Job Openings at The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

Vacancy code VA/2017/B5316/12960
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Department/office AFR, GHOH, Nigeria
Contract type: Local ICA Specialist
Contract level: LICA Specialist-8
Duration: 4 months with possibility of extension

Background Information - Job-specific

• The Global Fund is a 21st-century organization designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as epidemics. As a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests nearly US$4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in more than 140 countries.
• By challenging barriers and embracing innovative approaches, we are working together to better serve people affected by the diseases.
• In close collaboration with the Federal government of Nigeria (FGoN) through the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health's National Products Supply Chain Management Programme (NPSCMP), we are embarking on an ambitious and innovative approach to the challenges across Nigeria's supply chain.
• To achieve this objective in its continuous efforts collaborating with Donors/Partners, the National Supply Chain Integration Project (NSCIP) was created in 2014 as a transitory mechanism to full Government ownership after a three year implementation The goal of NSCIP is to improve on the effectiveness and efficiency of the national supply chain by removing duplications while promoting synergy; strengthening collaboration through mutual participation in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; skill transfer through improved local content participation in project execution which would in turn prevent stock outs of health products in store/facilities, minimise wastages and effectively run the entire system.
• The current procurement and supply management system is mostly parallel and with a lot of challenges. Efforts are being put in place under the Nigeria Supply Chain Integration project to integrate the supply chains of the different programmes- Malaria, Tuberculosis, HIV, and Reproductive Health & Vaccines where appropriate to make them more effective and efficient.
• There is work underway to ensure effective Federal and State coordination, designing and implementing a warehousing and distribution network with 6 zonal-hubs operated with support of private sector, and strengthening of Logistics Management system.
• There will be a period of transition from the programme specific arrangements associated with in-bound supply, transport to warehouses, and ultimate delivery to facilities to the new integrated arrangements. During the transition there will be a hybrid of arrangements in place, and it is important that there is no disruption to patient treatment.

Purpose

• To ensure that all the parties in the warehousing and distribution network corporate with the National Warehouse Advisory Committee (NWAC) -Secretariat in complying with all activities intended to integrate and manage warehousing and distribution system in line with NWAC vision.
• To manage the  critical risk factors in transitioning all warehouse and distribution functions to NSCIP platforms, all of which will requires stronger political will than will normally be provided by any other PMO operatives.
• To facilitate the requests for approvals from high level FMOH and SMOH officials most of which have overwhelmed the PMO operatives ( lessons from year 1 - Kuehne Foundation).
• To Institute any other functions that will ensure resilience of system.
• To ensure most especially all vertical contracts cease to exist as soon as NSCIP platform is ready.

Functional Responsibilities
The Special Advisor Chairman NWAC shall support preparation of a detailed transition plan working hand in hand with the Project Managers of the Nigeria Supply Chain Integration Project and then execution as follows but not limited to:

• To manage the critical risk factors in assessing and pronouncing NSCIP platform s are ready  and any existing holder of the contract ceases to hold them and transit which requires stronger political will than will normally be provided by any other PMO operatives.
• Facilitate approvals request of NWAC Secretariat from Chairman of NWAC-HMH and Chairman of SC and any other request from the ministries –HCH at state level, Legal Unit,FMOH and any other stakeholders.
• Effectively support Principal Recipients in planning, management, and monitoring of procurement and supply management functions of health commodities procured with The Global Fund resources in Nigeria over the transition period.
• Capture from various existing documents and sources the current information flows and physical supply management arrangements and steps for health commodities procured with Global Fund resources in Nigeria
• Liaise with other Partners in the Nigeria Supply Chain Integration Project who will be transitioning to the newly designed system and ensure appropriate coordination is in place
• Liaise with Principal Recipients of the Global Fund and the N SCIP Project office to map out detailed options for transition for each disease/programme
• Obtain and analyse the procurement and supply management plans of Principal Recipients – what products are due to be delivered and distributed where and when - and plan inbound shipments to the new zonal warehouses and downstream logistics.
• Develop “what-if” scenarios based on potential changes in dates and/or requirements – e.g. delayed delivery to port; delayed availability of storage space.
• Support distribution planning and re-supply of health commodities
• Review the current 3rd Party Logistics arrangements under each of the Principal Recipients and align them to the new structure of zonal warehouses in Abuja and Lagos
• Review the current 3rd Party Logistics arrangements under each of the Principal Recipients, plan and execute a seamless transition into the new zonal warehousing and distribution contracts to be set up at Cross Rivers and Sokoto hubs; in addition the hubs in Lagos and FCT
• Ensure that the current “as is” is maintained in zones that integration is yet to take place (Imo and Gombe Hubs) while transitioning as may be required.
• Provide information and support to the “Contracts Management Team” that will be managing contracts on behalf of stakeholders as may be required
• Propose implementable risk management actions and support follow up on the risk mitigation measures.
• Work in collaboration with the Global Fund’s Capacity Building Service contractors who support the N SCIP

Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Health, Health Administration, Business Administration, Procurement/Supply Chain or other relevant social science subjects.

Experience Required:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience of end-to-end Supply Chain principles, practices and processes is required. 
• At least 3 years operational Supply Chain experience - for example with a private sector 3PL or 4PL organization, a functional role within an international industrial corporation, within a leading consulting organization, or a credible provider of technical assistance is an added advantage.

In-depth knowledge and credible expert experience of elements of Supply Chain Management including:

• Supply planning and logistics scheduling
• Inventory control and replenishment management
• Distribution of health commodities
• Transport modes, operations and costing. Vehicle and resource scheduling
• Logistics Management Information Systems (LMIS)
• Experience of Supply Chains (systems, stakeholders and networks) in developing countries, especially Africa.

Desirable:

• In-depth knowledge and credible expert experience of the following elements of Supply Chain Management;
• Demand management and forecasting
• Performance management, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
• Outsourcing and the management of logistics service providers (3 and 4 PLs) and/or PPP-type arrangements
• Warehousing methods including Warehouse Management Systems (WMS);
• Knowledge or experience of the Global Fund operations.
• Experience of working effectively within project management environment.
• Experience as operating as an technical advisor/ consultant.
• Knowledge and experience of the Pharmaceutical Sector.
• Membership of a recognized professional supply chain organization.

Language:

• An excellent knowledge of English is required for this role. 

Competencies:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Functional competencies:

• Procurement and Supply Chain: Good understanding of processes and practices associated with procurement and supply of goods and services. Knowledge of Supply Chain IT systems and potential benefits.
• Financial Management: monitoring expenditures and using cost-benefit thinking to set priorities;
• Political awareness: Ability to share information with others, generating a common interest and team working dynamics;
• Project Management: good project management skills; ability to gather relevant input, analyze data/facts from appropriate sources; ability to anticipate potential risks, especially those related to misuse of funds;

Background Information - UNOPS:

• UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.
• Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
• With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.
• A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Contract type, level and duration:

• Contract type: Local ICA
• Contract level: LICA 8 Specialist
• Contract duration: 4 months with possibility of extension.

go to method of application »

Reference Code: VA/2017/B5316/12959
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Job Categories: Project Management
Department/Office AFR, GHOH, Nigeria
Contract Type: Local ICA Specialist
Contract Level: LICA Specialist-9
Duration: 4 months with possibility of extension

Background Information - Job-specific

• The Global Fund is a 21st-century organization designed to accelerate the end of AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria as epidemics. As a partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and people affected by the diseases, the Global Fund mobilizes and invests nearly US$4 billion a year to support programs run by local experts in more than 140 countries.
• By challenging barriers and embracing innovative approaches, we are working together to better serve people affected by the diseases. In close collaboration with the Federal government of Nigeria (FGoN) through the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health's National Products Supply Chain Management Programme (NPSCMP), we are embarking on an ambitious and innovative approach to the challenges across Nigeria's supply chain.
• To achieve this objective in its continuous efforts collaborating with Donors/Partners, the National Supply Chain Integration Project (NSCIP) was created in 2014 as a transitory mechanism to full Government ownership after a three year implementation
• The goal of NSCIP is to improve on the effectiveness and efficiency of the national supply chain by removing duplications while promoting synergy; strengthening collaboration through mutual participation in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation; skill transfer through improved local content participation in project execution which would in turn prevent stock outs of health products in store/facilities, minimise wastages and effectively run the entire system.
• While the Nigeria Supply Chain Integration Project (NSCIP) inception document was being developed in early 2015, one most potent characteristic of the pilot that remained unknown was – its exceptionally high risk disposition. Hence, no sooner than it’s agreed work plan was read out to stakeholders, it was knocked down as key stakeholders (Programs, PRs & some Partners) tactically withdrew largely by passive resistance and apathy.
• Sentinel Surveillance is described by the Project Management Office (PMO) of NSCIP as the - monitoring of her project landscape for risks, and appropriately managing of any risk/issue that could affect its survival/progression or the realization of its objectives.
• The Sentinel Monitoring unit, rather known as Perimeter Surveillance and Strategy - is the biggest lesson of the project’s first year and the “secret” of its resurrection from early “death” in September 2015, survival, sustenance and acclaimed successes.

