Procurement and Supply Chain Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, established to advocate for change and connect countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build better lives. UNDP operates in 170 countries and territories, working closely with governments and communities to address global and national development challenges. Since its inception, UNDP has been a trusted partner of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, providing integrated development solutions to strengthen institutions and deliver health services. UNDP has been involved in health and development initiatives in over 53 countries since 2003, focusing on proactive risk management and sustainability in its portfolio management approach. The organization emphasizes technical assistance to national counterparts, enhancing legislation, policies, and regulatory frameworks, and building capacities in key functional areas such as financial management and supply chain management. In Nepal, UNDP serves as the Co-Principal Recipient of the Global Fund GC7 grant, collaborating with the Government of Nepal to implement health programs effectively. The establishment of a Programme Management Unit (PMU) is crucial for overseeing the implementation of the Global Fund program, ensuring compliance with grant agreements, and coordinating with various national partners, including government entities and civil society organizations.

Job Overview:
The Procurement and Supply Chain Specialist will play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective implementation of procurement and supply chain management for health and non-health products. This position requires the development and enhancement of business processes, internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and guidelines related to procurement and supply management within the PMU. The specialist will lead the development and implementation of the PMU’s procurement strategy and workplan for the Global Fund-approved Health Products Action Plan. A significant aspect of this role involves strengthening the capacity of national staff through tailored training and mentorship initiatives, promoting long-term sustainability, and enabling the transfer of responsibilities to the national team. The specialist will also provide strategic leadership to the PMU’s PSM team, ensuring that UNDP is adequately resourced to meet its commitments while fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Collaboration with UNDP Global Health and Country Support (GHCS) and Regional Procurement Advisors is essential for efficient procurement and supply chain management activities. Additionally, the specialist will facilitate knowledge sharing among national partners and contribute to capacity development in pharmaceutical management and logistics information systems, ensuring access to appropriate tools and resources in coordination with donor initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective implementation of procurement and supply chain management for health and non-health products, focusing on developing business processes, internal SOPs, and guidelines.
• Lead the development and implementation of the PMU’s procurement strategy and workplan for the Global Fund-approved Health Products Action Plan.
• Strengthen the capacity of national staff through training and mentorship initiatives.
• Provide strategic leadership to the PMU’s PSM team, ensuring adequate resources and promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Collaborate with UNDP GHCS and Regional Procurement Advisors for compliant procurement activities.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing with national partners and stakeholders, addressing capacity development needs in pharmaceutical management and logistics.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships on procurement and supply chain management, providing policy and technical advice to stakeholders.
• Ensure GESI sensitivity in procurement processes, complying with UNDP’s GESI policy and fostering a safe working environment.
• Work under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, accessing necessary information for task execution.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Public Health, Pharmacy, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field is required.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the mentioned areas combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.
• CIPS level 4 certification is highly desirable, with candidates holding this certification at the time of application having a distinct advantage.
• Candidates with CIPS Level 2 or 3 certification will have a proportionate advantage, while those with Level 1 certification will not have any advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Public Health, Pharmacy, Procurement, Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these areas, combined with two additional years of qualifying experience, will be considered. CIPS level 4 certification is highly desirable, and candidates are expected to obtain this certification within one year of recruitment if not already held.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in leading procurement functions at the national or international level is required for candidates with a master’s degree. For those with a bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience is necessary. Candidates should have proven experience with advanced computer skills and a strong background in procurement within the UN or other international organizations, particularly with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Experience in public procurement and supply chain management of health products, especially in developing countries and Southeastern Asia, is highly desirable. Demonstrated experience in building partnerships with governments and managing procurement and supply chain processes is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of working with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves working under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity and encourages applications from qualified women, persons with disabilities, and other minorities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse, and all personnel must adhere to the standards of conduct that preserve these principles. Selected candidates will undergo a safe hiring process.