Denmark: Technical Specialist, P-3, Health Technology Centre, Fixed Term

Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: Denmark
Closing date: 06 Jan 2015

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you. For 60 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Position

Under the general guidance of the Contracts Manager, acts as material owner for a portfolio of essential medical devices needed in Maternal New-born and Child Health (MNCH) Services in resource limited settings and emergency response. Applies specialized product knowledge, and in collaboration with counterparts in field offices and Programme Division, establish technical specifications, standards and guidelines for procurement of medical devices and equipment used in MNCH requisitioned by UNICEF programmes and specialized UN agencies, governments and non-governmental organizations on a procurement services basis. Supports UNICEF#s strategies to strengthen country capacity in the area of supply of medical devices and emergency response and fostering innovation.

Key Expected Results

• Availability of a portfolio of quality essential medical devices to meet programme and emergency needs, including pipeline overview of selected innovative technologies.
• Timely availability of technical expertise and guidance to contribute to capacity development, supply chain strengthening and to support programmes and partners in selection, procurement, commissioning, use and maintenance of essential health technologies.
• Enhanced interagency collaboration in development of specifications and standards for medical devices and innovation.
• Timely technical contributions to introduction of new and/or innovative health technologies in programmes, including monitoring and evaluation and review of fitness for purpose regularly reported as needed.
• Partnerships managed

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS

1. In collaboration with UNICEF Programme Division, Regional Advisers, WHO and other key partners, contributes to the formulation of policy guidelines in the area of expertise.2. Reviews, develops and maintains technical supply specifications and requirements to ensure completeness and appropriateness of a portfolio of medical devices included in both the UNICEF database and catalogue.
2. Technical adjudication of procurement tenders for medical devices.
3. Advises programmes and partners on technical matters relating to the commodity of specialization.
4. Reviews programmatic needs and clarifies inadequate specifications, proposing substitute or alternative items as necessary.
5. Manages a portfolio of UNICEF#s health supplies. Conducts market research, horizon-scanning for innovations, provides analysis, background information, recommendations for improving the suitability and range of products within specialized area, resulting in more appropriate equipment, better delivery and lower costs.
6. Supports Procurement Services Centre in preparing cost estimates for special projects on medical devices and related services through contributions of technical knowledge of products, quality standards and performance of technologies in the field.
7. Supports country offices and government partners by assisting in needs assessments in programs or projects aimed at improving access to essential medical devices and equipment.
8. Contributes to technical capacity building in UNICEF Offices and implementing partners to ensure access to essential medical supplies.
9. Any other duties or assignments as requested by supervisor.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education: Advanced university degree in health sciences, biomedical engineering, nursing, and/or public health. Studies in innovation, maternal, new-born and child health will be an asset.

Work Experience: Minimum 5 years of progressive relevant professional experience. Extensive hands-on working experience in facilities providing health services. Quality Assurance experience in public or private sector, or experience in institutional procurement of medical devices would be an advantage. Experience in UNICEF (WHO, WB) desirable.

Technical Knowledge:

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required:

Knowledge on technical and quality requirements of medical devices and health technologies, more specifically essential medical devices in integrated child health services.

b) Common Technical Knowledge Required:

• Knowledge of the importance of quality and approaches to maintain quality throughout the supply chain
• Knowledge of WHO guidance on selection and use of essential health products
• Good communication skills for guidance, guidance notes and capacity development
• Good knowledge of computer applications, internet navigation and advanced Excel skills, Power Point Presentation skills required.

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced

• Innovations in medical devices, processes and risk management.
• Quality policy development and Health Technology Management Assessment competencies

Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English and knowledge of another UN language are required.

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Values and Competencies:

Our Core Values reflect attitudes and convictions that are shared across all UNICEF staff and include diversity and inclusion, integrity and commitment. The successful candidate must believe in the core values and have the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for UNICEF's mandate. The required competencies for this particular position are:

i) Core Values (Required)

• Commitment
• Diversity
• Integrity

ii) Core Competencies (Required)

• Communication (II)
• Drive for results (II)
• Working with people (II)

iii) Functional Competencies (Required)

• Applying technical expertise (II)
• Analysing (II)
• Deciding and Initiating (II)
• Planning and Organizing (II)
• Creating and Innovating (II)

Kindly refer to http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_apply.html for more information on the UNICEF Competency Framework.

How to apply:

APPLICATIONS: Please be informed that all applications to UNICEF are handled via UNICEF's online recruiting system. You can apply to the above position by creating your profile, and application at our web site: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.php.

All applications should be in English and applications outside of the online recruiting system will not be accepted. If you wish to apply for this position, it is advisable that you do not wait until the last minute to do so, in case you encounter any technical problems using the e-recruitment system. In case of any technical problems please contact: eRecruitment@unicef.org

Please note that the position is a 2-year fixed term position subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Kindly also note that candidates will be assessed on foundational and functional competencies and that diversity and gender balance are also factors in the selection process. Queries can be directed to Louise Nielsen at lnielsen@unicef.org

Applications for this position must be received by 6 January 2015

Visit us at www.unicef.org/supply/

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.