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Advisor, International Shipping Logistics for Health Supplies

Washington D.C.

  • Organization: WHO - World Health Organization
  • Location: Washington D.C.
  • Grade: Mid level - P-4, International Professional - Internationally recruited position
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Public Health and Health Service
    • Logistics
    • Maritime
    • Transport and Distribution
    • Supply Chain
  • Closing Date: Closed

OBJECTIVE OF THE OFFICE/DEPARTMENT

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The Department of Procurement and Supply Management (PRO) provides technical, managerial and strategic guidance for the purchasing and contracting actions of PAHO Headquarters, Country Offices, and Centers. PRO is responsible for sourcing, vendor relationship management, and procure-to-pay cycle of the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Regional Office of The Americas (PAHO/WHO). PRO also develops and oversees implementation of the Organization’s procurement policies and procedures in order to promote the effective use of the Organization’s resources ensuring transparent, ethical and cost-effective procurement in compliance with PAHO rules and regulations.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

Under the general supervision of the Director of Administration (AM) and the direct supervision of the Director, Procurement and Supply

Management (PRO), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

  1. Develop and implement strategies for establishing the most cost-effective and efficient approaches to transport annual shipments of vaccines, medicines and health supplies to all 42 countries and territories in the Region;
  2. Develop a capacity strengthening roadmap to support Member States and strengthen national capacities for an improved and efficient delivery/reception processes, with a focus on emergency response;
  3. Propose and lead strategies to configure international logistics routes to serve the most challenging destinations;
  4. Lead a team of international logistics technicians under the Strategic Fund and the Revolving Fund (Procurement Funds) to increase synergy of both funds, in order to improve, standardize and develop the most cost-effective approaches to ensuring expedited and safe delivery of shipments to final destination;
  5. Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders (e.g. airlines, UN agencies) to negotiate preferred rates and priority for PAHO air and ocean shipments;
  6. Establish effective approaches with insurance, training, logistics and packaging conditions to minimize cold chain disruption and properly manage the claims process;
  7. Develop and implement a service optimization program to promote continuous improvement in the quality and delivery of strategic supply to member States; conduct regular reviews of critical and key processes to identify and resolve bottlenecks, delays and inefficiencies;
  8. Provide advice and support to the Procurement Funds for logistics troubleshooting/operations; manage supplier performance and ensure improvements on service and efficiency;
  9. Formulate strategies and design innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex logistics projects;
  10. Conduct market research to keep abreast of developments in the areas of logistics and transport; research and analyze statistical data and logistics reports on global shipping trends and developments;
  11. Provide strategic advice to develop innovative approaches to international shipment systems in advance of or upon identification of major issues with a global impact;
  12. Provide expert advice and guidance to ensure the successful management of specific complex and or critical international shipments, including in an emergency response context;
  13. Identify inefficiencies along upstream and downstream components of logistics managed by government agencies or other institutions, and design strategies and initiatives to address them;
  14. Participate and contribute actively to training activities, workshops and preparedness/response simulations as required, in line with ensuring capacity building for all stakeholders; prepare and disseminate pertinent guidelines, as required;
  15. Represent the Organization at inter-agency meetings, seminars, etc. in order to bring best practices in logistics to PAHO;
  16. Identify new technologies, products and services; evaluate and recommend potential supply sources and participate in the incorporation of research results into the procurement program;
  17. Advise requisitioning units and recipient entities on the full range of procurement issues, providing support and guidance at all stages of the procurement cycle;
  18. Identify opportunities for Logistics collaboration across PAHO, within WHO, with other UN organizations, with the United States General Services Administration (GSA), or with other partners;
  19. Manage and support workforce planning and execution; advise on the definition of the Team’s personnel component, including selection, training and development;
  20. Support the preparation and execution of the PRO’s Biennial Workplan (BWP);
  21. Provide leadership, guidance and monitoring of supervised staff by setting clear work objectives, ensuring timely and effective use of performance reviews and feedback mechanisms, engaging in regular communications, establish and support a learning environment, to include staff development and technical expertise;
  22. Perform other related duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential: A bachelor's degree in logistics, procurement, business administration or in any other discipline related to the functions of the post, and a master’s degree in business administration or other discipline related to logistics and shipping, from a recognized university.

