Medical Products Market Assessment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) in Myanmar aims to achieve the highest possible level of health for the people of Myanmar. Established to provide effective support, the WHO country office utilizes the three levels of the Organization to focus its efforts where they can make the most significant impact. The organization emphasizes placing the right personnel in appropriate roles, engaging partners effectively, enhancing communication, and improving operational intelligence. WHO's general programme of work (GPW) outlines medium-term priorities and strategies, with the 13th GPW expected to be approved in May 2018, covering the period from 2019 to 202

• This program includes three strategic priorities: Universal health coverage, Health emergencies, and Healthier populations, aiming to benefit 1 billion more people in each area. WHO is committed to workforce diversity and adheres to the WHO Values Charter, promoting a smoke-free environment and not recruiting smokers or tobacco users.

Job Overview:
The Medical Products Market Assessment Specialist will play a crucial role within the Health Cluster, which is led by WHO and UNFPA, as part of the broader humanitarian structure in Myanmar. The incumbent will work under the supervision of the Myanmar Health Cluster Coordinator and in close collaboration with WHO HQ Quality Experts. The primary function of this position is to conduct a comprehensive Medical Products Market Assessment with a focus on Supplier Validation. This involves identifying reliable suppliers of medical products that comply with international standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices and other quality assurance measures. The specialist will also coordinate with health partners to select suppliers based on a rating system and provide recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the role includes providing technical advice on quality control and assurance systems for procurement, supply chain management, and distribution of medical products, ensuring that quality-assured products are accessible at various healthcare levels. Training health partners in quality assurance tools and best practices for maintaining product quality during storage and transport is also a key expectation of this position. The specialist will deliver technical support to UNFPA and its implementing partners by participating in Technical Evaluation Committees for the procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards before product release or utilization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a Medical Products Market Assessment focusing on Supplier Validation to identify reliable suppliers of medical products in line with international standards.
• Coordinate with health partners on the selection of reliable suppliers based on a rating system and provide improvement recommendations.
• Provide technical advice on quality control and assurance systems for procurement, supply chain management, distribution, and storage of medical products.
• Train health partners in quality assurance tools and checklists for locally procured pharmaceuticals to mitigate risks of poor-quality medicines and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Promote best practices for maintaining quality during storage and transport of medical products, including cold chain medicines.
• Deliver technical support to UNFPA and its Implementing Partners by participating in Technical Evaluation Committees for the procurement of pharmaceuticals and/or medical devices.
• Ensure that all technical documents submitted by suppliers comply with regulatory, quality, and technical standards prior to product release or utilization.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a strong background in health sciences, pharmacy, or a related field, with a focus on quality assurance and procurement processes. Knowledge of international standards for medical products and experience in supplier validation are essential. The candidate should also demonstrate strong analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and a commitment to improving health outcomes in Myanmar.

Educational Background:
A degree in health sciences, pharmacy, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in quality assurance, supply chain management, or related disciplines are highly desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience in health product procurement, quality assurance, or supply chain management. Experience working in humanitarian settings or with international organizations is an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Myanmar is considered an asset and would be beneficial for effective communication with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role within the Health Cluster in Myanmar. The contract duration and specific compensation details are not specified in the job posting. The role may involve travel within Myanmar and requires flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances in the humanitarian context.