Procurement Specialist - Medicines and Medical Supplies

Project Information

UNOPS AFCO started the implementation of the project "Emergency healthcare assistance to Afghanistan through the provision of ambulances and life-saving medical supplies" funded by the Government of Japan. The project objective is to contribute to coping with acute healthcare needs by enhancing the operational capacity of healthcare services. In this project, UNOPS will assist Afghanistan hospitals in the procurement, delivery and handover of ambulances, medicines and medical supplies to hospitals to support access to essential healthcare services for the most vulnerable populations of Afghanistan.

Job-Specific Information

Under the supervision of the Project Manager, the Technical Expert in Medicines and Medical Supplies assists the project in procurement, quality assurance, deliverables and stakeholder engagement. S/he will help the project in procuring medicines and medical supplies which are safe, effective and of appropriate quality with the aim of maximizing value for money; and appropriate for the economical, technical and socio-cultural context in which they are to be used. S/he will ensure alignment with national legislation on sanitary norms and rules, international best practices and WHO technical guidance with respect to medicines and medical supplies. Also, s/he will be responsible for ensuring the highest possible standards of quality, safety and sustainability and effectiveness of medicines and medical supplies to be delivered.

2. Summary of Key Functions  

1. Procurement

• Procure medicines and medical supplies which are safe, effective and of appropriate quality with the aim of maximizing value for money; and appropriate for the economical, technical and socio-cultural context in which they are to be used.

• Assist the project in sourcing medicines and medical supplies by analysing the market, providing cost estimations and identifying potential bidders.

• Develop and review technical requirements of medicines and medical supplies, validated with national capacity, in alignment with WHO, other relevant international guidelines and the UNOPS Procurement Manual.

• Respond to any technical inquiries from potential bidders during the tendering process.

• Provide an evaluation team with necessary technical inputs during the evaluation.

• Ensure that all procurement actions are conducted as required by UNOPS according to the UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations, applicable policies and procedures as well as the highest degree of personal and professional ethics.

• Perform other procurement-related duties as assigned by Project Manager.

1. Quality Assurance

• Ensure alignment with national legislation on sanitary norms and rules, international best practices and WHO technical guidance with respect to medicines and medical supplies.

• Ensure all medicines and medical supplies to be procured by UNOPS shall be authorised for marketing and use in Afghanistan by the relevant National Regulatory Authority (NRA) in accordance with its standard practices for registration or other forms of authorisation including for special use.

• Ensure the highest possible standards of quality, safety and sustainability and effectiveness of medicines and medical supplies to be delivered.

• Monitor the quality of products at different points of the supply chain including prior to shipment.

• Conduct quality control testing according to sampling and testing protocols and standard operating procedures informed by WHO technical guidance and internal risk assessment.

• Conduct pre-shipment inspection and sampling for medicines and medical supplies to initiate the timely delivery as per the delivery schedule agreed in the contracts.

• Ensure that medicines and medical supplies are stored and distributed in a way that guarantees the maintenance of their quality, safety and integrity and ensures batch traceability.

1. Deliverables

• Coordinate with beneficiaries on overall procedures during the delivery, receipt, and storage of medicines and medical supplies.

• Visit delivery locations upon delivery of medicines and medical supplies to verify if the delivered outputs are in line with the UNOPS technical requirements.

• Assist the project in handing over medicines and medical supplies to beneficiaries.

• Provide technical assistance to beneficiaries as requested by the Project manager. 

1. Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage, discuss, negotiate and liaise with key stakeholders.

• Establish solid and transparent working relationships with the project team and key stakeholders.

• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and communication, ensuring effective timing and interdependency management of communications.

3. Impact and Results 

A selected technical expert in medicine and medical supplies will achieve the overall aim of procuring medicines and medical supplies which are safe, effective and of appropriate quality with the aim of maximizing value for money; and appropriate for the economical, technical and socio-cultural context in which they are to be used. From the project management perspective, s/he will contribute to the successful delivery of medicine and medical supplies within the time, cost, and impact tolerance defined in the project implementation plan. 

This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of  UNOPS as an effective service provider in project services and management and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

4. Qualifications and Experience

1. Education

• A Master degree in Pharmacy, Medicine, or a related field is required.

• A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in combination with 2 additional years of progressively relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

1. Work Experience

• Five years (based on academic credentials) of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical field is required.

• Experience in procuring medicines and medical supplies for hospitals in Afghanistan is an asset.

• Experience in successfully working with a variety of health sector stakeholders, particularly governments and development partners is an asset.

• Professional membership of certified associations is preferential.

• Knowledge of UNOPS/UN rules and regulations will be an advantage.

1. Languages

Full working knowledge of English, Dari and/or Pashto is required.