Unicef is recruiting a Procurement & Supply Chain Management Specialist, to be based in Maputo.
Context
Health sector commodity security in Mozambique is seen in the wider context of Health System Strengthening, and is strongly prioritized in national policy documents. These documents stress the importance of ensuring access to and availability of medicines, medical supplies, equipment and materials as well as strengthening the management of the public health supply chain.
Rapidly increasing health services in terms of quality and volume have significantly benefited health programs in Mozambique, but have also resulted in substantial increase in the quantity and value of commodities flowing through the public health supply chain. This trend will continue as the number of new health centers is rapidly increasing and newly developed products - many of them with demanding supply chain requirements - continue to be introduced into the health system.
The public health supply chain of Mozambique, however, faces challenges to respond reliably even to existing demands, putting both health commodities and health outcomes at risk.
The Government of Mozambique is keenly aware of its limitations in managing the national health system supply chain and is devoting much time and energy in collaboration with partners to addressing these issues. However, the challenges throughout the public health supply chain(s) are acute.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Mozambique requested technical assistance from UNICEF in the area of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. In response to the Ministry’s request, UNICEF has engaged actively since 2009 in overall technical and strategic support to the Ministry of Health, more specifically to the Ministry’s Medical Supply Center of surgical material and medical equipment.
Duties
The general purpose of the assignment is to provide technical assistance to the MOH in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, in particular:
- As member of the aid effectiveness Working Group on PSM (GTM), lead the dialogue on PSM with Ministry Officials and support partners’ coordination in PSM
- Provide oversight on the implementation of the Pharmaceutical Logistics Strategic Plan, with a special focus on integration and harmonization of the two supply chains within the Mozambican National Health System (Medicines (CMAM) and Medical Supplies (CA)
- Provide technical support to the further implementation of the operational plan for the transformation of the Provincial Supply Center of surgical material and medical equipment (CA) into a Regional CA in Beira
- Provide support to the roll out of the stock management software at the CA in Maputo and the new Regional CA in Beira
- Coordinate UNICEF involvement in the World Bank Nutrition Project, liaising with MOH officials, World Bank and Supply Division as required
- Provide active support to MOH and UNICEF Programme Officers for promotion of better procurement and supply chain practices for specific commodities of UNICEF’s interest (e.g. EPI, PMTCT, LLIN and Nutrition commodities)
The above overall objectives and areas to be covered will be undertaken in a manner which promotes the sustainability of the enhanced system, including a focus on available local staffing capacity.
Key accountabilities and duties include:
1. Ensure active participation in the aid effectiveness Working Group on PSM (GTM)
- As member of the GTM lead the dialogue with Ministry of Health and Partners on PSM
- Provide technical advice to Ministry of Health officials in the identification/resolutions of bottlenecks in procurement and supply chain management
- Coordinate Partners active in procurement and supply chain management strengthening collaboration and promoting country systems
2. Provide oversight on the implementation of the Pharmaceutical Logistics Strategic Plan, with a special focus on integration and harmonization of the two supply chains within the Mozambican National Health System (Medicines (CMAM) and Medical Supplies (CA)
- Provide support to further development of the Strategic Plan, focusing on components that have not yet received sufficient attention
- Provide support to the development of roadmaps and plans for implementation, and monitor the components of the Strategic Plan that are gradually being piloted and implemented
- Effectively incorporate the CA activities into the Strategic Plan and operational plans
3. Provide support for the transformation of the Provincial Supply Center of surgical material and medical equipment (CA) into a Regional CA in Beira and to strengthen the warehouse in Quelimane
- Liaise with UNICEF Supply Division Warehousing Expert Team to organize the physical inventory, warehousing arrangements, and training of staff
- Furthermore, work with the Expert Team to re-arrange and organize the warehouse in Quelimane (Zambezia)
4. Provide support to the roll out of the stock management software at the CA in Maputo and the new Regional CA in Beira
- Monitor and support the utilization of the recently installed tailor-made software on stock management (SIMAM) in the CA of Maputo
- Liaise with the developers of the software to carry out requested changes and/or updates to the system
- Coordinate roll-out of the system to the Regional CA in Beira
5. Coordinate UNICEF support for the World Bank Nutrition Project
- Support finalization of the Memorandum of Understanding between UNICEF and MOH
- Coordinate procurement of commodities
- Communicate and liaise with involved stakeholders (MOH, UNICEF Supply Division/Procurement Services, World Bank, etc.)
6. Provide active support to MOH and UNICEF Project Officers for promotion of better procurement and supply chain practices for specific commodities of UNICEF’s interest (e.g. EPI, PMTCT, LLIN and Nutrition commodities)
- Accompany and support assessments and other initiatives for specific commodities (in case foreseen)
- Support expansion of cold chain under USAID and GAVI grants
- Liaise with UNICEF Project Offices, with MOH programs and CMAM/CA
- Make sure appropriate attention is given to these commodities by MOH and partners when discussing the further development and implementation of strategic and operational plans
The above overall objectives and areas to be covered by the Specialist will be undertaken in a manner which promotes the sustainability of the enhanced system, including a focus on available local staffing capacity and recommendation to further improve and build staff competencies. The technical approach will include working on a daily basis with the staff of the Ministry of Health at different levels. The Specialist will also need to interact at different levels within the donor community, especially with the members of the GTM.
Given the seniority and expertise of the Specialist, he/she will be working with a level of independence. Overall support to the ToR, guidance and oversight will be provided by Chief Health and Nutrition in UNICEF, as the primary supervisor. The Specialist will also work closely with the UNICEF Supply and Logistics Manager, for technical interactions and inputs.
The Specialist is expected to take initiative and exercise judgment in performing his/her assignments. The supervisor will provide guidance as required and will support the incumbent in undertaking the proposed areas of intervention.
Requisites
- Advanced university degree in Business Administration, Management or a related field. Qualifications and technical experience in the area of supply chain management an added advantage
- Eight years of professional work experience in Supply and Logistics management at the national and international levels, with a UN Agency/International NGO, in developing countries
- Fluency in English and Portuguese required
- Knowledge of Supply Chain Management preferably in a developing country context
- Knowledge of relevant Information Technology software
- Knowledge of the global commitment on aid effectiveness, including the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, the Accra Agenda for Action as well as knowledge of the Global Programme Partnerships (GPPs)
- Knowledge of managing inventory, transport, and diverse logistics operations (e.g., programme supply & logistics) in the international environment
- Knowledge of supply/contracting/logistics policies, goals, strategies, and approaches
- Knowledge of public procurement principles and processes
- Knowledge of procurement process from procurement planning, to execution to contract management and administration, including procurement methods and tools of good procurement practice
- Knowledge of establishing strategic, long term and sustainable procurement arrangements
- Knowledge of general principles and processes involved in risk management in procurement, including risk analysis and evaluation techniques
- Knowledge of financial and legal implications in procurement process
- Knowledge of category management
- UNICEF strategic framework for partnerships and collaborative relationships
- Gender equality and diversity awareness
Notes
- The Child Health & Nutrition Section will short-list the most qualified available candidates based on the CV and employment history review and will conduct written assignments and competency based interviews with short listed candidates
- UNICEF is committed to gender equality in its mandate and its staff
- Well qualified candidates, particularly females are strongly encouraged to apply
- Kindly reference the source of this job post: emprego.co.mz
How to Apply
1. Documentation
2. Application
- Send an email to hrmaputo@unicef.org with the subject line "Procurement & Supply Chain Management Specialist - HR/2013/024"