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For every child, Health!

Burkina Faso has implemented exceptional COVID-19 response measures, with a particular focus on vaccination. The country's success can be attributed to its well-established immunization infrastructure, trained health workforce, and effective leadership. During the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the government significantly improved its cold chain capacity by increasing the number of cold chain equipment by two-fold. As part of the cold chain closure, other initiatives are planned with funding from Gavi HSS3, the World Bank, Africa CDC. UNICEF has raised funds to implement robust state-of-the-art initiatives for integrated immunization.

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism.

Job organizational context:

The Cold Chain Specialist reports to and works under the guidance and supervision of the immunization specialist, P3 in the program section.

How can you make a difference?? 

Under the guidance of the Immunization Specialist (P-3), the incumbent will work closely with colleagues in the Health and Supply Sections to provide vision, technical leadership, and coordination of technical support to the country office. The aim is to strengthen national vaccine management and immunization supply chain (ISC) systems, thereby enhancing the performance of overall routine immunization programs.

The incumbent will provide technical support to the country to improve Immunization Supply Chain (ISC) management through: (1) Effective Vaccine Management practices and enhancement of supply chain performance, (2) Cold Chain Management and vaccine efficiency (CCEOP, Covax, WB, and others), (3) Vaccine Stock Management to prevent stock-outs and optimize vaccine usage, and (4) Functional National Logistics Working Groups.

Under the supervision of the Immunization Specialist (P-3) and the guidance of the Health Manager, the incumbent will be accountable for the planning, design, implementation, and administration of immunization supply chain projects within the Health and Nutrition program, in accordance with the Country Programme Management Plan, focusing on achieving UNICEF's priorities.

The incumbent will work with partners to develop and update strategies, tools, and guidance on Immunization Supply Chain and Cold Chain Logistics policies, procedures, systems, and activities. Additionally, the incumbent will closely collaborate with other Immunization Supply Chain Management partners globally and in the field.

The UNICEF Burkina Faso country office is currently seeking an expert Cold Chain Specialist to provide versatile support to the government, ensuring the successful implementation of these initiatives.

The Cold Chain Specialist’s role is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the immunization supply chain, which directly supports UNICEF’s mission to improve child health outcomes. By optimizing vaccine management, strengthening cold chain systems, and building capacity, the Specialist ensures that vaccines are delivered effectively, contributing to higher vaccination coverage and better health outcomes. The role’s focus on data-driven decision-making and capacity development aligns with UNICEF’s equity strategy, ensuring that all children, especially the most disadvantaged, have access to life-saving immunizations.

Key End-Results

Evidence-based planning, designing, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of immunisation Supply Chain and Logistics (iSCL)/Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) and Systems Management: streamlined planning and budgeting processes enhance resource allocation, ensuring efficient use of funds and timely project execution. Improved data management supports informed decision-making, contributing to overall program success:

• Ensures the availability of accurate, complete, and up-to-date information on iSCL/CCE required for effective immunization programme and project design, implementation, management, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Drafts sound project budgets on iSCL/CCE for review by the supervisor, ensuring accuracy and appropriateness of data and coding. Drafts updated project status reports.
• Assembles and provides updated data and information on national cold chain logistics management systems for effective immunisation programme and for programme monitoring, analysis, and reporting.
• Analyses of the programme status and recommends appropriate adjustments as necessary. Analyses collected data and information and prepares progress reports, drafts changes in immunization project work plans with identification of required cold chain equipment and accessories.
• Drafts sections of donor, annual and other project documentation related to iSCL/CCE ensuring accuracy and consistency with established rules, regulations and plans of action.

Immunisation cold chain supplies and logistics forecasting, planning, and development: accurate forecasting and supply planning prevent stock-outs and ensure vaccine availability, which is critical for maintaining continuous immunization services. Efficient management reduces waste and optimizes resource use:

• Support MoH/NIP in technical specification of immunisation cold chain supplies, accessories, and equipment; forecasting and quantification; and preparing/updating the comprehensive supply plan for immunisation programme including Covid-19 vaccination.
• Technical support to MoH/NIP on regularly reviews and strengthening of cold chain equipment and vaccine forecasting systems, data triangulation of stock, consumption, and coverage at all levels of the immunisation supply chain, considering data use barriers and mitigation strategies.
• Provides regular technical support to MoH/NIP on analysing the CCE inventory using WHO tools and continuously liaising with SD on identified gaps for proper planning.
• Supports NIP in development of a robust maintenance system to ensure continuous functionality of CCE in Burkina
• Supports the processing of the CCEOP 2.

