Recruitment at United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

Recruitment at United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Supply Associate, G-6

Job no: 575812
Location: Abuja
Contract type: Temporary Appointment (364 Days)
Categories: Supply Management

How can you make a difference?

• Under the supervision of the Supply Specialist, the Supply Associate provides a broad range of transactional, procedural and administrative tasks in support of the efficient supply and procurement of the country office, ensuring timely and efficient output that is in compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, whilst demonstrating the capacity to research, adapt and evaluate irregular cases, and also to recommend improvements to process delivery and design.

Responsibilities

• Receives supply requisitions, ensuring accuracy of specifications of items, and confirms availability of funds, obtaining additional information from the programme sections as necessary. Monitors assigned requisitions to ensure completion of procurement actions in a timely manner.
• Obtains quotations, issues invitation to bids to approved and listed suppliers; arranges and participates in bid openings with the Supply Manager, compiles price tabulations with price ratings and recommendations for order placement, prepares CRC submissions for finalization by the Supply Manager.
• Corresponds with programme Sections/Field offices and suppliers on supply and procurement matters.
• Generates and compiles a variety of warehouse reports from vision and monitoring reports from the supply dashboard/pipeline reports.
• Ensures continuous availability of data related to procurement, including forecasting, requisitions received, orders placed, incoming goods, actual delivery schedules. Prepares periodic reports, and ad-hoc reports as needed.
• Drafts submissions to Contract Review Committee.
• Maintains supplier database and files with full information, in accordance with UNICEF supply guidelines.
• Prepares Direct Orders (Purchase Orders) against existing Long Term Arrangements (LTA) ensuring that the LTA has valid quantities and lead-time meets requirements.
• Quality control and ensure accuracy of UNITRACK generated stock reports and monthly reconciliation of stock inventory reports from different offices. Prepares monthly stock reports on management performance indicators for warehousing operations.
• Maintains purchase order/contract files with all required procurement documentation (POs, invoices, delivery receipts, payment requests, correspondence, etc).
• Responsible for conducting local market surveys on ongoing basis.
• Correspond with offshore suppliers when required and Copenhagen for standard warehouse items and obtain LPA when required.
• Conduct market research for new products and new supplier source as well as updating new product technology

Requirements

• Education: Completion of secondary school education is required, with courses/certifications in business administration, supply chain management, procurement or logistics considered as an advantage.
• Experience: Minimum 6 years of progressively responsible administrative and/or supply-related work experience (procurement, supply or logistics) is required. Familiarity with UNICEF, UN supply procedures and systems is an asset.
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Application Closing Date
10th October, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Procurement Services Manager, (P-4)

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment type: Contract

Job Summary

• We are looking for a Procurement Services Manager, to become part of a highly motivated and committed team of over 400 staff who work to bring visible changes in the lives of the most disadvantaged children in Nigeria.

Job Description

• Under the supervision of the Chief Supply, the Procurement Services Manager provides strategic leadership, forecasting and procurement guidance, and coordination of technical support, financing, and fundraising to the Government for strengthening national supply chain systems and ensuring availability of key health and nutrition commodities.
• This position also works with local partners, such as the World Bank, USAID, the National Product Supply Chain Planning Team, the Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, and the National Logistics Working Group to develop and update the national strategies, tools and guidance on supply chain policies, procedures and systems.
• This position works with Headquarters teams in Supply Division, the Regional Office, and Country Office colleagues to shape and coordinate technical assistance and trainings to national counterparts to meet and build upon minimum standards in relation to:
  • Forecasting, financing, procurement, and tracking of health and nutrition commodities, including vaccines, immunization devices, RUTF, micronutrient supplements, medical equipment, cold chain equipment, and oxygen systems;
  • Development of local manufacturing partners;
  • End user monitoring and stock management practices to prevent stock-outs, wastage, and pilferage;
  • International arrivals, customs clearance, transport and storage solutions, including outsourcing;
  • Overall design of supply chain systems, including alternative modes of transport and integration with other health programmes.
  • The function is characterized as highly independent, strategic, managerial, and experienced in system strengthening efforts, modalities, and opportunities.
  • The position will require a continuous improvement mindset, outlining, prioritizing, and implementing opportunities for improvement in internal controls and management.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide support and guidance to Key Counterparts at National levels and INGOs on PS  planning and transactions through regular communications, training and workshops and visits, as required.
• In coordination with Supply Division, deliver PS Key Accounts as well as complex and large requests and projects.
• Ensure proactive management of UNICEF Nigeria’s Procurement Services activities and relationship with the Government .
• Monitor overall PS transactions (Requests, Cost Estimates, Funding, Orders, and Shipments) and facilitates the efficient and effective PS workflow by addressing the bottlenecks and gaps and improving the processes, in close coordination with PS Centre in SD and National Counterparts.
• Contribute to SD Workshops, special/other events. Provides training on PS, particularly with regard to transaction management.
• Provide advice to the Country Office, Government and implementing partners on offshore and/or local procurement of goods and institutional services policies and procedures, Procurement Services and GAVI Co-financing; delivery and utilization of UNICEF supplies and equipment; coordinate with the Supply Division, Copenhagen, on supply policy and/or activities.
• Engage with Government partners, UNICEF Nigeria Field Offices, and SD on innovative financing opportunities, such as the Vaccine Independence Initiative pre-financing and the Child Nutrition Match Fund.
• Work with Programme Sections (such as Health and Nutrition), Supply Division and partners to develop/update tools and guidance on policies, procedures and systems; and provide support through ROs and COs to implement at country level.
• Provides support, as needed, in training counterparts and undertaking Effective Vaccine Management (EVM) assessments; and in developing and implementing the EVM-based Improvement Plan.
• On-going review of the tools and methods in the vaccine management for refining and improving them.
• Develop and maintain partnership and collaborative relations with UNICEF, Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts in supply/logistics and institutional services activities including distribution, monitoring supply inputs, and inventory.
• Participate in the preparation of all programme reports for management, Board, donors, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, etc.
• Manage the Procurement Services Unit in the Supply Section, overseeing data collection, quality control, resource management, budgeting needs, and career development of national staff.
• Serve as Supply Section Officer-in-Charge when needed to ensure proper policies and procedures are followed in the Supply Section, information is shared with the Country Management Team and Operations Leadership, and Human Resource needs are addressed.

