge of technical and quality requirements for in vitro diagnostics and medical devices.
• Current knowledge of the latest developments and technology in the field of in vitro medical devices
• Membership of medical laboratory professional association.
• Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications, including LAN, email, word processing, spreadsheet, database, telecommunications.
• Fluency in English

Desired:

• Advanced university degree in the above technical fields
• Field experience in developing countries and knowledge of quality assurance issues related to in vitro diagnostics medical devices selection and management
• Knowledge of global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and the current UNICEF position and approaches.
• Knowledge of global environmental issues that pertain to sustainable development and specifically relation to children and woman, and the current UNICEF position and approaches
• Knowledge of another UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish)

 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.

The functional competencies required for this post are:

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

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

 Remarks:

• This vacancy announcement is open to all (internal and external candidates).
• UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at: http://www.whed.net/
• 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.
• Please submit your application by 24 April 2020

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.