Market Assessment Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead United Nations agency focused on delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and territories, working to ensure that every individual has access to reproductive health services and the ability to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. The organization is committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls, and it plays a crucial role in addressing population issues and promoting sustainable development. UNFPA's mission is guided by the principles of human rights and social justice, and it aims to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, particularly those related to health, gender equality, and poverty alleviation.

Job Overview:
The Market Assessment Consultant position is designed to support UNFPA's strategic shift towards the development of Long-Term Agreements for the procurement of goods and services essential for UNFPA programming, particularly in emergency response situations. The consultant will assess the availability of locally sourced supplies and equipment in Syria, which will enable UNFPA to enhance its program delivery. The consultancy will involve pre-qualifying vendors for local procurement initiatives, updating the supplier database, and developing a budgetary list of essential supplies. The consultant will work under the supervision of the International Supply Analyst and will be responsible for presenting the assessment results to the CO Management. The consultancy is expected to be completed within 20 working days over a period of 2 months, emphasizing the importance of timely and effective procurement processes to support UNFPA's mission in Syria.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including inviting suppliers to express their interest in registering with the UNFPA Syria Database. This involves requesting suppliers to submit their Supplier Profile Form and relevant documentation to identify new vendors and allow existing vendors to update their profiles. The consultant will also review the existing database to verify the status of registered companies and update their information as necessary. Conducting market assessments will require sourcing suppliers through various institutions, analyzing supplier profiles, and shortlisting potential vendors based on their capabilities and qualifications. The consultant will conduct site visits to verify suppliers' operational capacities, assess compliance with UNFPA policies, and evaluate financial statuses. Additionally, the consultant will prepare a comprehensive final report detailing the methodology, conclusions, and recommendations from the market assessment, ensuring that all raw data and analyses are submitted to UNFPA for their records.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in business administration, supply chain management, procurement, marketing, or a related technical field. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in supply chain management, business administration, or marketing at both national and international levels is required. Proven experience in conducting market assessments and supplier evaluations is essential, along with a strong understanding of procurement processes and financial document analysis. Candidates should demonstrate excellent analytical, negotiating, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work independently in a multicultural environment and establish effective working relationships. Knowledge of pharmaceutical standards, including Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP), is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in business administration, supply chain management, procurement, marketing, or a related technical field. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of supply chain dynamics and procurement strategies, which are essential for the successful execution of the market assessment.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in supply chain management, business administration, or marketing. This experience should include work at both national and international levels, with a proven track record in similar assignments. Familiarity with UNFPA or other UN agencies' market assessments will be considered an asset, as will experience in analyzing financial documents and conducting supplier evaluations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this consultancy role. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication with local suppliers and stakeholders, as well as for the preparation of reports and documentation that may be required in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for 20 working days over a period of 2 months. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, minority ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA emphasizes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all candidates, regardless of personal characteristics. Additionally, it is important to note that UNFPA does not charge any fees in connection with the application or recruitment process.