Background

IMPORTANT NOTE: This post is opened in the context of the JPO Programme sponsored by the Government of Finland and is addressed exclusively to nationals of Finland.

Background:

The Procurement Services Branch provides procurement services to UNFPA country programmes, national governments, NGOS and implementing partners for reproductive health commodities to support the delivery of reproductive health services. The RH commodities include Medicine, Medical devices and medical equipment. The JPO is required to work on quality assurance and technical matters related to medical devices. The medical devices cover contraceptive devices (male and female condoms and copper Intra-uterine devices), medical equipment, surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, laboratory equipment and supplies, renewal or disposable medical devices such as gloves, cannulas, catheters, syringes etc. The quality of commodities procured by UNFPA is important to ensure the safety and performance of the products. All commodities procured by UNFPA have to undergo quality assurance and quality control prior to inclusion on to the list of catalogue items. This involves review and updating of specifications, technical requirements, and quality standards for the product. The JPO will work with the Technical Specialist for Medical Devices to improve the quality assurance system and processes for medical devices and support technical evaluation of bids and tenders for medical devices.

Supervision

The JPO will be under the supervision of the Technical Specialist for Quality Assurance of Medical Devices and Medicines, and the JPO Focal Point at the UNFPA Headquarters for career development and administrative issues.

Content and Methodology of Supervision:

  • Job-related guidance in a timely, constructive and appropriate manner is provided on a continuous basis.
  • The functions of all staff and what is required of the JPO and how this relates to the overall mandate of UNFPA will be explained.
  • All necessary information, rules, policies, equipment and other tools required will be provided. 
  • The JPO will have opportunities to use his/her skills and abilities fully and to contribute to the work of the office to the best of his/her abilities.
  • Supervisors will take an overall interest in the JPO’s development and provide encouragement and advice on how the JPO can realize his/her potential.
  • There will be opportunities for the JPO to express his/her views on work-related matters.

Learning Elements

Upon completion of the two-year assignment, the JPO will be able to:

  • Have comprehensive knowledge about the quality assurance services of RH commodities function in a typical UN organization.
  • Have comprehensive understanding about the mandate and structure of UNFPA, key functioning units, key stakeholders, the relationship and interaction among key function units and with key stakeholders.
  • Manage projects addressing quality and procurement in the international development arena, in regard to RH Commodities, Population and Development and Emergency Response.
  • Assess costs and benefits of quality assurance activities, prioritize activities and manage communication and ideas.
  • Mobilize resources to address activities that require additional funding or manpower support.
  • Write assessment reports on UNFPA’s quality assurance activities for medical devices.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Implementation of quality assessments and technical evaluation of medical devices to support procurement of contraceptive devices, medical devices and medical equipment for Reproductive Health care.
  • Review and evaluate specifications and safe use of medical devices where necessary.
  • Coordinate the quality assessments and quality control of medical devices and liaise with technical experts and quality control laboratories
  • Undertake technical assignments on medical devices
  • Collaborate and work with partners (WHO, UNICEF and other partner agencies)
  • Update relevant SOPs on quality assurance processes and procedures
  • Provide technical assistance on new health technologies and new developments on medical devices regulation and development.

Competencies

Values:

  • Exemplifying integrity
  • Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN System
  • Embracing cultural diversity
  • Embracing change

Core Competencies:

  • Achieving results
  • Being accountable
  • Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen
  • Thinking analytically and strategically
  • Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships
  • Communicating for impact
  • Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds

Functional Skillsets:

  • Job knowledge/technical expertise
  • Innovation and marketing of new approaches
  • Organizational awareness
  • Client focus

Required Skills and Experience

Education

  • Master's Degree or equivalent in any of the following: Biomedical Engineering, medical engineering, clinical engineering, health technology or related science subject that covers medical devices or health technologies including diagnostics or regulation of medical devices or medical equipment.

Experience

  • At least 2 years of experience with medical devices or clinical settings.

Language

  • Fluency in English. Knowledge of other working languages of the UN  is an asset
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely

Nationality

  • This post is opened in the context of the JPO Programme sponsored by the Government of Finland and is addressed exclusively to nationals of Finland.

The selected candidate will be expected to participate in the training course on Finland’s Development Policy and Development Cooperation in 2017 organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland, from 7-9 June, 2017, in Helsinki.

For more details on the JPO Programme and detailed requirements, please visit: http://www.undp.org/content/jposc/en/home/how-to-join/current-vacancies.html