Health Supply Chain Management Specialist - Oncology

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global development network of the United Nations, established in 1965, with a mission to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. UNDP has been active in Uzbekistan since 1993, working closely with the national government, civil society, and other stakeholders to implement hundreds of projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens. The organization operates in over 170 countries and territories, employing approximately 17,000 people worldwide. UNDP's work in Uzbekistan aligns with the national Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) for 2021-2025, focusing on building a modern, prosperous, and democratic society, as well as addressing ecological and environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The Health Supply Chain Management Specialist for Oncology will play a crucial role in supporting Uzbekistan's National Cancer Control Program, which aims to improve cancer care and treatment across the country. This position is embedded within the UNDP Health Governance Project team in Tashkent and involves close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Procurement Center, and other development partners such as WHO. The specialist will be responsible for planning and implementing the procurement of oncology medicines and medical supplies, ensuring compliance with UNDP regulations and quality assurance requirements. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in high-visibility health reform initiatives that combine international procurement, supply chain strengthening, and digital health solutions, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for oncological patients in Uzbekistan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the planning and implementation of the procurement of oncology medicines, medical consumables, laboratory reagents, and medical equipment under the National Cancer Control Program, ensuring adherence to UNDP rules and quality assurance standards.
• Contribute to joint quantification and demand forecasting exercises with the Ministry of Health and the Procurement Center, verifying patient, consumption, and stock data prior to placing purchase orders, particularly during the pilot phase in Samarkand region.
• Conduct market analysis, engage suppliers, and aggregate demand across therapeutic categories, preparing multi-year framework agreements and utilizing UNDP long-term agreements for procurement.
• Assist in advancing an expedited registration pathway for priority oncology medicines, ensuring that registration timelines are incorporated into procurement plans.
• Support quality assurance and logistics for oncology commodities, including verifying cold chain capacity and planning distribution based on oncology-specific quality criteria.
• Contribute to the institutional strengthening of the Procurement Center, developing standard operating procedures, forecasting tools, and training for inventory management.
• Facilitate linkages between the oncology supply chain and UNDP's digital health initiatives, including stock monitoring and forecasting systems.
• Coordinate project monitoring and reporting, preparing analytical briefs, presentations, and progress reports for stakeholders.
• Document lessons learned from the Samarkand pilot to inform the nationwide rollout of the National Cancer Control Program. 1
• Promote volunteerism and integrate it into development programming, performing additional duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. A solid understanding of supply chain management principles, particularly in the healthcare sector, is essential. Familiarity with procurement processes and regulations, as well as experience in project management, will be highly advantageous. The ideal candidate should also exhibit strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and be able to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including government officials and international partners.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in public health, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is required. A master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred and may enhance the candidate's competitiveness for the position.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in supply chain management, procurement, or project management within the healthcare sector. Experience working with international organizations or in a development context is highly desirable, particularly in roles related to health systems strengthening or public health initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as it is the working language of UNDP. Proficiency in Uzbek and/or Russian is highly desirable, as these languages are widely spoken in Uzbekistan and will facilitate communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The assignment is expected to be for a fixed duration, with the possibility of extension based on project needs and funding availability. The role may involve some travel within Uzbekistan to support project implementation in various regions. UNDP offers a competitive compensation package, including benefits such as health insurance and opportunities for professional development.