National Professional Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work is guided by its 14th General Programme of Work, which emphasizes health equity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Professional Officer position is crucial for supporting the importation, clearance, and distribution of essential health supplies and medical commodities in Ukraine. The incumbent will work closely with the OSL Lead and be part of the OSL team, focusing on ensuring compliance with WHO and national procedures for health supply management. This role involves coordinating with various stakeholders, including government bodies, UN agencies, and NGOs, to facilitate effective health supply chains. The officer will also contribute to contingency stock planning and provide operational support to WHO's health programs, ensuring that health services are delivered efficiently and effectively to those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Customs Clearance & Regulatory Compliance: Coordinate with customs agents and relevant ministries to secure timely customs clearance approvals. Ensure adherence to national regulatory requirements for medical commodities. Apply for necessary authorizations and ensure compliance with host country legislation. Serve as the primary liaison with local authorities on importation matters. Document customs procedures and ensure timely reporting on inbound shipments.
• Shipment Coordination & Supply Chain Operations: Manage the Green Light Process for inbound shipments. Ensure approved distribution plans are in place for timely importation and clearance. Follow up with procurement teams on shipment planning and delivery status. Participate in field assessments to monitor supply management and storage conditions.
• Documentation & Information Management: Collect necessary supporting documents from suppliers and maintain internal databases related to supply management. Update contact lists of essential stakeholders involved in the logistics process.
• Quality Assurance & Risk Management: Implement and monitor corrective actions to improve logistics operations. Work with relevant actors to manage risks in the supply chain.
• Additional Duties: Perform any other related duties as required by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a university degree (Bachelor's level or equivalent) in Business Administration, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Logistics, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. Desirable qualifications include a Master's degree in any of the aforementioned areas, along with training or qualifications in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Customs. Knowledge of WHO information management systems is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree at the Bachelor's level or higher in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Social Sciences, Political Sciences, Logistics, Engineering, or Supply Chain Management. A Master's degree is desirable, along with specific training in logistics or customs management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least one year of experience at the national level in inbound shipping, customs, supply chain management, logistics, or procurement, particularly in health care emergency response or humanitarian operations. Experience working with national and local authorities for the importation of health commodities is desirable, as is experience in UN or NGO settings.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English and Ukrainian is essential. Intermediate knowledge of WHO languages is desirable.

Additional Notes:
This position is a National Professional Officer role, meaning only applications from nationals of Ukraine will be accepted. The remuneration includes an annual base salary starting at USD 33,420, with mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance. The position offers 30 days of annual leave. Candidates may be required to undergo a written test or video assessment as part of the selection process. WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and individuals from underrepresented member states. The successful candidate will need to provide proof of vaccination as required by WHO before starting the assignment.