UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a fair chance

Organizational Context

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Strategic Office Context

This position is located in the technical team of the Medical Devices Unit within the Health Technology Centre and the incumbent will report to the MDU Technical Specialist (P4). The core function of the technical team is to ensure that the Medical Devices product portfolio supplied by UNICEF is safe, fit-for-purpose, meets the required quality standards and is procured in a sustainable manner.

Purpose of the Job

Under the general guidance of the Technical Specialist, the incumbent will:

• Act as material owner for a portfolio of Assistive Technology products in resource limited settings and emergency response, and support the unit in sustainability related activities.
• Apply specialized product knowledge, and in collaboration with counterparts in field offices and Programme Division, establish technical specifications, standards, and guidelines for procurement of Assistive Technology products requisitioned by UNICEF programmes and specialized UN agencies, governments, and non-governmental organizations on a procurement services basis
• Support UNICEF’s strategies to strengthen country capacity in the area of supply of Assistive Technology products, emergency response, and fostering innovation.
• Provide support to all technical team members through conducting activities which will lead to the selection of more sustainable products by the Medical Devices Unit.

How can you make a difference?

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Related to the Assistive Technology product portfolio:

• In collaboration with UNICEF Programme Division, Regional Advisers, WHO and other key partners, contributes to the formulation of policy guidelines in the area Assistive Technologies.
• Reviews, develops, and maintains technical supply specifications and requirements to ensure completeness and appropriateness of a portfolio of Assistive Technology products included in both the UNICEF database and catalogue.
• Technical adjudication of procurement tenders for Assistive Technology products.
• Advises programmes and partners on technical matters relating to Assistive Technology. Reviews programmatic needs and clarifies inadequate specifications, proposing substitute or alternative items, as necessary.
• Manages a portfolio of UNICEF’s Assistive Technology products. Conducts market research, horizon-scanning for innovations, provides analysis, background information, recommendations for improving the suitability and range of Assistive Technology products, with special emphasis on suitability of commodities for use in emergency settings, resulting in more appropriate equipment, better delivery, and lower costs.
• Ensures all Assistive Technology products supplied through SD conforms applicable regulatory requirements in accordance with UNICEF’s technical provisions on medical devices.
• Supports Procurement Services Centre in preparing cost estimates for special projects on Assistive Technology products and related services through contributions of technical knowledge of products, quality standards and performance of technologies in the field.
• Supports UNICEF country offices and government partners by assisting in needs assessments in programs or projects aimed at improving access to Assistive Technology.
• Contributes to technical capacity building in UNICEF Offices and implementing partners to ensure access to Assistive Technology.

Related to supporting technical staff members with sustainability aspects:

• Acts as the technical focal point for sustainability related aspects of medical devices and Personal Protective Equipment with the support of the technical specialist team members.
• Contributes to the development of roadmaps to increase sustainability within the Medical Devices Unit regarding the product portfolio, processes, and services.
• Engages with suppliers and manufacturers to advise on ways to improve sustainability within their product offerings and manufacturing processes.
• Advises programmes and partners in sustainable aspects of medical devices.
• Participates in interagency and partner meetings related to sustainability in medical devices and Personal Protective Equipment.
• Any other duties or assignments as requested by the supervisor

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

Education:

• A completed advanced university degree in nursing, pediatrics, clinical sciences, biomedical engineering, or relevant discipline and/or public health.
• A completed first University Degree (bachelor’s degree), in nursing, pediatrics, clinical sciences, biomedical engineering or relevant discipline and/or public health along with 4 years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Work Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of progressive relevant professional experience.
• Experience in the procurement and application of medical devices and related applicable regulatory frameworks.
• Hands-on working experience in managing the technical aspects of a medical devices’ product portfolio.
• Preferably has experience with Assistive Technology products either in low-resourced settings or in clinical settings.
• Has preferably worked within the UN or a similar organization/NGO.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in at least one other UN language is recommended.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of measures to include a more diverse workforce, such as paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.