Minimum Requirements
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Supply chain management or Public Health or Program management, or other academic qualifications in similar areas, and relevant experience.
• A minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience in supply chain, logistics, immunization, or related areas; of which at least 2-4 years in developing countries.
• Knowledge of the UNICEF Procurement Services process from Forecast through Cost Estimates, Purchase Orders, and Funds Utilization.
• Demonstrated experience in supply chain system strengthening activities in support of governments
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Skills:

• Thorough knowledge of immunization supply chain topics, including forecasting, procurement, storage, and distribution of cold chain vaccines and related ancillary commodities, such as syringes.
• Strong knowledge of UNICEF logistics systems and processes, including the ability to use supply related modules within UNICEF ERP system, such as the Supply Chain Dashboard.
• Expertise with MS Excel, including calculations, pivot tables, and dashboards. Experience using other MS tools, such as Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients, suppliers and colleagues and gain the assistance and cooperation of others in a team endeavor.
• Ability to establish priorities and plan his/her own work and plan, coordinate and monitor the work of those under his/her supervision.
• Ability to draft clear and concise reports or rationale for supply-related decisions on key issues.
• Ability to resolve difficult, complex and sensitive situations often under pressure.
• Advanced communication and negotiation skills to establish and maintain trusted partnerships for achievement of objectives and to develop close and effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of latest developments and technology in logistics.
• Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in English is required.
  • Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Desirables:

• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

Application Closing Date
11st October, 2024.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Health Officer (HIV / AIDS)

Job no: 576069
Location:  Abuja
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Duration: 364 days
Categories: Health, HIV/AIDS

Purpose of the Job

• Under the supervision of the Health Specialist, Maternal and Newborn Health and the general oversight of the Health Manager, MNCAH/HIV, the Health Officer (PMTCT/Paediatric AIDS) provides technical, operational and administrative assistance throughout the programming process for PMTCT/Paediatric AIDS programmes/projects (including linkages with Adolescent HIV) within the Country Programme.
• This includes planning, preparing, executing, managing and implementing a variety of technical and administrative program tasks to facilitate programme development, implementation, programme progress monitoring, evaluating and reporting of results.
• The Health Officer will also be supporting FMOH for the timely implementation and reporting of PMTCT-Peads AIDS robustly funded by the Global Fund, PEPFAR and the Government.

Key Function, Accountabilities and related Duties / Tasks
Support to programme development and planning:

• Support the update of situation analysis, development, design, and management of the PMTCT/Paeds AIDS components of the MNCAH programme.
• Contribute to the development/establishment of the health section programme goals, objectives and strategies and results-based planning through analysis of HIV needs and areas for intervention and submitting recommendations for priority and goal setting.
• Support DPH/DFH/NPHCDA to convene regular joint meetings/conversations to review progress on service integration and service coverage, including situations are functional.
• Strengthen PMTCT and pediatric HIV indicators in MNCAH performance monitoring tools and review meetings by technical working groups and coordination platforms such NEMCHIC and RMNCAEH+N

Prepare required documentation/materials to facilitate the programme review and approval process:

• Participate in monitoring and evaluation exercises, programme reviews and annual reviews with government and other counterparts to assess programmes/projects and to report on required action/interventions at the higher level of programme management.
• Provide technical support for the conduct of the Annual Review of the National PMTCT/Pediatric HIV scale-up plan – as a strategy for national tracking and knowledge management.
• Facilitate Learning collaboratives through supporting analysis, evidence generation, sharing lessons from within Nigeria and sharing experiences from other countries; and ensuring global guidance/standards are followed (such as compliance to the updated WHO guidance on HIV testing/three test algorithm).

