Technical Services Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which was established in 196

• UNFPA is dedicated to ensuring that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees. UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization plays a crucial role in the sexual and reproductive health commodity ecosystem, focusing on supply chain management and public procurement of sexual and reproductive health commodities.

Job Overview:
The Technical Services Consultant position is situated within the Product Quality Assurance Team of the UNFPA Supply Chain Management Unit (SCMU). This role is pivotal in providing Quality Assurance services for pharmaceuticals and hormonal contraceptives. The Product Quality Assurance Team is essential to UNFPA's supplies, ensuring that the contraceptives, medicines, medical devices, and kits delivered to women and girls are safe, effective, and do no harm. The consultant will report directly to the Technical Services Specialist in the Product Quality Assurance Team and will be responsible for supporting the development and implementation of quality assurance frameworks and policies for reproductive health commodities. This position requires a proactive approach to evaluating product compliance, drafting technical specifications, and conducting risk assessments to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety in the procurement process.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will support the Product Quality Assurance Team Lead in various capacities, including:

• Supporting the development and implementation of the QA framework and policies for managing reproductive health commodities.
• Evaluating dossiers and pharmaceutical product questionnaires for products as stand-alone items and components of IARH kits in the UNFPA procurement catalogue.
• Verifying supplier and manufacturer compliance with regulatory requirements as stated in bid/tender documents and UNFPA technical requirements.
• Drafting technical specifications and conducting necessary research and analysis using the latest scientific data.
• Developing Standard Operating Procedures and guidance documents to enhance the technical team's role in procurement.
• Performing risk assessments and technical evaluations related to changes in pharmaceuticals under sourcing agreements.
• Conducting market assessments to ascertain the coverage of quality-assured medicines in various countries.
• Implementing a risk-based approach to the technical evaluation and approval of products.
• Evaluating changes to technical documents related to pharmaceuticals included in the UNFPA procurement catalogue. 1
• Preparing and delivering comprehensive results using assessment templates provided by UNFPA, elaborating on evaluation outcomes. 1
• Reviewing specifications in the UNFPA catalogue to align with approved product specifications. 1
• Supporting capacity-building activities within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a completion of secondary education as a minimum. A university degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Material Science, Medical Laboratory Science/Technology, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, or related fields is desirable. Additionally, completion of relevant training or certification in Quality Assurance of health products is considered an asset. Candidates should possess a minimum of 6 years of related work experience in quality assurance, product development, or quality control of pharmaceuticals or sterile health products. Experience with regulatory functions, product manufacturing, and quality assurance is essential. Knowledge of international markets, WHO standards, and guidelines is also required. Experience working with the UN or international organizations, as well as support to developing countries, is advantageous. Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills are necessary for this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have completed secondary education, with a preference for those holding a university degree in relevant fields such as Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Material Science, Medical Laboratory Science/Technology, Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, or similar disciplines. Additional training or professional certification in Quality Assurance of health products is a valuable asset.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in quality assurance, product development, or quality control of pharmaceuticals or sterile health products. Candidates should have experience dealing with regulatory functions, product manufacturing, and quality assurance processes. Demonstrated knowledge of international markets, including sources, certifications, and controls, is essential. Experience with WHO standards and guidelines is also beneficial, as is work experience with the UN or international organizations, particularly in developing countries.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of other official UN languages, particularly French and/or Spanish, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The UNFPA promotes a work environment that reflects values of gender equality, diversity, integrity, and a healthy work-life balance. The organization is committed to gender parity and encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. The position may involve background and reference checks, medical clearance, and other administrative requirements. UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates.