Individual contractor to support procurement of COVID-19 supplies and pharmaceuticals, Nur-Sultan duty station, Kazakhstan

Individual contractor to support procurement of COVID19 supplies and pharmaceuticals, Nur-Sultan duty station, Kazakhstan

Type of contract: Individual contractor
Duration: 6 months
Workplace: UNICEF Office in Kazakhstan (based in Nur-Sultan), office-based
Type of work: full-time

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up.
For every child, a fair chance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=E1xkXZs0cAQ

Background

In June and July 2020, the spread of COVID-19 cases surged rapidly, and Kazakhstan, was among the countries with the fastest growing number of confirmed cases. Following the merging of COVID-19 and pneumonia cases in August, the number of confirmed cases reached out to more than 100,000 cases with 1,269 deaths reported as of 11August. Following the rapid increase of cases in June and July, hospitals across the country warned they are at or near full capacity, and the number of cases continues to tick upwards. Due to increased demand, lack of medicine and medical supplies has been reported in hospitals, mother and child clinics, other health facilities, as well as in some pharmacies, putting at risk the most vulnerable, including children, low-income families, people with disabilities and pregnant women. The Government of Kazakhstan is working on allocating resources to set up screening areas, treatment, and critical care units at health facilities and procuring critical supplies across the country to respond to the growing number of COVID-19 infections, including for people at greater risk. UNICEF has received several requests from the Government to support the procurement of medical supplies to accommodate the needs and to ensure sufficient response for the affected population.

How can you make a difference?

Under the direct supervision of Procurement Officer and the overall guidance of Operations Manager, the Individual contractor will support the implementation of the project in administrative issues and customs clearance related activities throughout the contracting period.

Purpose of the Assignment

Currently UNICEF Office in Kazakhstan is facing an increased volume of supply component including procurement of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for treatment of COVID-19. Volume of supply component increased as well as the volume of cargo and shipment arriving to the country, hence it is a high need for their clearance with customs and distribution of these supplies to hospitals and clinics, that is why it is required to attract the individual contractor to support procurement of COVID-19 supplies and pharmaceuticals

Main tasks and deliverables:
The contractor is expected to perform the following tasks and contribute to the accomplishment of the following tasks and deliverables as listed below:
• Effective coordination of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals delivery and distribution;
• Customs clearance of incoming medical supplies and pharmaceuticals for COVID-19 treatment with guidance from a Procurement Officer;
• Arrangement of transportation and other logistical services for customs cleared medical supplies and pharmaceuticals;
• Liaise with local customs authorities, Diplomatic service department of MFA in all customs related issues;
• Ensure timely preparing all documentation related to customs clearance of medical supplies;
• Coordinate the distribution plan and logistics of medical supplies with SK-Pharmaceuticals and MoH;
• Ensure receiving all delivery receipts from SK-Pharmaceuticals and regional department of Health;
• Prepare final report on delivery and distribution of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals;
• Support Operations staff with other supply or administrative related matters as requested;
• Assist with CO archive of supply documentation ensuring further actions in line with UNICEF document retention policy;
• Sundry Administration Tasks.

Performance indicators for evaluation of results:
The evaluation of the results will be based on the:
• Quality of work (i.e. work is acceptable by UNICEF);
• Timeliness of work (delivered according to schedule below);
• Responsibility;
• Communication.

Work Assignment Overview

1. Tasks/Milestones: To ensure timely and effective delivery, customs clearance and distribution of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals for COVID-19 treatment
Deliverables/Outputs: Effective coordination of delivery, customs clearance and distribution of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals for COVID-19 treatment
Date: monthly by 15th day of each month

2. Tasks/Milestones: To prepare final report
Deliverables/Outputs: Final report on delivery and distribution of medical supplies and pharmaceuticals
Date: 15 May 2021

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Economics/Management or related area;
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in administrative and clerical support. Experience in customs clearance, procurement and logistics will be an asset;
• Proficiency in Russian and English. Knowledge of Kazakh is an asset;
• Strong knowledge of Office applications;
• Good organizational and communication skills;
• Ability to meet deadlines in a result-oriented environment;
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly.
• Competencies:
1) Drive for results;
2) Technical competencies:
– Knowledge of procurement practices;
3) Functional competencies:
– Planning and organizing;
– Following instructions and procedures.

For every Child, you demonstrate…
UNICEF’s core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability (https://www.unicef.org/about/unicef-culture)
View our competency framework at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

Remarks:
• Completion of the UN/UNICEF mandatory trainings is obligatory upon commencement of the contract.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
• UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
• UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.
• All materials developed will remain the copyright of UNICEF and UNICEF will be free to adapt and modify them in the future.
• The Individual contractor or Consultant will perform his/her duties in line with UNICEF standards and procedures.
• The successful candidate will be required to have medical insurance (at his/her own cost), covering the whole period of contract, including travel.
• Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws.
• Payment upon completion of each deliverable according to schedule.