Technical and operational support to programme implementation:

• Provide technical and strategic support in operationalizing national policies, strategic documents, and action plans related to PMTCT/Paeds AIDS.
• Provide technical support to DPH/DFH/NPHCDA and coordination of integration of PMTCT/Paed AIDS into primary health care and the broader RMNCH structures.
• Provide technical support at federal and state levels to ensure that implementation guidelines, protocols and work plans align with the revised policies and strategies to deliver integrated MNCAH/PMTCT and pediatric HIV services.
• Provide technical support to NASCP/NTBLCP in coordination and knowledge management of a national Retention in care/Pediatric case-finding program.
• Provide technical support for Nigeria’s reporting on the Global Health Alliance to end AIDS in Children

Impact of Results:

• The efficiency and efficacy of support provided by the Health Officer to programme preparation and planning and implementation of HIV/AIDS-related programmes/projects contribute to accelerating UNICEF and national development efforts to eliminate new HIV infections among children and to provide life-saving protection, care and support to children and their families affected by AIDS that in turn contribute to achieving UNICEF’s vision, commitment and goal to an AIDS-free generation that starts with children and the “Three Zeros” – zero new infection, zero deaths and zero discrimination.
• Specifically, this support shall all contribute to efforts aimed at addressing, (I) outstanding programmatic gaps in PMTCT and Pediatric care (ii) challenges with reporting and improving programme efficiency through integration) and (iii) tracking of national and subnational data systems.

Requirements
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

• A University Degree in public health, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology or other health related sciences is required.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in PMTCT/Paeds AIDS planning and management and/or in relevant areas of health care, health/emergency preparedness at the international level and/or in a developing country is required. Experience in PMTCT/Paeds AIDS programme/project development in UN system agency or organization is an asset.
• Oral and written proficiency in English is required.  Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.

Application Closing Date
14th October, 2024. (W. Central Africa Standard Time).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Social Policy Specialist (Data Management)

Job no: 576062
Location:  Abuja
Contract type: Temporary Appointment
Duration: 364 days
Categories: Social Policy

Purpose of the Job

• Under the direct guidance of the Chief, Social Policy, the Social Policy Specialist (Data Management) will provide critical technical support to UNICEF Nigeria’s Social Policy Section in managing and integrating data essential for the successful implementation of both development and humanitarian programs. The role involves establishing and maintaining robust data management practices, ensuring seamless integration of data within the management information system, and safeguarding the sensitive information of vulnerable populations.
• Key responsibilities include managing large volumes of data related to program beneficiaries, ensuring data security and privacy, and providing technical guidance to the Government of Nigeria in the review and development of the National Social Register.

Key Function, Accountabilities and related Duties / Tasks
Data Management and Integration:

• Manage and analyze large volumes of data related to the implementation of social protection programs
• Ensure data is accurately integrated into the management information system to inform program decisions and strategies
• Develop and maintain data management protocols to ensure data security, privacy, and integrity, particularly within the context of humanitarian programming.

HOPE Platform Implementation:

• Support the implementation of the HOPE digital platform within humanitarian programs to manage sensitive beneficiary data.
• Ensure the platform mitigates risks associated with data misuse, discrimination, and harm to beneficiaries
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the HOPE platform in managing beneficiary data and protecting their rights

Monitoring and Reporting:

• Regularly monitor data quality and consistency across programs and ensure compliance with UNICEF’s data management standards.
• Prepare and present data-driven reports to support UNICEF’s advocacy and programmatic efforts.
• Provide timely and accurate data insights to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of social protection initiatives

Requirements
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

• An advanced university degree in social sciences, statistics, data management, public policy or a related field.
• A minimum of five years of professional experience in data management, analysis and integration within social protection or related fields, preferably with experience in a humanitarian context.
• Proficiency in data management software and tools (e.g., Excel, SPSS, R, Stata).
• Experience with digital platforms for managing sensitive data, particularly in complex and fragile contexts.
• Knowledge of the social protection landscape in Nigeria is highly desirable.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of the major Nigeria local Languages is of added value
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency.

Application Closing Date
14th October, 2024. (W. Central Africa Standard Time).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Job Title: Consultant: Study on Lessons Learned on Integrating COVID-19 Vaccine into High-risk Group Routine Care in Guyana

Job no: 576081
Location: Nigeria
Contract type: Consultancy
Categories: Health

How can you make a difference?