Functional Responsibilities

• Routinely evaluates key developments, decisions or activities of the NSCIP for risk to the project; formulates strategies for mitigating the risks and exploiting the opportunities as the case may be.
• At the time of its implementation of activities s/he looks at the immediate implications of the activity on the risk groups and advises on possible adjustments so as to avoid problems.
• Provide leadership in the preparation and effective response to crises through managing stakeholders by engagement, collaboration, agreement and consensus so as to maintain core functions when a crisis occurs; and re-organize in response to specific conditions.
• Provide programmatic oversight in screening every activity or decision in order to manage attendant risks before they graduate to issues and prepare to address the se concomitant issues.
• Provide strategic guidance in the review of project work plans and activities to ensure value for money while maintaining the core values of the FMoH system.
• Tailor work plans and activities towards achieving the desired OUTCOMES; manage stakeholders that target OUTPUTS as deliverables to ensure that the outcomes are also realized.
• Participates in internal, national, and interagency technical working groups to ensure adherence to internationally and nationally accepted/directed standards for management of supply chain in-country.
• Act as liaison between NSCIP/NPSCMP and all top Ministry official at the Federal and State levels while maintaining constant link with HMH, all HCH and relevant Directors.
• Guide and advise the STA HMH NWAC and all Senior Advisors to HCHs on State Supply Chains.
• Guide and Advise NSCIP/NPSCMP to align with and promote Ministerial Project/Programme objectives.
• Report to the HMH, HCHs and all Zonal DPSs on Supply Management concerns.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as may be assigned by Supervisor

Key Deliverables

• Risk disposition report of key developments, actions and decisions within and around the Project environment indication risk levels, “what-if” analyses, actions to mitigate or enhance.
• Follow-on Report on previous events highlighting status, effect of actions taken and recommendations for closure or of further actions or references.
• Report on emerging Projects of government and recommendations on how to align project activities to earn increased political will (e.g. NSCIP Year2 involvement in PHC Revitalization that have endeared UNICEF, WHO & FMoH)
• Information on emerging opportunities / threats on the global sphere; actions to be taken to mitigate/enhance.
• Screening report on NSCIP activities undertaken within the given period – highlighting gaps in Work plan assumptions against implementation; possible gaps that arise between output and outcome; measures to mitigate/enhance.
• High level progression report on the project’s critical roadmap and any strategic changes that may be required to gain mileage or mitigate threats.
• Tracking of the fulfilment of the Condition Precedents (CPs) of all programmes and similar obligations that may affect funding of NPSCMP.
• Summary (sentinel extract of all) state & LGA Coordination reports to inform any changes in strategy or review of the reporting tool.

Education/Experience/Language Requirements
Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy, Public Health, Health Administration and other relevant sciences. A Master's Degree is as added advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years experience working in complex supply chain stakeholder environment is required.
• Candidate should have good rapport with top level Ministerial officials at Federal and State levels.
• Must have robust history of achievements in the Nigeria Supply Chain space enough to earn the trust of high ranking stakeholders
• Knowledge of the NSCIP project, Partners and programmes working in Nigeria.
• Familiarity with Nigeria stakeholders
• Experience working at the level of supply chain leadership position i.e experience managing multiple supply chain members and organisation to deliver common objectives.
• Ability to relate with Ministry top level officials and gate-keepers.
• Knowledge of government core values and ability.
• Proven instances of haven pioneered works that involved high level of risks.
• Must have experience in flexible approaches to managing and prioritizing a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions and to remain flexible and calm under pressure.
• Must be proactive in identifying and addressing bottlenecks/issues.
• Experience of establishing strong working relationships with team members and state personnel.
• At least 2 years experience in using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint is required.
• Must have strong communication skills. 

Language:

• Fluency in English Language is required.

Competencies:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.