Vaccine Management and Cold Chain Logistics Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development to its staff. UNICEF is known for its inclusive culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, aiming to build careers while serving children and communities globally.

Job Overview:
The Vaccine Management and Cold Chain Logistics Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting both routine immunization and outbreak response efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This position is vital for ensuring effective coordination and implementation of vaccine management and cold chain activities across supported provinces. The specialist will work closely with the Ministry of Health and UNICEF's provincial EPI system to enhance vaccine availability, stock management, forecasting, cold chain functionality, and data quality. The role is expected to deliver measurable improvements in various key performance indicators, including reduced stock-out and wastage rates, improved stock record accuracy, and increased functionality of cold chain equipment. The incumbent will also be responsible for training and building the capacity of provincial EPI teams, ensuring that they are well-equipped to manage immunization efforts effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Vaccine Management and Cold Chain Logistics Specialist include:

• Coordinating and implementing vaccine management and cold chain activities for routine immunization and outbreak response.
• Ensuring effective stock management and forecasting to prevent stock-outs and wastage.
• Monitoring cold chain functionality and temperature management to maintain vaccine potency.
• Collecting and analyzing data to improve reporting accuracy and timeliness.
• Training and supervising provincial EPI teams to enhance their capacity in vaccine logistics and management.
• Collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to strengthen immunization programs.
• Participating in decision-making platforms related to immunization and vaccine logistics.
• Supporting mass vaccination campaigns and routine immunization efforts through effective logistics management.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (master’s level or equivalent) in Public Health, Pharmacy, Health Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Immunization, or a relevant field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in vaccine/cold chain system management or public health logistics, particularly in developing countries.
• Proven experience in routine immunization programs and campaigns, including nOPV2 campaigns.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or international organizations is considered an asset.
• Strong experience in coordinating and managing field teams in GPEI and other vaccine-preventable disease initiatives.
• Excellent skills in vaccine logistics, cold chain optimization, stock management, and temperature monitoring.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s level or equivalent) in fields such as Public Health, Pharmacy, Health Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Immunization, or other relevant areas. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage vaccine logistics and cold chain operations.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in vaccine/cold chain system management or public health logistics, particularly in developing countries. Candidates should have a strong background in routine immunization programs and campaigns, as well as experience with nOPV2 campaigns. Proven experience in coordinating and managing field teams in GPEI and other accelerated vaccine-preventable disease initiatives is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position, along with proficiency in English. Knowledge of a local language such as Swahili or Lingala is considered an asset, as it can facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the effectiveness of the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is a temporary assignment for a duration of 6 months. It is essential for candidates to demonstrate UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). The role may involve working in complex and challenging environments, and candidates must be prepared for this. UNICEF promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities. The organization provides a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and adherence to UNICEF's standards and principles is mandatory.