Capacity Development and Management of Immunization Supply Chain Logistics (iSCL)/Cold Chain Systems: Enhanced skills and knowledge boost operational efficiency in cold chain logistics. Well-trained personnel ensure the sustainability and resilience of immunization programs. Optimized iSCL management, supported by digital systems, increases transparency and accountability, while effective coordination ensures the timely delivery of vaccines:

• Training and capacity building of government personnel and implementing partners to enhance their skills and knowledge in managing immunization Supply Chain Logistics (iSCL) and Cold Chain Equipment (CCE) systems, improving operational efficiency and effectiveness. Well-trained staff contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the immunization program.
• Support for the staff development program to enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and other immunization partners in the design, implementation, and management of iSCL/CCE systems, including the installation, commissioning, repair, and maintenance of cold chain equipment, in line with Gavi’s Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) standards.
• Participation in mid-level management training, including workshops for vaccinators, cold chain technicians, managers, and supervisors, and the development of innovative approaches to immunization logistics and cold chain information management systems.
• Coordination and management of immunization supply chains through improved digital systems, including the introduction of electronic Logistics Management Information Systems (eLMIS), to enhance transparency, accountability, and vaccine tracking across the supply chain.
• Support to the National Immunization Program (NIP) and National Logistics Working Group (NLWG) in developing and validating national and subnational logistics plans, focusing on the arrival, storage, temperature control, distribution, and accountability of vaccines, including Covid-19 vaccines, and the management of cold chain equipment and waste disposal.
• Ensure that issues related to cold chain management are identified and addressed promptly, either at the local level or escalated to MoH/UNICEF as needed, supporting timely vaccine delivery and ensuring a well-coordinated supply chain.

Cold chain equipment and vaccine stock management including in-country distribution.: efficient distribution and stock management ensure that vaccines reach their intended destinations without delays. Proper management reduces wastage and optimizes stock use:

• Plan, receive, store, deploy and monitor the in-country distribution of vaccines, CCE and related logistics including waste management.
• Implement on-going/new routine stock management strengthening initiatives including evidence-based allocation/distribution, tracking and tracing of vaccine deployment, cold chain, and logistics management systems.
• Responsible for facilitation of e-access to data, review and reporting of national and subnational monthly vaccine accountability and cold chain equipment including stock receipts, distribution, utilisation, and wastage rates.

Immunisations supply chain/cold chain and logistics management, monitoring, and reporting: regular monitoring and reporting provide insights into system performance, facilitating timely interventions and adjustments to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Review national and sub-national immunisation supply and cold chain performance, triangulating with service delivery data. Expand/deploy SOPs, tools, and best practices, leveraging appropriate technology, that improve/automate cold chain inventories at all levels of immunisations supply chain (iSC).
• Strengthen monitoring of cold chain equipment and vaccines at subnational levels and ensure timely data sharing with relevant national authorities and partners.
• Monitor the drivers of wastage, developing strategies for mitigating them and incorporating these into their improvement plans.
• Support cold chain management activities including but not limited to regular CCE inventories and development of replacement plans, maintenance plans, and identification of spare parts needs for replacement.
• Support documentation, sharing of evidence and follow-up on Ultra Cold Chain (UCC) maintenance and waste management plans.
• Expand data visualization and ensure it provides regular stock utilization analytics.
• Strengthen routine stock management practices, tools, and systems and use of data for action by national NLWG.

Technical Support for RTMD System and Immunization Waste Management System Development: Effective systems for routine storage and waste management enhance operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, aligning with UNICEF’s goals of reducing waste and improving health outcomes.

• Routine Cold Chain Storage (RTMD System): Effective systems for routine cold chain storage and waste management improve operational efficiency and contribute to environmental sustainability, aligning with UNICEF's goals of reducing waste and improving health outcomes.
• Coordinate with the Supply Division and NIP to identify RTMD manufacturers for installation in Burkina Faso.
• Facilitate the selection of refrigerators and installation sites for RTMDs.
• Prepare initial data input to ensure readiness for training and installation.
• Oversee training and installation of RTMDs for routine vaccine refrigerators.
• Immunization Waste Management System: Reliable solutions, including sustainable waste management, ensure consistent vaccine storage and enhance immunization coverage, especially in remote areas.
• Review existing immunization waste management practices and identify gaps.
• Facilitate improvements in the immunization waste management system.
• Support the procurement of environmentally friendly waste management equipment.
• Assist in waste management initiatives at the primary healthcare level.

Technical support in acquisition, installation and commissioning of PV Systems in selected hard to reach areas:

• Coordinate and collaborate with UNICEF PG and the Regional Office to ensure timely completion of analysis of the HFSE assessment,
• Coordinate with the supply unit to process procurement of solar photovoltaic units and facilitate installation in designated health facilities.
• Design a two-year operation and maintenance (O&M) plan in liaison with UNICEF PG and the vendor to ensure smooth running of the PV systems before handover to the government.
• Support further HFSE assessments and resource mobilization where necessary.

Other assigned duties and responsibilities are effectively performed:

• Performs and delivers additional duties and services assigned by the supervisor.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• An advanced university degree in one of the disciplines relevant to the following areas: Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Public Health, Health Sciences, Public Health, Epidemiology, International Development, Medicine, or a field relevant to technical assistance in immunization Supplies, Cold Chain, and Logistics.
• At least (5) years of experience in Immunisation Supply chain and logistics systems & Solarisation,
• Experience working in Burkina Faso or West Africa is an advantage.
• Experience in low- and middle-income countries, is preferably in the areas of:
• Immunisation Supply and Cold Chain Logistics management
• Health systems strengthening
• Logistics management systems
• Supply chain bottleneck and root cause analysis
• Familiarity with inventory policies, allocation, ordering and distribution strategies and other supply chain operations.
• Assessing and measuring supply chain performance
• Health Facility Solar Electrification
• Experience interfacing with national ministries of health an advantage.
• Fluency in French and good working knowledge in English, especially the ability to write reports, of English is required. Knowledge of local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

[CO/ HQ specific: visa residence requirements: i.e.: UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.]

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.