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. UNICEF is known for its passionate culture and attractive compensation and benefits package, making it a desirable workplace for those dedicated to child welfare.

Job Overview:
The Vaccine Management and Cold Chain Logistics Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the Ministry of Health at the provincial level in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This position is focused on improving vaccine management and cold chain performance, which are essential for routine immunization and outbreak response. The specialist will be responsible for coordinating and implementing vaccine management activities, ensuring effective cold chain logistics, and building the capacity of provincial teams. The role requires a strategic approach to enhance vaccine availability, stock management, and data quality, ultimately aiming to reduce stock-outs and wastage rates while improving the functionality of cold chain equipment. The specialist will work closely with the Immunization Supply Chain Manager and will be expected to deliver measurable improvements in various key performance indicators related to vaccine distribution and reporting.

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 in supported provinces.
• Ensuring effective stock management and forecasting for routine immunization and supplementary immunization activities.
• Monitoring cold chain functionality and temperature management to maintain vaccine efficacy.
• Conducting training and capacity-building sessions for provincial EPI teams.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to strengthen logistics coordination platforms.
• Analyzing data to improve reporting accuracy and timeliness.
• Managing campaign waste effectively and ensuring compliance with health standards.
• Providing technical guidance and support to field teams in vaccine logistics and cold chain optimization.
• Reporting on key performance indicators and making recommendations for improvements.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• An 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 5 years of relevant work experience in public health/immunization, particularly in developing countries.
• Proven experience in coordinating and managing field teams in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) and other vaccine-preventable disease initiatives.
• Strong background in vaccine logistics, cold chain optimization, and stock management.
• Experience with routine immunization campaigns and knowledge of nOPV2 campaigns in developing countries.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or international organizations is considered an asset.

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

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of relevant work experience in public health and immunization, particularly in developing countries. Candidates should have a proven track record of coordinating and managing field teams, as well as experience in integrated approaches that encompass health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), social behavior change (SBC), and protection. Experience in routine immunization and campaigns, particularly with nOPV2 campaigns, is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the DRC. Proficiency in English is also required to facilitate communication with international stakeholders. Additionally, knowledge of a local language such as Swahili or Lingala is considered an asset, as it can enhance engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

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 is full-time and may involve working in challenging environments. UNICEF promotes diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Candidates must undergo rigorous background checks and adhere to UNICEF's standards and principles, including a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.