Vaccine Management and Supply Chain Specialist

Organizational Context

UNICEF operates in challenging environments globally, dedicated to saving children's lives, defending their rights, and helping them reach their full potential. In the Republic of Congo, UNICEF supports the government in enhancing immunization services to ensure equitable access to life-saving vaccines. The operating environment faces challenges such as frequent stock-outs, weak forecasting, limited sub-national capacity, cold chain gaps, and data quality issues, all of which hinder national immunization goals and emergency response.

Job Purpose

This assignment aims to bolster vaccine management and supply chain systems within the Republic of Congo, supporting the government and UNICEF's efforts to strengthen immunization services. The UN Volunteer will provide crucial technical assistance to the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), focusing on improving national capacities in vaccine and stock management, cold chain operations, logistics information systems, and data utilization for informed decision-making. By working closely with UNICEF, the Ministry of Health, EPI managers, and partners, the role is pivotal in enhancing the overall performance of the vaccine supply chain, ensuring continuous availability of essential vaccines and supplies for children and target populations.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will monitor vaccine and supply availability, support forecasting and quantification, and track stock levels, consumption, and wastage. Responsibilities include strengthening accountability mechanisms and facilitating stock redistribution. The role involves supporting cold chain monitoring, ensuring adherence to storage and handling standards, and overseeing the deployment of vaccines and supplies. Data management is key, focusing on improving the quality and use of logistics data, strengthening LMIS platforms, and producing analytical reports. Capacity building through training, mentoring, and developing standard operating procedures for EPI staff is essential. The volunteer will participate in coordination meetings, strengthen inter-level coordination, and support supervision missions. Logistical support for immunization campaigns and emergency response operations, including monitoring vaccine use and availability, is also required.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience in vaccine management, health logistics, or supply chain management is required. Experience with immunization programs, particularly EPI, is desirable. Experience in vaccination campaigns, emergency response operations, and collaboration with Ministries of Health and technical partners is highly advantageous.

Skills

Key competencies include strong technical expertise in vaccine and stock management, forecasting, cold chain management, and Logistics Management Information Systems (LMIS). Skills in data analysis, reporting, supply chain performance monitoring, and capacity building are essential. The role requires effective multi-stakeholder coordination, strong computer proficiency (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, databases), and the ability to work independently. UNICEF values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability are fundamental, alongside professionalism, teamwork, commitment to learning, planning, organizing, communication, and flexibility.

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