Consultancy to provide technical expertise for sourcing and technical evaluation of COVID-19 in vitro diagnostics and lab equipment, HTC, Supply Division, Cph

Consultancy to provide technical expertise for sourcing and technical evaluation of COVID-19 in vitro diagnostics and lab equipment

Health technology Center, UNICEF Supply Division

 

Duty Station: Copenhagen or Other, office based/ home based

Duration: 6 months – 120 Working days

Anticipated Start Date: 1 December 2020

 

Context and Purpose of the Consultancy:
UNICEF has an extensive global health presence and strong partnerships with governments and non-governmental organizations at national and community levels. We work to bring practical solutions to the women and children at greatest risk to ensure their survival and health.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an urgent need for resourced laboratory systems to support accurate and timely case detection, support surveillance and guide disease control efforts worldwide. After the emergence and global circulation of SARS-CoV-2, countries were faced with the challenge of rapidly building and scaling national laboratory systems for COVID-19 diagnostic and surveillance purposes. These efforts are particularly challenging in low- and middle-income settings, where both resources and global supply have not kept pace with demand.

Aiming to remove disparities in access to COVID -19 laboratory diagnostics, equipment, supplies and other consumables required for sample collection, testing and transport, UNICEF joins forces with international partners to bring and scale up COVID-19 testing in low- and middle-income countries as well as build capacity of national and research laboratories.

In view of the above, UNICEF is seeking for a short-term consultancy that will provide expertise required for sourcing COVID -19 viral culture reagents, equipment (service and maintenance), supplies and other consumables required for surveillance and research purposes. This will include, but not limited to, market analysis, development of tender specifications and quality requirements in compliance with the requirements by WHO, UNICEF and other global health partners.

Key Tasks:

1. Support UNICEF Supply Division conducting an expression of interest (EOI) for viral culture reagents, equipment and consumables required for COVID-19 testing
2. In collaboration with UNICEF Supply Division Technical Specialist and partners, develop technical and quality requirements for a UNICEF tender;
3. Prepare technical specifications for a UNICEF tender;
4. Develop a list of invitees for a UNICEF tender;
5. Evaluate offers and recommend products for procurement by UNICEF;
6. Develop a guidance note(s) for procurement of recommended products.

 

Deliverables:

1. Detailed workplan for the consultancy; (5 working days)
2. Develop an expression of interest (EOI) viral culture reagents, equipment and consumables required for COVID-19 culture concluded by a summary analysis of technologies/products landscape (20 working days);
3. Generic technical specifications of technologies/products for a UNICEF tender (40 working days);
4. EOI summary report (5 working days);
5. A list of invitees for a UNICEF tender (5 working days);
6. Technical evaluation reports, i.e. a detailed evaluation report and a summary report with recommendations for procurement by UNICEF (30 working days)
7. Product technical updates for UNICEF Supply Catalogue in line with UNICEF format (5 working days);
8. Guidance Note for procurement of COVID 19 diagnostics and equipment (10 working days).

Requirements

Academic:
Advanced university degree in Clinical laboratory Sciences, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Hospital Microbiology, Immunology and/or related technical field.

Professional Experience:
Minimum 5 years of technical experience in vitro diagnostics medical devices and laboratory equipment preferably in clinical laboratory research. Experience working in public health programs for developing countries and/or public procurement is an asset

Other Skills and Qualifications:
– Current knowledge of the latest developments and technology in the field of work
– Ability to conceptualize ideas and produce clear and comprehensive reports
– Ability to work in a multicultural environment
– Able to work independently
– Computer skills, including internet navigation and various office applications

Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Additional UN languages will be considered 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

All applications to be sent by 11 November 2020. Please indicate your availability and daily rate to undertake the terms of reference above. Applications submitted without a daily rate will not be considered.