UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, Life :
UNICEF is committed to realizing the rights of all children to help them build a strong foundation and have the best chance of fulfilling their potential. We believe that ensuring a happy and healthy child begins before birth: from ensuring his/her mother has access to good neonatal care and delivering in a clean, safe environment to reaching adulthood as a responsible, healthy and informed parent to the next generation. This journey relies on a child having access to shelter, good nutrition, clean water and sanitation, healthcare and education.
To find out more about UNICEF’s work in Nigeria, please visit: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/
How can you make a difference?
Under the direct guidance of the Senior Health Manager, Health Section, Abuja, the incumbent manages the supply, cold-chain, and logistics operations of the immunization program delivery including for Polio campaigns, services, supply and logistic, processes and systems, requiring advanced professional technical mastery and expertise in support of operations and programme objectives. Accountable for effective planning, procurement, distribution, monitoring and inventory management of immunization program supplies, in support of the Health Section and, among other, polio eradication.
Summary of key functions/accountabilities :
- Plan and provide technical support/guidance to the preparation/design and conduct/update of Situation Analysis to establish a comprehensive/updated strategic plan for development, design and management of health-related programs ;
- Works with National Strategic Cold Store (NSCS), National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authority Provides technical advice on specifications, supply and logistics arrangements facilitating cost-effective efficient procurement, customs clearance, inventory management and distribution of oral polio vaccine, in support of the country programme implementation ;
- Ensure distribution plan has been developed based on approved intervention micro-plan and authorized vaccine ;
- Work with NEOC and states to train the Ward Focal Persons and Ward Vaccine Accountability Officers on mOPV2 vaccine accountability and management, and how to use the vaccine accountability tools ;
- Follow up with implementing states to ensure availability of adequate and dedicated freezers, at state and local government area (LGA) cold stores, for storage of mOPV2 vaccines ;
- Update situation of actual kick-off for campaign as per approved micro-plan and collect information daily from the field, regarding vaccine management and accountability (specifically number of missing vials and unopened vial wastages) ;
- Analyze independent reports from VSLs on vaccine management and accountability in the field. Recommend specific corrective actions for the next day campaign days ;
- Document and report any event or suspicion of unauthorized vaccine usage or misuse ;
- Ensure that VSLs and logisticians from other partners provide oversight of the final counting of opened and unopened vials at LGA and State level and support resident VSLs to provide evidence of destruction of mOPV2 vials, obtain copy of certificate of destruction and submit to country office ;
- He/ She deputizes Chief Polio on various forums at NPHCDA and NEOC including strategic group meeting ;
- Liaise with NEOC on submission of Form A and Vaccine Utilization Report (VUR) and analyse it before submission of VUR and copy of signed Form A to RO within 15 days of implementation. In the event of delayed submission of signed Form A from the NEOC, the CO will submit unsigned Form A ;
- Ensure preparation of all immunization vaccines status reports required for donor reports, budget reviews, programme analysis, annual reports, appeals, etc. ;
- Coordinate, plan and/or collaborate with internal (Supply& C4D) and external partners to establish monitoring benchmarks, performance indicators and other UNICEF/UN system indicators and measurement to assess/strengthen performance accountability, coherence and delivery of concrete and sustainable results in health programs.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
- An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in public health/nutrition, pediatric health, family health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology or other health related sciences is required ;
- A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in public health/Polio eradication planning and management and/or in relevant areas of maternal and neonatal health care, health emergency/humanitarian preparedness, at the international level some of which preferably in a developing country is required. Prior experience in vaccine management will be an added advantage ;
- Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergency is considered an asset ;
- Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or a local language is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.
The functional competencies required for this post are :
- Leading and supervising (I) ;
- Formulating strategies and concepts (II) ;
- Analyzing (III) ;
- Relating and networking (II) ;
- Deciding and Initiating action (II) ;
- Applying technical expertise (III).
View our competency framework at : UNICEF_Competencies.pdf
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 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.
Remarks :
This is a re-advertisement in order to expand the candidate pool. There have been amendments to the Vacancy Announcement (VA). Previous applicants need not reapply as their original application will be duly considered. The VA is open to all Non-Nationals of Nigeria (internal and external candidates).
Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.