Consultant for Assistive Technology Supply Chain

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 employs a large workforce dedicated to serving children and communities globally, and it operates in various regions, including the Pacific Islands, where it focuses on improving the lives of 2.3 million people, including 1.2 million children and youth.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in strengthening national ownership and leadership of assistive technology (AT) procurement systems. This involves providing technical assistance, training, and developing standardized tools to enhance the capacity of national governments in planning, forecasting, and managing AT procurement. The consultant will also work on improving the coordination of AT products from multiple sources, ensuring that all supplies are integrated into national supply plans to minimize duplication and ensure quality standards. Additionally, the consultant will establish a regional database of pre-qualified AT suppliers, enhance capacity for AT logistics and maintenance, and document operational lessons to guide future procurement strategies. This consultancy is vital for building a resilient AT ecosystem in the Pacific, directly improving access to quality assistive products for children and vulnerable populations, and leaving behind a robust foundation for sustainable AT systems.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strengthen national ownership and leadership of AT procurement systems through technical assistance and training.
• Develop standardized tools to improve the capacity of national governments in planning and managing AT procurement.
• Improve coordination of AT products from various sources, integrating them into national supply plans.
• Establish a regional database of pre-qualified AT suppliers for long-term use by Pacific Island Countries (PICs).
• Enhance capacity for AT logistics, stock management, and maintenance by integrating AT procurement into existing health and education logistics systems.
• Develop a dedicated AT maintenance strategy to ensure the sustainability of assistive devices.
• Document operational lessons, challenges, and best practices to inform future AT procurement policies and donor investments.
• Capture key lessons throughout the project to create a roadmap for scaling and sustaining AT provision beyond the project's life.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Supply Chain Management, Public Health, Biomedical Engineering, Health Economics, Logistics, International Development, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in health or assistive technology procurement and supply chain systems, preferably in low-resource settings or government/donor-funded programs.
• Proven experience with AT product categories, including development of technical specifications and procurement strategies.
• Experience conducting system reviews, landscape analyses, market research, and supplier mapping/databases.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports and operational tools, with writing samples required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Supply Chain Management, Public Health, Biomedical Engineering, Health Economics, Logistics, or International Development. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of AT procurement and supply chain management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in health or assistive technology procurement and supply chain systems. Candidates should have experience in low-resource settings and/or in government or donor-funded programs, with a strong focus on AT product categories such as vision, hearing, and mobility aids.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Familiarity with Pacific Island contexts or languages is considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with local stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for approximately 21 days, with travel to Kiribati, Vanuatu, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Applicants must submit a cover letter, a detailed CV, writing samples, and a financial offer that includes professional fees, travel costs, and living allowances. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on misconduct and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children.