• The ‘base-case’ scenario of WHO’s November 2023 Roadmap for COVID-19 vaccines is that the virus continues to evolve but does not become more virulent. Periodic spikes in transmission may occur as a result of an increasing proportion of susceptible individuals over time if waning immunity is significant; this may require periodic boosting at least for high-priority populations
• The Roadmap recommends that high-risk groups receive COVID-19 vaccine annually. High risk groups are older adults with co-morbidities that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19; adults, adolescents, and children older than 6 months with moderate to severe immunocompromising conditions; pregnant women, and health care workers.
• While COVID-19 vaccine was primarily delivered through mass vaccination during the pandemic, the recommended and more sustainable approach is now to integrate COVID-19 vaccine delivery with routine health services. Hence, in line with the WHO Roadmap, the COVID-19 vaccination programme should transition to prioritize high-risk groups.
• Following WHO and UNICEF guidance, countries have started integrating COVID-19 vaccines into routine immunization services and the broader health system. Some countries have already taken steps to integrate COVID-19 vaccine into care pathways of high-risk groups, such as pregnant women and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, so far there is little evidence on opportunities and constraints for integrating COVID-19 vaccination into the clinical services that serve these populations.
• The primary purpose of this study is to assess the acceptability, feasibility, uptake, costs, and sustainability of integrating COVID-19 vaccination into routine care of two vulnerable groups – pregnant women and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Guyana. The overall intended programme of work will involve four countries in total, including Guyana. Eswatini and Malawi will examine integration of COVID-19 vaccine into antiretroviral therapy services and Cote d’Ivoire into antenatal care.
• The secondary objective will explore key informants’ reflections on the pandemic COVID-19 vaccine rollout and lessons learned that could be applied in a future pandemic scenario. This aspect of the study will only be conducted in Guyana and not in the other three countries.
• These TORs are concerned with the study taking place in Guyana, which has been integrating COVID-19 vaccination within antenatal care services and ART services for PLWHA. In Guyana, COVID-19 vaccine is routinely offered to pregnant women along with the Td vaccine. It is available both at antenatal clinics and primary care level, but not in pharmacies. Health promotion and health education activities to support COVID-19 vaccine delivery are carried out at clinic level. Despite availability, acceptance rates have been reported to be low. COVID-19 vaccination policy in Guyana follows WHO recommendation, but to date there is no official government policy recommendation. Similarly, Guyana recommends and offers COVID-19 vaccination to PLWHA as part of their routine care.

Study aims and objectives:

• The study aims to draw lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, both for its pandemic roll-out and post pandemic routinization of COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk groups. The study will have two overall aims: Study A will examine lessons learned from the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out in Guyana during the pandemic. Study A will aim to evaluate the integration of COVID-19 vaccination into routine care of high-risk groups (post pandemic);

Aim of study A:

• To explore lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic vaccine rollout to inform future planning for pandemic preparedness through a limited number of key informant interviews.

Aim and objectives of study B:

• To assess the acceptability, feasibility, uptake, costs, and sustainability of integrating COVID-19 vaccination into routine care of two vulnerable groups – pregnant women and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Detailed objectives of Study B are:

• To describe the existing COVID-19 vaccination delivery model(s) in pregnant women and PLWHA
• To identify the barriers and facilitators of COVID-19 vaccine delivery to pregnant women and PLWHA.
• To assess the uptake, timing/timeliness and associated determinants of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women and compare these with maternal tetanus vaccination.
• To assess the uptake, and associated determinants of COVID-19 vaccination uptake, in PLWHA.
• To describe how COVID-19 vaccine delivery is integrated within ANC services and clinical care models of PLWHA. This involves examining integration of broader health systems functions (e.g. governance, financing, supply, health information system, supervision, etc..) as well as characterizing the level of integration at facility level – including mapping the delivery of COVID-19 vaccine within the care pathway(s).
• To explore health care professionals’ (HCPs) and program managers’ experience and views of the feasibility, of integrating COVID-19 vaccine delivery into ANC services and PLWHA care.
• To explore the experience and views of pregnant women and PLWHA on COVID-19 vaccination and their satisfaction of the integrated delivery
• To quantify the additional cost of delivering COVID-19 vaccine as part of existing ANC services and PLWHA care services.
• This work is funded by Gavi to provide evidence on integrated COVID-19 vaccine delivery as part of the Gavi COVID-19 vaccine learning agenda.

Requirements
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have:

• A Master’s Degree in Health policy/ health systems/ health economics/ epidemiology.
• Experience of public health/health policy – at least 5 years
• Research experience including mixed methods – quantitative and qualitative skills – at least 5 years
• Publication record (reports and peer reviewed publication)
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wider range of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to develop and maintain good working relationships.
• Fluency in English Language is required (oral & written).

Application Closing Date
15th October, 2024. (W. Central Africa Standard Time).

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online