Expert consultancy on supply & logistics for deployment of Zika & other arbovirus diagnostics, Markets & Supplier Financing Centre, Supply Division, Cph

Expert consultancy on supply & logistics for deployment of Zika & other arbovirus diagnostics
Markets & Supplier Financing Centre

UNICEF Supply Division

Duty Station: Remote/ Home Based

Duration: 240 hours (30 days) over 6 months

Field Missions/Travel: None

Anticipated Start Date: October 2020

 

Context and Purpose of the Consultancy:

• Following the WHO’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) in February 2016 in response to the identified cluster of microcephaly and other neurologic disorders reported in newborns in Brazil as a result of Zika virus (ZIKV), UNICEF worked with partners to identify and address supply-related gaps in overcoming this new public health threat.

• One of the two main gaps identified was the lack of commercially available Point-of-care (POC) assays able to detect and discriminate between the different flaviviral/alphaviral infections in the wider geographic area to support more effective surveillance and prevention.

• Accordingly, UNICEF and USAID came together to accelerate the development of rapid, low-cost, specific and sensitive ZIKV IVDs and possibly multiplex diagnostics that allow for simultaneous detection of ZIKV and other arboviruses such as Dengue (DENV), Yellow Fever (YF) and Chikungunya (CHKNV) viruses (ZIKV or multiplex Diagnostics) and scale-up of POC/RDT ZIKV or multiplex Diagnostics via an Advance Purchase Commitment (APC).

• The overarching goal of the APC was to ensure access to and availability of affordable and quality assured ZIKV diagnostic testing at the POC level by supporting the development of novel devices and creating a healthy and sustainable market for proven assays to improve the lives of women and children in affected countries.

• Following two tender rounds and clinical validation of relevant assays, UNICEF finalized the award for the three successful assays from two innovator companies. One ‘singleplex’ product tests against Zika alone, while the other two ‘multiplex’ tests provide differential diagnoses against 3-4 of the following arboviruses: Zika, Chikungunya, Dengue and Yellow Fever.

• UNICEF has purchased >1MN tests spread across the various platforms/suppliers noted above for deployment in 2020 – 2021.

• To help deploy the tests purchased via the APC to different countries based on country needs and demand, UNICEF will hire a consultant to advise and support on optimal approaches in regard to supply and logistics.

 

Key Tasks:

As part of its use of Zika and other arbovirus diagnostics purchased through the APC, UNICEF is working with partners, suppliers and lab networks to identify countries in need of these tests and to successfully deploy them. Supply and logistics expertise that addresses the specific needs of this project will help UNICEF complete this work efficiently and within time constraints.

 

Deliverables:

1. To advise the project team on optimal supply and logistics processes and mechanisms for deployment of the diagnostic tests
2. To liaise with relevant stakeholders on supply and logistics, as needed
3. To ensure effective execution of deployment of tests in relevant countries
Payment on a monthly basis, based on number of days worked, on certification of the Hiring Manager.

 

Requirements

Academic:
• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in one of the following areas is required: Supply Chain; Business management; Financial management; Accounting; Project management.
• Specialization diplomas and/or membership from an internationally recognized institute/body will be considered an asset.

Professional Experience:
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant professional experience is required, including at the national and international level.
• Experience in implementing strategic organizational initiatives in the area of supply chain is required, with a preference of expert knowledge of UNICEF’s supply chain, ERP system and internal processes.

Other Skills and Qualifications:
• Knowledge of the environment UNICEF operates and understanding of the constraints of working in difficult geographical locations.
• Familiarity with supply chain dynamics in the region(s) where the products will be deployed.

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Spanish is an asset.

 

Evaluation Criteria

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

1. Cover letter/application.
2. Financial quote at a daily rate in US Dollars including all taxes.
3. P11 form if not applying through UNICEF Employment site

4. At least 3 Reference contacts

Applications that meet minimum requirements will be assessed by the following breakdown:

80% Technical Qualifications as outlined in TOR

• Academic qualification as above (20 points)
• Professional Experience as above (30 points)
• Knowledge and experience in UNICEF’s supply chain, ERP system and internal processes (20 points)
• Knowledge of the environment UNICEF operates (10 points)

20% Financial Proposal

(Day rate, weighted against others, maximum 20 points)

Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.

Applications should be submitted before 14 October 2020