Consultant for Project Management in Procurement and Supply Chain

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on 7 April 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to improve access to essential medicines and health products, particularly in emergencies. The organization focuses on strengthening health systems and ensuring that all people can access quality healthcare services.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position is designed to ensure timely and effective project management for three key initiatives within the Essential Medicines and Substances access and use (EMS) team. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing and collating contributions from various participants, preparing briefings and meeting notes, and tracking contributions from members of policy drafting groups. Additionally, the consultant will organize webinars and develop content for meetings focused on advancements in procurement and supply chain for medicines and health products. The role also involves reviewing and assessing technical contributions across WHO departments to update web-based tools and applications related to shortages and allocations in emergency procurement contexts. This position is crucial for supporting WHO's Global Programme of Work (GPW) and improving access to quality assured medicines and health products, especially in emergencies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop a strategy for the optimization, migration, and sustainability of the Mpox equitable allocation algorithms onto WHO data servers, specifically for the Shortages Notification Portal, with an expected completion date of 31 March 202
• Create a comprehensive project plan and facilitate meetings of a drafting team to update the Inter-Agency Pharmaceutical Coordination Group on operational principles for good pharmaceutical procurement, with the project plan due by 31 January 2026 and six meetings to be recorded by 30 June 202
• Produce an engagement strategy and organize three webinars, along with content for WHO policy briefs related to improvements in procurement and supply chains, expected by 30 June 2026.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant must possess an advanced (master’s or above) degree in business, international development, procurement and supply chain, or a related field. Specialized training in project management is desirable. Essential qualifications include at least 10 years of experience in project management with UN agencies, particularly in international initiatives of a complex nature and with diverse audiences. Experience with information technology projects, such as apps and web-based tools, is also desirable. Knowledge of UN systems in the development of tools, policies, consultations, and member state engagement is essential, while experience in the use and development of data platforms is a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an advanced degree (master’s or above) in relevant fields such as business, international development, procurement and supply chain, or related disciplines. Specialized training in project management is considered an asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in project management, specifically with UN agencies and international initiatives that involve complex interactions with diverse audiences. Experience in managing information technology projects, including apps and web-based tools, is highly desirable and will be beneficial for the role.

Languages:
The consultant must have expert knowledge of English and intermediate knowledge of French. Additionally, expert knowledge of Chinese (Mandarin) and intermediate knowledge of Chinese (Cantonese) are desirable but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and off-site, with an expected duration of 6 months or 120 days. The consultant is expected to travel as necessary. Remuneration is set at a payband level C, ranging from USD 10,000 to 12,500 per month, excluding travel costs. Living expenses are not applicable for this position. This vacancy may also be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be part of the screening process. Candidates selected for an interview will need to provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications in advance. WHO emphasizes workforce diversity and encourages applications from women and nationals of underrepresented Member States.