Denmark: Technical Specialist P-3, # 86377 in Health Technology Centre

In collaboration with partners such as WHO, counterparts in field offices and UNICEF Programme Division, uses specialized product knowledge to establish technical specifications, standards and guidelines for laboratory and diagnostic equipment and related supplies requisitioned by UNICEF programmes, specialized UN agencies, governments and non-governmental organizations on a procurement services basis, and provide technical guidance on the selection and use of these products.

Under the general guidance of the Technical Specialist and in consultation with the Health Technology Centre (HTC) technical function, take proactive action on technical matters and projects related to access to essential health technologies with emphasis on improved guidance to countries in terms of selection, quality assurance, installation and commissioning, validation and maintenance of health equipment including innovative and/or point of care diagnostic technologies (POC).

Collaborate with key internal and external partners in formulating policy guidelines and interpretation of regulatory requirements and applying them to UNICEF procurement of medical diagnostic devices and laboratory supplies, with a specific focus on Point of Care Diagnostics used in decentralized health care settings.

In collaboration with the technical function in HTC, collaborate with stakeholders and provide advice to Country Offices, Internal and External Partners as well as Procurement Services customers on technical issues related to the supply of innovative health technologies, including new and sustainable health products.

Support UNICEF's strategies to strengthen country capacity in the area of supply of health technologies, including clinical diagnostics, both in routine care and emergency response, and fostering innovation.

KEY END-RESULTS

• Availability of a portfolio of innovative HIV Point-of-Care diagnostic devices and clinical laboratory supplies and equipment, included and maintained in UNICEF catalogue.
• Increased awareness and understanding of the need for as well as advocacy on adequate quality standards and do-no-harm policies.
• Guidance on product selection and use available to countries, including key considerations around the sustainability of the supply of such.
• Proactively generated, well-informed information on latest technological developments in the area of HIV POC diagnostic devices and clinical laboratory supplies available to UNICEF programmes and special projects, government counterparts and partners.
• Timely technical contributions to introduction of new and/or innovative health technologies in programmes, including monitoring and evaluation and Fit for Purpose reviews as needed.
• Well managed partnerships

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS

1. Reviews and develops technical supply specifications and requirements to ensure completeness and appropriateness. Advises requesting offices on technical matters relating to the commodity of specialization. Clarifies inadequate specifications, proposing substitute or alternative items as necessary.
2. In collaboration with UNICEF Programme Division, Regional Advisers, WHO and other key partners, contributes to the formulation of policy guidelines in the area of expertise.
3. Prepares and maintains technical specifications for a portfolio of point of care diagnostic devices included in both the UNICEF database and catalogue.
4. Advises special projects and programmes on technical matters relating to the commodity of specialization. Clarifies specifications with requesting customers and advises on the selection and use of the products.
5. Conducts market research, provides analyses, background information, recommendations for improving the suitability and range of products within specialized area, resulting in more appropriate equipment, better delivery and lower costs. Investigates world markets, maintains resource files on a global basis, recommending new areas of purchase.
6. Reviews and analyses UNICEF's product portfolio in point of care diagnostics, background information and supply guidance, and implements recommendations for improving the suitability and sustainability of products, resulting in more appropriate equipment, better delivery and lower costs of ownership.
7. Prepares, conducts and/or manages the technical adjudication of tenders for clinical laboratory and point of care diagnostics and related health technologies.
8. Supports the Procurement Services Centre in screening incoming procurement requests, preparing cost estimates for special projects on laboratory and diagnostics and related services.
9. Supports country offices and governments by assisting in needs assessments in programmes or projects aimed at improving access to diagnostics services and patient access to results.
10. Develops and/or contributes to monitoring and evaluation of special projects aimed at improving access to diagnostics services and patient access to results.
11. Supervises guides and trains support staff, and evaluates performance.
12. Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor.

QUALIFICATION and COMPETENCIES

Education
A completed advanced university degree (Master's Degree) in clinical laboratory, medical engineering, biomedical, nursing or relevant discipline, and/or public health is required.

Work Experience
Minimum 5 years of progressive relevant professional experience is required.

Specialist knowledge of Point-of-Care diagnostic devices, rapid diagnostic tests, or clinical laboratory supplies and equipment is required.

Hands-on working experience in laboratory environment is an asset.

Field experience in developing countries and knowledge of policy issues related to HIV clinical laboratory support and point of care diagnostics is an asset.

Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English is required.

Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Competency Profile
(For details on competencies please refer to the UNICEF Professional Competency Profiles.)

Core Values (Required)
• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core Competencies (Required)
• Communication (Level II)
• Drive for results (Level II)
• Working with people (Level II)

Functional Competencies (Required)
• Applying Technical Expertise (Level II)
• Analysing (Level II)
• Planning and Organising (Level II)
• Following Instruction and Procedures (Level II)
• Relating and Networking (Level II)

Specific Technical Knowledge
• Knowledge on technical, requirements and good distribution practices of diagnostic health equipment and related supplies.
• Sound knowledge of computer applications, internet navigation and advanced Excel skills required.

Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced
Innovation processes aiming to shorten the pipeline to introduction of HIV POC devices and infectious disease diagnostics in public health supply chains.

Closing Date 9 Sep 2016 Romance Standard Time

Requisition 498736

Please be informed that all applications to UNICEF are handled via UNICEF's online recruiting system. You can apply to the above position by creating your profile, and application at our web site: http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index.php. Kindly note that all applications should be in English and that applications outside of the online recruiting system will not be accepted. If you experience any technical issues with submitting your application, kindly contact eRecruitment@unicef.org

Kindly also note that candidates will be assessed on foundational and functional competencies and that diversity and gender balance are also factors in the selection process.