UNICEF announces vacancy for Cold Chain Specialist (UNV)

Cold Chain Specialist (UNV)

General
Description of assignment title: Cold Chain Specialist (UNV)
Assignment country: Nepal
Expected start date: 15/02/2023
Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist
DoA reserved for persons with disabilities: No
Host entity: UNICEF
Type: Onsite
Expected end date: 31/01/2024
Number of assignments: 6
Duty stations: Biratnager, Hetauda, Kathmandu, Butwal, Birendranagar, Dhangadi

Details

Mission and objectives

UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

In all of its work, UNICEF takes a life-cycle based approach, recognizing the particular importance of early childhood development and adolescence. UNICEF programmes focus on the most disadvantaged children, including those living in fragile contexts, those with disabilities, those who are affected by rapid urbanization and those affected by environmental degradation.

UNICEF was created with a distinct purpose in mind: to work with others to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path. We advocate for measures to give children the best start in life, because proper care at the youngest age forms the strongest foundation for a person’s future.

We promote girls’ education – ensuring that they complete primary education as a minimum – because it benefits all children, both girls and boys. Girls who are educated grow up to become better thinkers, better citizens, and better parents to their own children. We act so that all children are immunized against common childhood diseases, and are well nourished: no child should suffer or die from a preventable illness. We work to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS among young people because it is right to keep them from harm and enable them to protect others. We help children and families affected by HIV/AIDS to live their lives with dignity.

We are UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Context

UNICEF initiated co-operation with Nepal in 1964. UNICEF/Nepal’s country programme seeks to advance the respect, protection, and fulfilment of the human rights of children and women in Nepal. UNICEF develops a country strategy to address the key priority issues based on the organization’s mandate. Subsequently, the programme of cooperation is jointly drafted and signed with the Host Government with indicative resource allocations which are submitted for approval to the UNICEF Executive Board. Based on these plans, sectoral programmes and projects are developed for the whole cycle (usually five years) and are further dis-aggregated into Annual Work Plans. Programmes and projects are developed within the framework of the national development plans plan and implemented in close collaboration with the Host Government.

The National Immunization Programme (NIP) is categorized as a Priority 1 programme of the Government of Nepal and has significantly contributed to the reduction of under-five mortality. Vaccine, cold chain and logistics is the core area of NICEF support to Government to strengthen the National Immunization Programme at federal, province and local levels by ensuring there is no interruption in vaccine supply and cold chain is maintained at all levels. UNICEF is fully engaged in providing technical assistance through continuous capacity building of cold chain managers in Management Division at
federal and provincial health logistics management centre (PHLMC), provide regular verification of data on status of cold chain supplies and jointly monitor progress with the government counterparts. UNICEF also support Government to conduct onsite mentoring and coaching that will enable skills transfer and increased capacity of the government counterpart in managing cold chain activities and coordinate to provide technical support in several work streams that fall within the area of immunization, Cold Chain Expansion and Optimization (CCEOP) and Effective Vaccine Management Systems Strengthening (EVM).

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Child Health/Immunization Specialist in the Nepal UNICEF Country Office and directly supervised by the Health Officers in UNICEF’s Field Offices or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Cold Chain Specialist will:

• Provide technical support to federal, provincial/district vaccine stores to strengthen Effective Vaccine Management (e.g., storage, temperature monitoring, stock management, vaccine and cold chain equipment and distribution plan).
• Provide skills transfer support in vaccine forecasting, on-time and accurate recording, verification of and quality reporting.
• Provide technical support to strengthen capacities of health workers at provincial and local level on Effective Vaccine Management.
• Provide technical support to ensure CCEOP deployment plan is timely and accurate and monitor functionality after installation and commissioned.
• Jointly with federal and provincial government counterparts conduct monitoring and supervisory visits to the provinces and local governments, identify issues and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Provide technical support in documenting GAVI related documentation and provide monthly progress report to UNICEF Provide technical support to vaccine sub-centres (municipality level) in maintaining SOP standards of Effective Vaccine Management.
• Establish and strengthen coordination between Central and Provincial Medical Stores.
• Report to Provincial Health Directorate, Child Health and Immunization Section/FWD, Logistics Management Section/MD and UNICEF.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers.
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

As an active UNICEF team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• Submission of a situation analysis brief report on the status of cold chain information management, monthly activity report covering status of 9 EVM criteria relevant to level of deployment; joint monitoring visits with government counterparts; trainings and onsite coaching; deployment and installation of CCEOP plan including monitor functionality report.
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment.
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

5 years of experience in immunization and progressively work responsible on immunization supply chain (vaccine and cold chain management) or relevant field within inter-government organizations (preferably UN system/UNICEF) is highly desirable. Updated knowledge on immunization program and new vaccine introduction and experience working on EPI with communities at grassroots levels is an advantage.

Technical knowledge and skill: Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.); e-LMIS; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Sound security awareness; Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF core value (care, respect, integrity, trust, and accountability) volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise: Health
Driving license: –

Languages
Nepalese, Level: Fluent, Required
English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Public Health, Pharmacy or any other relevant disciplines, with specialized training in Vaccine and Supply Chain Management. Master’s degree in Health Sciences will be an asset.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues.
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups.
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary.
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

The “Cold Chain Specialist (UNV)” will be based in Management Division, Department of Health Services, Kathmandu (1 position) and rest in the Provincial Health Logistics Management Canters (PHLMC): Biratnagar, Hetauda, Butwal, Surkhet and Dhangadi (one each in 5 sites) with frequent visits to the field within provinces. The security situation in all locations is normal and have both road and air access. Moreover, all basic services/facilities are also available in all locations.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Special Notice:

“UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates, candidates from ethnic minority groups are encouraged to apply”

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

Advertisement end date: 07/02/2023

To apply for this job please visit app.unv.org.