Technical Officer, Field Coordination Logistics - Nairobi, Kenya - World Health Organization (WHO)

Description

The World Health Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is concerned with international public health. It was established on 7 April 1948, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

Duties
Under the technical guidance of the Unit Chief, Emergency Operations (PHE/EMO) and the direct supervision of the Advisor, Health Emergencies, the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

Support the management of the PAHO health emergencies program in the relevant sub-national, emergency context of the PAHO Health Emergencies Incident Management System (IMS);
Collaborate and provide support to the field support team in planning, budgeting, and operational service delivery;
Make recommendations on staffing needs for the PAHO response and ensure their timely mobilization in coordination with the PAHO country office;
Brief the PAHO country office on situation reports, security updates, and events, bringing concerns and recommended courses-of[1]action to the attention of the Incident Manager and PAHO country office Representative as appropriate;
Ensure that suboffices have an acceptable level of compliance with relevant PAHO security standards and processes; monitor the implementation of the technical security measures outlined in the Security Plan, MOSS, and SOPs; and ensure staff members' adherence to security measures and guidelines;
Collaborate in the proposal, development, and overseeing of the implementation of risk management, and contingency plans, and recommend standard operating procedures (SOPs) for use at the field level;
Design an effective system to track PAHO emergency staff and responders throughout the country, including to enable field coordinators to update staff, consultants, partners and dependents present at their respective field locations, working in coordination with the data team and the field coordinators;
Identify proper accommodations for field-level operations, with adequate security measures for all staff and responders, ensuring their safety and well-being;
Supervise and guide field-level security officer(s), assistant(s) or other assigned personnel;
Oversee the provision of well-rounded Logistics and Operations Support services to enable the Organization to successfully implement a rapid, fully functional Incident Management System (IMS) at the country and subnational levels, in the context of outbreaks and health emergencies;
Coordinate with PAHO logistical and administrative personnel to supervise the transport, customs clearance, delivery, storage and management of material assets for the emergency preparedness, recovery and response activities;
Identify logistics constraints that may hinder the rapid implementation of activities and propose adequate corrective measures;
Promote transparency and efficient management of humanitarian assistance through the implementation of manual and electronic systems for: registry, inventory, tracking, and reporting of emergency supplies;
Ensure accountability in inventory management on emergencies;
Support the establishment of the logistics component of the National Health Emergency Response Teams;
Participate in the identification of a roster of experienced and skilled health logistics suppliers;
Engage with the corresponding Health Cluster and with other partners to provide expert advice on the organization of emergency logistics response, requests management, stock levels, shipment of supplies, and efficient and well-organized warehouse management; plan and operationalize the national strategic stockpile to support logistics operations for emergency responses;
Provide training, advice and guidance on logistics issues arising from the day-to-day activities of the program in the country; ensure equitable distribution of work to maintain optimal efficiency and output as well as job satisfaction; redistribute work when necessary;
Participate in the implementation of PAHO response activities during disasters and public health emergencies, as required;
Perform other related duties, as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS
Education


Essential:

A bachelor's degree in a health science, logistics management, public or business administration, engineering or any other field related to the functions of the post from a recognized university.

Desirable:

A master's degree in emergency management or a related area and/or professional certification in areas such as supply chain management (CSCP) or Supply Management (CPSM) would be an asset.

Certification in information technology systems including training in logistics, transport, or supply management would be an asset.

Experience


Essential:

Seven years of combined national and international professional experience in the field of health logistics operations and supply chain management in emergency, humanitarian actions, disaster management, logistics, administration or a related field.

Desirable:
Experience or knowledge of import/export and customs administration. Experience working in UN organizations/agencies, international institutions, or NGOs. Experience working in an emergency context, especially in Latin America and the Caribbean highly desirable.

Skills

PAHO Competencies:

Overall attitude at work:

Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization's mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.

Teamwork:

Collaborate and cooperate with others/Deal effectively with conflict - Creates team spirit; promotes collaboration and open communication in the team; proactively supports others; welcomes team responsibilities and drives team results; promotes knowledge sharing in the team.

Proactively identifies conflicts and facilitates their resolution in a respectful manner; tactfully resolves conflicts between or with others and takes action to reduce any possible tension; effectively builds a rapport with individuals and teams, establishing good personal and professional relationships, as well as minimizing risk of potential conflict.

Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Relate well to diversity in others and capitalize on such diversity - Treats all people with dignity and respect.

Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.

Communication:
Express oneself clearly when speaking/Listen/Write effectively/Share knowledge - Foresees communication needs of audience and targets message accordingly. Facilitates open communication; encourages others to share their views openly and takes time to understand and consider their views.

Writes down ideas in a clear, structured, logical and credible way; drafts and supports the development of guidelines, policies and procedures.

Shares relevant information openly and ensures that the shared information is understood; considers knowledge sharing as a constructive working method and demonstrates awareness of the Organization.

Producing Results:

Work efficiently and independently/Deliver quality results/Take responsibility - Prioritizes work, monitors own progress against objectives and adapts plans as required; communicates adjustments as necessary.

Acts proactively and stimulates action as needed; handles problems effectively and constructively. Produces high-quality results and workable solutions that meet clients' needs. Works independently to produce new results and sets own time lines effectively and efficiently. Shows awareness of own role and clarifies roles of team members in relation to project's expected results. Makes proposals for improving processes as required and takes responsibility for own work and/or actions, as necessary. Demonstrates positive attitude in working on new projects and initiatives. Demonstrates accountability for own success, as well as for errors; learns from experience.

Moving forward in a changing environment: Propose change/Adapt to change - Actively supports Organizational change initiatives and demonstrates personal commitment to them, including when faced with new demands; proposes workable solutions to challenging situations.

Engages in positive responses to a changing environment and promotes workable solutions to achieve own and team's results.

Welcomes, and actively seeks to apply, new ideas, approaches and working methods and technologies in order to improve own and/or team's work processes and results; demonstrates commitment to Organizational change initiatives.

Technical Expertise

Strong knowledge of public health and rapid response operations including the international emergency incident management system.
Technical knowledge and practical expertise in purchasing policies, practices and procedures, standard contracting terms and conditions.

Ability to create and advocate innovative approaches to facilitate and enhance health logistics management capacity, as well as monitoring of processes.

Strong analytical skills in the review of contractual arrangements combined with excellent negotiation skills.
Ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships to support the procurement requirements of the Organization's programs.
Ability to deal effectively with different stakeholders, mainly donor agencies, government officials, other UN agencies and NGOs.
Very good knowledge of new technologies, methodologies and software for inventory control, logistics and supply chain management.

Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment and to re-prioritize actions on short notice.

Strong professional oral and writing skills including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization

IT Skills

Demonstrated ability to effectively use current technology and software, spreadsheets and presentations, as well as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and management information systems.

Other IT skills and knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Excel, Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint, and Word are considered essential.