Senior Vaccine and Cold chain Management Consultant (Nationals Only), Addis Ababa, Office-basd + travel, 594457

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them fulfill their potential. We are committed, passionate, and proud of our work, viewing the promotion of children's rights not just as a job, but as a calling. UNICEF offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development.

Job Purpose

The Senior Vaccine and Cold Chain Management Consultant will provide crucial support to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS) in managing the immunization supply chain. This involves comprehensive oversight of planning, forecasting, procurement, storage, distribution, monitoring, and reporting for vaccines, essential supplies, and cold chain equipment. A key aspect of this role is to enhance the capacity of regional and local health structures to effectively manage vaccine supply chains and cold chain systems. The consultant will play a vital role in ensuring the integrity and efficiency of the supply chain, contributing to the successful delivery of immunization services and ultimately, the health and well-being of children.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for supporting the MoH and EPSS in all facets of the immunization supply chain. This includes developing and implementing robust plans for vaccine and cold chain management, conducting accurate forecasting and procurement processes, and ensuring appropriate storage and distribution mechanisms are in place. The role requires diligent monitoring of supply chain performance and timely reporting. A significant part of the responsibility will involve capacity building at regional and local levels, equipping personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage vaccine supply and cold chain systems effectively. This includes training, technical assistance, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), guidelines, and training materials. The consultant will also be involved in developing national cold chain equipment inventories and rehabilitation plans, and ensuring proficiency with WHO PQS-listed equipment and Gavi CCEOP processes. Furthermore, the consultant will contribute to strategies aimed at reaching zero-dose children and will engage with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and its agencies.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in supply chain management, storage, logistics, and inventory control of supplies, preferably within the health sector and including experience in emergency situations.

Skills

Health logistics expertise, Supply planning and forecasting, Customs clearance knowledge, Ethiopian health sector and supply chains understanding, CCE inventory and rehabilitation plan development, WHO PQS-listed equipment proficiency, Gavi CCEOP processes knowledge, Temperature monitoring and cold room mapping, RTM installation, Zero-dose children strategies, Stakeholder engagement (MoH, EPSS), Training, technical assistance, SOP/guideline development, Data quality, reporting, and analytics, Analytical, communication, and presentation skills, MS Excel, PowerPoint, and Word proficiency

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