Health Supply Chain Management Specialist (Oncology)

Organizational Context

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan is dedicated to fostering a modern, prosperous, and democratic society through responsive governance, future-ready citizens, and an inclusive green economy. Since 1993, UNDP has partnered with national stakeholders on numerous projects, contributing to economic development, government modernization, and improved lives for vulnerable populations. Current efforts align with the UN Country Programme Document and national Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on inclusive and green recovery, particularly in health.

Job Purpose

This role supports Uzbekistan's National Cancer Control Program, a high-visibility, presidentially mandated initiative aimed at improving cancer care. The program addresses rising cancer incidence, low early-stage detection rates, and challenges in medicine availability. UNDP is designated as the government's partner for oncology supply chain management, overseeing procurement and delivery of essential medicines and equipment. The UN Volunteer will be embedded within the UNDP Health Governance Project team, collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other partners to strengthen the supply chain, enhance digital health solutions, and ensure uninterrupted access to critical cancer treatments nationwide.

Responsibilities

The UN Volunteer will support the planning and implementation of procurement for oncology medicines, consumables, and equipment under the National Cancer Control Program, adhering to UNDP regulations. Key duties include contributing to joint quantification and demand forecasting with national counterparts, verifying patient and stock data, and supporting market analysis and supplier engagement. The role involves assisting in establishing expedited registration pathways for priority oncology medicines, supporting quality assurance and logistics, and strengthening the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Health's Procurement Center through SOP development and training. Additionally, the volunteer will support linkages with UNDP's digital health initiatives, coordinate project activities, monitor progress, prepare reports, and contribute to knowledge management and documenting lessons learned from the pilot phase for nationwide rollout.

Work Experience

Requires at least three years of professional experience in public health program implementation, health procurement, or supply chain management of medicines and medical products, preferably including oncology or non-communicable disease commodities. Experience in health commodity quantification, forecasting, procurement planning, quality assurance, warehousing, cold chain, or distribution is essential. Familiarity with national regulatory processes, WHO prequalification, and international procurement is a strong asset.

Skills

Essential skills include strong analytical and data management capabilities (advanced Excel proficiency is key), excellent drafting, communication, and presentation abilities. The role requires the capacity to engage senior government counterparts and work effectively in multicultural teams. Core competencies include accountability, adaptability, client orientation, commitment to learning, integrity, judgment, planning, professionalism, and teamwork. Expertise areas include community development, public health, immunisation, logistics, and procurement.

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