Desirable: Certification in logistics and transportation such as Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation (CILT), Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD), or Certified International Trade Professional (CIPT) would be an asset.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO, 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 through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Experience:

Essential: Nine years of combined national and international experience in the logistics of international shipments at the management level in the private or public sector, with supervisory responsibilities.

Desirable: Experience in developing strategies and/or managing logistics for air/ocean operations and transportation of pharmaceutical health supplies would be assets.

SKILLS:

PAHO Competencies:

  • Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
  • Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Relates well to diversity in others and capitalizes on such diversity. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
  • Teamwork: Collaborate and cooperate with others - Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve and build rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the team’s successes and shortcomings.
  • Communication: Write effectively/Share knowledge - Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures. Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.
  • Producing Results: Work efficiently and independently/Deliver quality results - Monitors own and others’ work in a systematic and effective way, ensuring required resources and outputs. Aligns projects with Organization’s mission and objectives. Consistently solves own and team’s problems effectively as needed. Proactively engages in projects and initiatives, accepting demanding goals, in line with Organizational Strategies and Program of Work. Demonstrates accountability for work of team and sets an example, while explicitly articulating lessons learnt for own and team’s benefit.
  • Ensuring effective use of resources: Strategize and set clear objectives/Monitor progress and use resources well - Sets specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely objectives for own team and/or the Organization; systematically analyses and anticipates priority projects for own team and allocates necessary resources to achieve them; identifies the cross-Organizational resources needed for large- scale projects in line with key Organizational objectives. Anticipates foreseeable changes and adapts own and team’s projects in the face of unforeseen circumstances and/ or challenges; creates measures and criteria to monitor progress of overall projects against key Organizational objectives; creates cost-effective solutions for the Organization.
  • Building and promoting partnerships across the Organization and beyond: Develop networks and partnerships and encourage collaboration - Builds and negotiates strategic partnerships and alliances with a wide range of key stakeholders to ensure Organizational results and success. Creates innovative opportunities for promoting synergies inside and outside the Organization to improve Organizational success.

Technical Expertise:

  • Expertise in Logistics for international shipments; knowledge of international logistics policies, regulations, and procedures and understanding of standard contracting terms and conditions; ability to analyze and clarify specifications to solicit.
  • Strong knowledge of current best practices in international shipment and logistics management, with specific emphasis on shipping policies and procedures.
  • Strong analytical skills in the review of logistics practices.
  • Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships within and outside the Organization to support the logistics requirements of the Organization’s programs.
  • Proven ability to guide and coach staff at all levels, to work independently and to manage multiple assignments simultaneously and produce results under pressure.
  • Managerial, organizational, and analytical skills, complemented by excellent communication and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Languages:

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

IT Skills:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Working knowledge of automated systems and microcomputers particularly with regard to financial, accounting, and/or administrative operations. Other IT skills and knowledge of other software programs such as Visio, Microsoft SharePoint and Project. Experience in the use of business intelligence tools (e.g. Tableau) would be an asset.

REMUNERATION

Annual Salary: (Net of taxes)

US $77,326.00 post adjustment

Post Adjustment: 63.5% of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

For information on PAHO please visit: http://www.paho.org

PAHO/WHO is an ethical organization that maintains high standards of integrity and accountability. People joining PAHO are required to maintain these standards both in their professional work and personal activities.

PAHO/WHO also promotes a work environment that is free from harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and other types of abusive behavior. PAHO conducts background checks and will not hire anyone who has a substantiated history of abusive conduct.

PAHO/WHO personnel interact frequently with people in the communities we serve. To protect these people, PAHO has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. People who commit serious wrongdoing will be terminated and may also face criminal prosecution.

PAHO/WHO is committed to workforce diversity. PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post. The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.

This vacancy is now closed.
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