Health Specialist (Vaccine and Cold Chain Management)

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, is a United Nations agency that works in over 190 countries and territories 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 strong mission-driven culture and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package to its employees.

Job Overview:
The Health Specialist (Vaccine and Cold Chain Management) position at UNICEF is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the immunization supply chain in Syria. This role involves providing technical support to improve Immunization Supply Chain (ISC) management, ensuring that vaccines are delivered effectively and timely to the last mile while maintaining their efficacy and safety. The specialist will work closely with WHO and other partners to develop national policies, strategies, and guidelines related to immunization supply chain and cold chain logistics. The position requires a focus on data-driven decision-making and capacity development to ensure that all children, especially the most disadvantaged, have access to life-saving vaccines. The role is pivotal in supporting UNICEF's commitment to the National Immunization Programme and Gavi, contributing to higher vaccination coverage and better health outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Health Specialist include:

• Providing technical support to improve ISC management, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Promoting and enhancing capacity in Effective Vaccine Management practices.
• Strengthening Supply and Cold Chain Management, including installation, preventive and curative maintenance of cold chain equipment.
• Strengthening Vaccine Stock Management to prevent stockouts and optimize vaccine usage.
• Promoting the establishment of a Functional National Logistics Working Group.
• Collecting, analyzing, and using data and evidence to continuously improve supply chain systems performance.
• Collaborating with WHO and other partners to develop national policies and strategies for immunization supply chain and cold chain logistics.
• Working with other Immunization Supply Chain Management partners globally and in the field to ensure effective implementation of initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, candidates must have a Master or equivalent (Advanced University Degree) in fields such as public health, nutrition, pediatric health, health research, global/international health, health policy and/or management, environmental health sciences, biostatistics, socio-medical, health education, epidemiology, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Management, Economics, Engineering Health, or another relevant technical field. Alternatively, a Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in a relevant area combined with 2 additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as public health, nutrition, or health management. A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area may be accepted if combined with additional work experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of health systems and supply chain management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 5 years of relevant work experience in areas such as public health planning and management, maternal and neonatal health care, vaccine cold chain management, or health emergency/humanitarian preparedness. This level of experience is necessary to effectively manage vaccine and cold chain systems and oversee supply chain operations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Damascus, Syria, and is part of UNICEF's commitment to humanitarian action. The organization promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. UNICEF offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and compliance with vaccination requirements is mandatory.