Health Logistics and Supply Chain Associate

Caracas

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Caracas
Grade: Administrative support - GS-6, General Service - No need for Higher Education - Locally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Public Health and Health Service
- Logistics
- Supply Chain
Closing Date: Closed

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background and Organizational Context

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with Governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the pledge to leave no one behind reflect the interconnectedness of health and sustainable development issues such as the widening economic and social inequalities, the climate crisis, rapid urbanisation, the continuing burden of HIV and other infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, tuberculosis, COVID.19), the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and the emergence of health threats. The scope and scale of delivering health and well-being for all demands innovative partnerships and financing.

UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund (GF), in line with UNDP’s HIV and Health Strategy 2022-2025: ‘Connecting the Dots’, makes a vital contribution to UNDP’s Strategic Plan 2022-2025, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the pledge to leave no one behind. When requested, UNDP acts as interim Principal Recipient (PR), working with national partners and the Global Fund to ensure management, implementation, and oversight of GF grants, while simultaneously strengthening health institutions and systems for national entities to assume the PR role over time.

Office/Unit/Project Description

UNDP has been identified by the Global Fund as the interim PR for the Venezuela malaria grant, which is in the final year of grant implementation, having started on 1 January 2021 and ending on 31 December 2023. The grant was exceptionally approved by the Global Fund Board as a result of the sustained increase in malaria cases which began in 2010.

UNDP implements the programme in close coordination with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), the Ministry of Popular A1-B2 level desired Power (MPPS), and other technical agencies.

In order to manage the malaria grant and achieve its aforementioned goal, a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU), has been established to ensure strategic, programmatic and operational management and oversight of the grant. Importantly, since there is no CCM in Venezuela, a multi-stakeholder advisory group (‘the malaria technical advisory group’) has been established. Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) is the Sub-recipient supporting programme implementation.

In March 2023, UNDP was nominated to serve as PR for the next Global Fund grants – one malaria grant and one HIV/TB grant, both of which will start on 1 January 2024 for a 3-year grant period.

Position Purpose

Key Duties and Accountabilities

Supports the process of quantifying medical inputs for malaria control, to achieve the following key results:
	Represent UNDP on the National Committee for the Quantification of Malaria Health Products and provide technical support to obtain quality quantifications in line with national needs. Participate in annual and quarterly quantification exercises, and ad hoc meetings. Ensure that quantification exercises are carried out according to the schedule and minutes of the meetings are finalized. Convene the members of the National Committee if an ad hoc exercise of quantification / monitoring of stocks is to be carried out.
2.) Ensures the development, execution and monitoring of health product purchasing plans UNDP / Global Fund, to achieve the following key results:
	In collaboration with the PSM Analyst, develops and implements the purchasing plan for pharmaceuticals and other medical products on the basis of the contractual planning document (the Health Procurement Management Template) validated by the Global Fund and ensure compliance with execution deadlines in the purchasing plan. Monitor and update health products purchasing plans. Make requisitions for purchases, ensure follow-up with suppliers. Ensure compliance and application of the quality assurance policy for pharmaceuticals and other health products of the UNDP and the Global Fund. Prepare documentation for cases submitted for review by the UNDP Contracts Committee (CAP); Development and implementation of the internal control system which guarantees that the purchase orders (PO) are duly prepared and processed. Management of the implementation of the purchasing process monitoring system and mechanisms to eliminate anomalies in procurement. In collaboration with the PSM Analyst, manages Quantum, tools, in particular the creation of purchase orders, the receipt of supplies and payments to suppliers. Report procurement transactions in the Global Fund's price and quality reporting system (PQR); Ensure rapid processing of procedures related to customs clearance and organize the reception of products at the central level. In collaboration with the PSM Analyst supports the audit and investigations process and in the context of procurement and supply chain management and ensures timely follow up on management actions; and Support the mitigation of risks related to the procurement and management of health products and implement risk insurance measures.
3.) Ensure proactive and regular monitoring of stocks, consumption and orders, to achieve the following key results:
	With the support of the PSM Analyst, sets up a dashboard of stocks and orders which gives a global visibility on the availability of health products; Identify the risk of stock shortage and over-stock and analyze the reasons and notify the Analyst; Ensure that the malaria technical committee meets regularly to monitor stocks, consumption and orders; Analyze inventory reports and distribution reports from warehousing and distribution service providers. Reviews of logistics data related to the information system (especially at the lower levels of the chain); Develop and implement with the Analyst the UNDP/GF quality assurance plan; and Contributes to the periodic progress reports to the Global Fund.
4.) With Analyst support, ensure adequate storage and distribution of malaria health commodities purchased under the Programm to achieve the following key results:
	Prepare contracts and contract amendments for service providers, consultants and UNDP sub-recipients with PSM responsibility. Establish and manage the filing system. Develop tools for data analysis Ensure timely payments of service providers and consultants; Supervise the services provided for the storage and distribution of health products; Follow up on effective implementations to ensure compliance with good storage practices; Evaluate performance and send feedback to service providers; Ensure fluid communication with providers; Ensure supervision visits to peripheral storage sites and health facilities; Control adequate storage of products; Ensure storage space is available before the arrival of new products; Participate and support physical inventories at the central and peripheral level; Report to the supervisor any discrepancy relating to the storage and management of input stocks Suggest improvement measures in storage and logistics with a clear roadmap proposing actions and responsible parties; and Support and supervise the preparation of orders according to the schedule. Any other tasks assigned by the Procurement and Supply Chain Analyst.
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: None

Requirements

Education

Secondary education is required; University degree (Bachelor´s degree) in Business administration, Supply Chain Management, Health Logistics, or a related field; will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.
CIPS level 2 is a requirement for this position. If certification is not available at the time of recruitment, it should be obtained within one year.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

List:

Experience required for this position.

Minimum 6 years (with Secondary Education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively administrative and logistics experience in Supply Chain Management, Health Logistics, or a related field will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.
Proven experience in health product management is required
Knowledge of and/or experience in UNDP procurement policies and procedures is an asset
Experience in procuerement, international trade and supply chain management under international cooperation (Global Fund) or international organization in health projects. is an asset.
Experience in developing software tools for data analysis and decision-making (Advanced excel, Microsoft Power BI, others) is an asset.
Good knowledge of Office

Language requirements

Fluency in Spanish required.
Fluency in English language is desirable.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core:
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area

Name

Definition

Procurement

Procurement management

The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source

Procurement

Contract management

Knowledge of contract management concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

Procurement

Sourcing

Ability to find, evaluate and engage suppliers of goods and services

Procurement

Stakeholder management

Ability to work with incomplete information and balance competing interests to create value for all stakeholders

Procurement

Strategic sourcing

Knowledge of strategic sourcing concepts, principles and methods, and ability to apply this to strategic and/or practical situations

Procurement

Financial analysis

Knowledge of evaluating businesses, projects, budgets, and other finance related transactions to determine their performance and suitability

Business Management

Customer Satisfaction/Client Management

Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.

Disclaimer

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Candidates selected pursuant to this vacancy may be subject to UNDP’s policy on Probation upon assignment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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This vacancy is now closed.