SSRRE 2027-2028: Deputy Director (Immunization Supply), D-1, Copenhagen, Denmark

Organizational Context

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfil their potential. As the world's largest buyer of vaccines, UNICEF plays a critical global role in ensuring access to high-quality vaccines for immunization programs and outbreak responses, collaborating with key partners like Gavi.

Job Purpose

The Deputy Director, Immunization Supply, will lead UNICEF Supply Division's efforts to ensure access to affordable, quality-assured vaccines and related supplies and infrastructure. This role involves providing management oversight for the Vaccine Centre and Energy & Infrastructure Centre, setting strategic goals aligned with UNICEF's priorities, and guiding teams in vaccine supply and procurement. The position requires advising on supply policy, developing market and procurement strategies, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. A key aspect is leading emergency response supply operations for outbreaks and pandemics, coordinating with global partners, and contributing to country-level supply analysis and strategies to enhance immunization coverage and vaccine security worldwide.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Director Supply Division, lead the Immunization Supply Pillar, providing management oversight across the Vaccine Centre and Energy & Infrastructure Centre. Set goals and strategic directions in vaccine and related supplies, aligning with the UNICEF Strategic Plan, organizational priorities, and work plans. Support country programmes on supply policy issues and provide advisory services on vaccine-related supply matters, recommending policy changes. Set objectives, direct, and implement the development of market strategies, procurement approaches, and contractual frameworks in close collaboration with other Centre Chiefs, Deputy Directors, partners, and industry to meet vaccine security objectives. Advise the Divisional Director on preparedness and response strategies, overseeing vaccine-related emergency response during outbreaks, epidemics, and pandemics, leading strategic and technical engagement with key partners and stakeholders to ensure efficient and effective supply operations for vaccine procurement and delivery. Ensure procurement is conducted in compliance with UN Financial Rules and Regulations, Division Procedures, and Vaccine Procurement Principles, supporting Vaccine Security, including offer evaluation and contract finalization up to safe delivery to country programmes. Manage budget responsibilities for assigned program-related funds. In collaboration with regional offices, ensure quality-assured Immunization supply by establishing priorities and evaluating services within regional supply strategies, contributing to the development of immunization supply analysis and strategies for country programmes. Ensure close coordination with partners engaged in the Immunization Agenda 2030 (IA2030) and lead internal UNICEF coordination for immunization-related procurement and supply activities and guidance. Participate in major strategic meetings with Programme Division, WHO, and Gavi on global supply policy issues to support Vaccine Security objectives.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in supply chain management, procurement, logistics, or a related field, with at least 5 years at the international level. Experience in vaccine procurement and supply chain management is highly desirable. Experience in managing complex projects and teams is essential.

Skills

Strategic planning and leadership, Supply chain management, Vaccine procurement and logistics, Market analysis and strategy development, Contract negotiation and management, Risk management, Financial management and budgeting, Stakeholder engagement and partnership building, Emergency preparedness and response, Team management and development, Policy development and advisory, UN procurement rules and regulations

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