Supply Chain Management Specialist (Pharmaceutical - Retainer) at UNOPS

Project Information

• The National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) is a body under the Department  of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Nigeria.
• It is vested with the responsibility of formulating and facilitating National malaria policy and guidelines, coordinating the activities of partners and stakeholders on malaria elimination activities, providing technical support to States’ malaria programmes, Local Government Areas (LGAs) and other stakeholders in the private sector; mobilising resources, monitoring and evaluating progress and outcomes in malaria elimination efforts across Nigeria.
• The Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) has received funding to implement a 5 year project pertaining to elimination of Malaria in Nigeria and specific to Four (4) States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory; namely Bayelsa, Edo, Enugu, Kogi and the Federal Capital Territory.
• The objective is to improve the delivery and uptake of malaria prevention and treatment activities in Eligible States to achieve at least 80% universal coverage of vector control, Seasonal Malaria Chemoprophylaxis (SMC) both at household or population levels and case management in the public sector of the Eligible States.
• It is anticipated that during the period of the Project implementation, the overall burden of malaria in the country will reduce from current figures of 27% to ≤ 15%.
• The project scope includes:
  • Acquisition and distribution of Antimalarial commodities (LLINs, RDTs and Antimalarial Drugs)
  • Capacity building and social mobilisation
  • Malaria case management (iv) Monitoring and evaluation and (v) Support to project implementation.
• On Account of the Agreement between Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) and the Financier, the FRN has engaged UNOPS to support the implementation of component 1 (i.e. the acquisition of Long-Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs), Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) and Anti-Malarial Drugs) on behalf of the NMEP.
• Under the procurement agreement between UNOPS and FRN, UNOPS will procure and deliver the goods using its procurement rules and procedures.

Position Information

• Both UNOPS and NMEP agree in principle that participation of locally manufactured  products is critical for sustainability and to spur local job creation. In this regard, for products that are manufactured locally, UNOPS will procure through a national competitive bidding process.
• The Supply Chain Management Specialist (Pharmaceutical) is required to support the procurement process and ensure quality assurance of commodities to be procured from both local and international suppliers.

Functional Responsibilities
Rationale for the Assignment:

• A Supply Chain Management Specialist (Pharmaceutical)  with adequate understanding of the contextual and regulatory considerations for effective pharmaceutical procurement is needed to support the project team on the development of specifications, development of tender documentation,  evaluation of tenders and developing criteria/guidelines for acceptance of products.
• This is essential to the project’s success.

Objectives & Expected Outputs:

• The overarching objective of this assignment is to ensure that malaria commodities meet acceptable standards, are in line with the detailed specifications agreed with the NMEP and also fit for purpose (provide the desired effect to the patient/user).

The expected deliverables are as follows:

• Detailed product specifications for LLINs, RDTs and Antimalarial Drugs are developed to guide the solicitation process
• Criteria for inspection and acceptance of malaria commodities is developed
• A shortlist of qualified manufacturers and suppliers to be invited for competitive bidding
• The Supply Chain Management Specialist (Pharmaceutical) will collaborate with NMEP and the UNOPS Procurement Team to develop the detailed specifications for each product.

Key Activities & Tasks
She/He will undertake the following activities:

• Where necessary, the Pharmaceutical Supply Management Specialist will support market analysis to establish local manufacturing capacity for some commodities and the extent of competition in each product category.
• Support the Procurement Team to identify potential and eligible suppliers to be invited for local competitive bidding. The process may may include an advertised Expression of Interest for the supply of LLINs and Antimalarial drugs
• Identify potential risks and mitigation measures for UNOPS to procure locally manufactured Antimalarial medicines in Nigeria
• Liaise with NMEP to develop product specifications (strength, packaging specifications etc) in line with the National Malaria Elimination Program
• Support the development of tender documents and evaluation of tenders
• Define technical and quality criteria to assure the quality of commodities  procured by UNOPS in compliance with the UNOPS QA policy. These will be developed in consultation with NMEP and UNOPS Project Team
• Develop a product assessment criteria for locally manufactured medicines which may include sample/batch testing.

Support to be provided by UNOPS:

• UNOPS will provide the following  support to enable the PSM specialist to complete the task:
• Support from UNOPS Project Manager in facilitating meetings with the UNOPS Procurement Team and NMEP
• Support from the Procurement Team to identify potential local suppliers to be invited for competitive bidding, which may include advertising an Expression of Interest (EoI)
• The Supply Chain Management Specialist (Pharmaceutical) is required to use her/his own work space and equipment for this assignment. Visits to selected factories may be required and UNOPS will facilitate these travels and bear the cost.

Education / Experience / Language Requirements
Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Masters or PhD) in Pharmacy is required Or a combination of a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy plus a Masters Degree in Procurement, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Regulatory Affairs, or any relevant field is acceptable.
• University Degree in Pharmacy (Bachelor’s Degree / First level) with a combination of two (2) additional years of relevant work experience will be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.

Certification:

• Membership of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria is required

Work Experience:

• A minimum of five (5) years' progressive experience that combines pharmaceutical quality assurance, pharmaceutical supply management and/or production is required.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical regulatory environment and/or pharmaceutical supply management within the Nigerian Public or Private Sector is required.
• Hands-on experience in supporting malaria control interventions in sub-Saharan Africa will be an added advantage.
• Experience in report writing is an asset.
• In-depth understanding of the contextual and regulatory considerations that have to be made in order to assure quality of medicines is an asset.

Language Requirement:

• Fluency in written, reading and spoken English Language is required.

Competencies:

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above
• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.