National Specialist to Support the Regional Assignment on Developing a Competency Framework for Supply Chain Management Personnel in Eastern Europe and Central Asia

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 that their rights are respected. The organization is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, particularly in areas related to family planning, maternal health, gender-based violence, and demographic change. UNFPA's mission is driven by a commitment to human rights and the empowerment of individuals, particularly women and girls, in all aspects of their lives. The organization emphasizes the importance of ethical staff who embody international norms and standards, ensuring that they act with integrity and transparency in their work.

Job Overview:
The National Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the UNFPA Regional office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECARO) in a regional initiative aimed at developing a standardized competency framework and qualification standards for health supply chain management personnel. This initiative is essential for strengthening Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) commodity security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security by enhancing the professionalization and competency standards of supply chain personnel involved in various aspects of health commodity management. The National Specialist will be responsible for facilitating stakeholder engagement, coordinating consultations, and collecting country-specific information and documentation necessary for the development of the competency framework. This role requires a deep understanding of the local context and the ability to engage effectively with various stakeholders, including government institutions, educational bodies, and development partners. The National Specialist will also assist in validating findings and ensuring that the inputs from the country are accurately reflected in the regional framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The National Specialist will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including: A. Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement: Identify and map relevant national stakeholders, including ministries of health and education, national qualification bodies, public health institutes, universities, SCM training providers, and professional associations. Facilitate introductions and communication between stakeholders and the lead consultant/team, coordinate scheduling of interviews and consultations, and support stakeholder participation in surveys and validation activities. B. Documentation and Information Collection: Collect and organize relevant country-level documentation related to national qualification frameworks, SCM workforce policies, health workforce development strategies, and existing training programmes. Compile information on SCM training programmes, including their structure, accreditation status, and target audiences. C. Country-Level Workforce and Competency Gap Analysis: Support the collection of information regarding existing competencies and qualification requirements for health supply chain personnel, workforce gaps, and training needs. Gather qualitative insights from stakeholders about priority competency gaps and institutional barriers. D. Coordination and Validation Support: Provide regular progress updates to the Consultant/Consultancy company and UNFPA CO, assist in validating country findings, and support the organization of validation meetings/workshops. Prepare brief summaries of country consultations and findings. The National Specialist will utilize various methodologies, including desk reviews, stakeholder outreach, key informant interviews, and structured consultations to ensure timely and accurate information collection.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in health systems, workforce development, supply chain management, education, or public sector coordination. They should demonstrate a strong understanding of national education and health systems, experience engaging with various stakeholders, and familiarity with qualitative data collection and report preparation. Knowledge of SRH commodity management and health supply chains is considered an advantage. Candidates should also exhibit excellent communication, coordination, and organizational skills, as well as a commitment to the values of integrity and cultural diversity.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Supply Chain Management, Public Health, Pharmacy, Logistics, Education, Human Resources Development, Social Sciences, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the National Specialist has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the development of the competency framework and engage with stakeholders in the health supply chain sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, which should encompass work in health systems, workforce development, supply chain management, education, or public sector coordination. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of health supply chains and the various factors that influence workforce development in this field.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Russian and Kazakh. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and for the successful execution of the responsibilities associated with this position.

Additional Notes:
This position offers an attractive remuneration package and reflects UNFPA's commitment to gender equality, diversity, and a healthy work-life balance. UNFPA encourages applications from women, individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to applicants with disabilities to support their participation in the recruitment process. The organization promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation, and selection for all, regardless of personal characteristics.