The Position:

The Reproductive Health Commodity Security (RHCS) Specialist plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability of national RHCS efforts to deliver quality reproductive health and family planning services, including uninterrupted supplies of products, with particular attention to reaching marginalized populations. S/he will collaborate with national authorities, civil society organizations, the private sector, and development agencies to provide technical support in order to increase demand for informed and voluntary Family Planning products for women and men of reproductive age and to secure the availability of Reproductive Health commodities.

Job Purpose:

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Representative, who provides overall direction and supervision, and will work in close collaboration with the Easter and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO), the Commodity Security Branch (CSB), based on an approved annual work plan. As the Technical Specialist for the RHCS and health systems, s/he will work within an integrated, coordinated, and systems-strengthening approach that is fundamental for UNFPA overall strategy.

Qualifications and Experience Require:

Education:

Master’s degree in public health, medicine, social sciences, pharmacy or other related fields. Additional postgraduate certificates in logistics, essential drugs, health system strengthening and financing would be an asset.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum 7 years experience in increasing responsibilities at the national level in SRH ideally, in logistics systems, public sector pharmaceutical supplies management of which 5 years experience should be in developing countries with direct experience relating to health and logistics systems and management of family planning programmes.
• Knowledge of public sector pharmaceutical program management at the national level, especially in policy & management, Selection, Access, Quality Assurance, and Rational Drug Use is an asset.
• Extensive knowledge of supply management: forecasting, warehousing, distribution, transportation, and logistics information systems.
• Health sector-specific experience, including Experience with Public Health systems in developing countries, Health Commodity Supply Market, Logistics and inventory management related to pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, based on sound Supply Chain Management countries principles.
• General knowledge of the principles and operational aspects of integrated reproductive healthcare.
• Proven experience in managing complex programs and large-scale projects would be an asset.

Languages:

Fluency in French and English is required.