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For every child, the right to vaccine,

UNICEF remains committed to strengthening immunization efforts in Guinea-Bissau, with a strategic focus on supply chain systems, cold chain infrastructure, and vaccine management. Over the past three years, the country has made notable progress in enhancing its Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), particularly through cold chain rehabilitation that has increased vaccine storage capacity by over 69%. Additionally, improved technical capacity in vaccine management has contributed to the prevention of stockouts over the past year.

Key recent achievements include:

• A comprehensive physical inventory and gap analysis of cold chain equipment 
• Implementation of the Effective Vaccine Management (EVM 2.0) Assessment in 2025 
• Development of a Continuous Improvement Plan (cIP) 
• Successful introduction of new vaccines 
• Approval of Gavi Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) applications 
• Approval of Gavi Full Portfolio Planning (FPP) application 
• Deployment of remote temperature monitoring devices to enhance vaccine security 
• Extensive hands-on capacity building for health workers and EPI managers at all levels 

Despite these gains, the country’s EVM performance score of 68% remains below the minimum acceptable standard. To address this gap, continued investment and technical assistance are required in key areas including supply chain management, cold chain logistics, waste management, and vaccine management.

To sustain and build upon these achievements over the next six months, UNICEF seeks to engage a qualified and experienced expert to lead and support these critical areas, including continuation of technical support and knowledge transfer for the implementation of 2025 the EVM-cIP activities.

How can you make a difference? 

Key function, accountabilities, and related duties/tasks

Under the general guidance of the supervisor, the incumbent will undertake the following specific tasks:

1. Provide rapid and relevant responses to evolving supply needs and situations including emergencies, with priority on achieving value for money.

• Responsible for immunization supply chain/logistics planning through coordination with programme and operations sections.
• Provide technical advice on specifications, supply and logistics arrangements facilitating cost-effective, efficient procurement and equitable distribution in support of the country’s immunization programme implementation.
• Participate in the country programme strategy planning preview and reviews to advise on immunization supply chain /logistics requirements for the Plan of Operations and Annual Work Plans and develop framework for monitoring progress.

2. Ensure sound, accurate immunization supply chain /logistics management systems, procedures, and documentation as well as regular, accurate reporting to maintain the highest level of integrity, standards, and accountability.

• Establish and maintain contacts with the Supply Division in Copenhagen on supply procurement and shipping policies for pre-qualified supplies. Interprets and advises the country office on policies and procedures impacting offshore and local procurement and delivery. Maintains links with Copenhagen on transnational shipments, deliveries, claims and appropriateness of supplies.
• In collaboration with the supply and logistics section, establish and maintain a system of contact with customs and port/airport immigration authorities at national ports of entry on the clearance of immunization supplies, in keeping with established protocol.
• Conclude standby agreements with relevant private business companies for cost effective local procurement of supplies, as well as for fielding of supply assistance to projects sites/End users.
• Oversee the overall preparation of appropriate documentation: cash and supply requisitions, purchase orders, long-term arrangements.
• Support the approved CCEOP 5.0 implementation procedures through active participation and coordination with government partners, UNICEF Country Office, UNICEF SD and vendors in ensuring operational deployment plans and implementation schedule are on track.
• Ensure periodic updating of the cold chain inventory to reflect the functional status of all equipment in the country, including the addition of the cold chain equipment through CCEOP mechanism.
• Regularly create and communicate accurate inventory tracking, inventory aging equipment and incoming supplies information.
• Provide regular feedback on vaccine stock and cold chain management to UNICEF programme and operations teams.
• Ensure sustained PUSH system for the distribution of vaccines and consumables from central, regional depots to health structures.
• Contribute to preparation of the supply status reports required for donor reports, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, appeals, etc.

3. Results-based programing on effective ISCM towards increased Immunization coverage

• Provide on-site formative supervision on stock management, temperature monitoring, cold chain inventory and planned preventive maintenance to All EPI relevant staff across the 11 regional vaccine stores.
• Build Capacity of cold chain technicians on effective maintenance/repair of CCE (with focus on Vestfrost CCE).
• Ensure that that all vaccine refrigerators, WICRs and WIFRs at the national and district/regional level are functional with RTMDs for remote monitoring for temperature monitoring to inform maintenance decisions.
• Continue to record zero stockouts of vaccines and supplies across all levels of immunization supply chain.
• Provide technical support on effective reverse logistics and safe disposal of immunization waste through incineration.
• All relevant iSC SOPs and guidelines developed/updated, produced and disseminated to all EPI facilities.
• Support integration of vaccines and related supplies into eLMIS and DHIS2 to ensure real-time data monitoring and timely informed decision makings as outlined in the Full Portfolio Plan.

4. Technical and Advisory Support to the Ministry of Health and National Systems

• Participate in coordination, implementation and monitoring meetings with internal and external partners and establish close collaboration with Country Supply and Logistics Unit.
• Promote and drive immunization supply chain strengthening and change management initiatives with the government and partners, to ensure efficient and effective supply chains for children.
• Advisory support to the Ministry of Health and national systems in defining and determining supply solutions for children, such as use of procurement services; supply financing solutions; local market development; private sector engagement

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

Minimum requirements:

• Education:

  University Degree in Business Administration, Management, Economics, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Procurement, Contract/Commercial Law, Health or related social science field.

  Certification in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems in conjunction with seven (7) years of relevant work experience in managing Immunization supply chain systems in emergency / fragile Countries is a requirement.

• Work Experience:

  A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience, at the national and international levels, in supply, logistics, procurement, contracting, administration and/or other directly related technical fields is required. Understanding of development and humanitarian work. Emergency experience in a fragile Country. Health supply chain management experience is essential.

  Knowledge in Health System Strengthening (HSS) and Cold Chain Equipment Optimization Platform (CCEOP) requests as well as implementing the CCEOP operation deployment plan (ODP).

  Experience in Effective Vaccine Management Assessment, development of continuous Improvement Plan (cIP) integrated into the Supply Chain Improvement Plan (SCIP) and implementation tracking is a must.

  Knowledge in installation, repair and maintenance of cold chain equipment especially the solar direct drive (SDD), temperature mapping of cold rooms and forecasting for vaccines and EPI supplies is a must.

   
• Language Requirements: Fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of Portuguese is highly desired.
• Desirables: Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts. 
  

 

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 promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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 is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert candidates from targeted underrepresented groups] 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.

UNICEF staff members holding fixed-term, continuing, or permanent appointments who are considered to be on abolished post status may apply for this temporary position and, if selected with a start date before 31 December 2025, may take it up as a temporary assignment, in line with UNICEF guidance on separation due to the abolition of posts or staff reduction. They will retain their fixed-term entitlements but will not hold a lien to their abolished post. For other scenarios where a Temporary Assignment may be possible, please refer to Additional guidance on IP to IP temporary assignments after completion of the full TOD.pdf (accessible to UNICEF personnel only).

The conditions of a temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the status of the staff member’s original appointment and may be limited in accordance with applicable UNICEF policies, procedures, and practices in force.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

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.