Background Information:
UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programmes to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.
In direct support of UNFPA’s strategy to achieve the ICPD/MD Goals and to provide support for quality assurance of reproductive health commodities, the incumbent will be based in the Procurement Service Branch (PSB) in Copenhagen.
Job Purpose
The Quality Assurance Associate will provide technical and administrative assistance to the Quality Assurance team at UNFPA PSB . Under the supervision of the Technical Specialist the incumbent will support the implementation of a QA system for contraceptive devices and lubricants. The Associate’s duties will evolve around the following areas:
1. Administrative support – providing the Quality Assurance team with administrative support regarding policy advocacy and coordination of the female condom and Copper IUDs prequalification programmes and QA of personal lubricants.
2. Supplier Management – providing the QA team with an accurate and active supplier base in support of UNFPA prequalification and procurement requirements.
* No expectancy of renewal in accordance with UN Staff Regulation 4.5
Major Activities
1. Support the development of guidelines and UNFPA PSB tools
· Provide budget support and financial accounting during the development of tools and guidelines.
· Provide background research on new innovations, product use and programme issues that impact product development
· Provide administrative support for the drafting and development of technical documents.
· Assist in supporting procurement teams with any quality assurance and technical issues on procurement of female and male condoms and copper IUDs (pre-shipment and post-shipment reports)
2. Provide QA support for Contraceptive Devices and Lubricants
· Prepare terms of references for technical bids and evaluation of technical bids
· Assist in developing and implementing quality monitoring systems of contraceptive devices and lubricants
· Provide guidance to procurement teams on implementation of the quality monitoring activities
3. Participate in the activities to achieve the harmonization of policies, guidelines and mechanisms for management of reproductive health commodities
· Participate and assist the coordination of Interagency group meetings and prepare presentations
· Support working groups such as H4+, UN Commission on Life Saving Commodities in strengthening interagency collaboration and harmonization
· Assist in development of materials of policies and practices to raise awareness and build a common understanding of stakeholders on the prequalification processes.
· Coordinate procurement meetings and provide technical input.
· Provide donor reports on project progress.
4. Coordinate manufacturers and stakeholders meeting on QA of contraceptive devices
· Provide administrative support for manufacturers and stakeholders meeting
· Coordinate logistics (e.g. meetings arrangements, travel etc.) for participants in meetings and workshops
Job Requirements
Education:
· Completion of Secondary education in Science.
· A university degree or equivalent in any of the following: pharmacy, chemistry, biomedical field, health technologies, medical laboratory, biomedical engineering or related fields is an advantage.
Knowledge and Experience:
· Six years or more of relevant work experience in quality assurance or quality control of condoms, or sterile health products or regulatory authority experience of medical devices / health products or health technologies
· Proven analytical and technical knowledge of reproductive health products is required
· Knowledge of reproductive health commodities and medical terminology is required
· Experience in international procurement and logistics is desirable
Core Competencies:
· Commitment to the organization and its mandate
· A high degree of integrity
· Ability to build and manage harmonious and effective relationships with customers, suppliers and colleagues
· Ability to work effectively in teams
· Results and service oriented
· Conflict management and dispute resolution skills
Functional Competencies:
· Job knowledge, analytical and technical expertise
· Organizational skills
· Oral and written reporting skills
· Innovative in seeking improved working methods
· Detail oriented
· Strong knowledge of MS Excel
· Knowledge of WHO pre-qualification schemes, Proven technical knowledge about condoms and IUDs
· Experience in stakeholder management vis-à-vis manufacturers, which includes the ability to write technical correspondence
Other desirable Skills
· Ability to work under pressure
· Flexibility and adaptability, in dealing with changing circumstances or job requirements
· Ability to effectively establish priorities without supervision.
Languages:
· Fluency and excellent written and oral communication skills in English are a requirement
· Proficiency in another working language used by the UN is an asset.
HOW TO APPLY:
How to Apply:
UNFPA offers a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity, and a healthy work/life balance. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.
We offer an attractive salary, subsidized medical/dental insurance and pension benefits. This is a Temporary Appointment (TA) for 6 months.
Applications in English (letter of interest, quoting Quality Assurance Associate) and completed
Personal History Form (P11), should be sent by email to: psb.vacancies@unfpa.org.
The P11 form can be downloaded from UNFPA’s website:
Your application should be sent by email not later than 9 June 2016 (at 17.00 - Copenhagen local time).
UNFPA will only be able to respond to those applicants in whom UNFPA has a further interest.
Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process.
UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status. "
PLEASE NOTE THAT APPLICANTS MUST HAVE VALID WORKING PERMIT AND RESIDENCY IN DENMARK
