National Professional Officer

WHO India Country Office collaborates with the Government of India and relevant stakeholders within the framework of the collaborative Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS), to actively support the development and implementation of national health policies, strategies and plans aiming at promoting access to and utilization of affordable and quality health services and improving the financial protection against health-related risks. The Country Office contributes to providing technical support in developing national policies, strategies and activities in the area of health systems strengthening including, (i) advocating for Universal Health Coverage and building up national capacity in UHC-related matters; (ii) facilitating the adoption of the evidence-based public health interventions as well as appropriate reforms/changes with a view to promote equity and accelerate the movement towards universal health coverage. Underlying Values and Core Functions of WHO: All the Member States of WHO South-East Asia Region share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation. WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (2019-2025) is structured around three interconnected strategic priorities to ensure healthy lives and well-being for all at all ages: achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations. WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) core functions: (i) providing leadership on global health matters; (ii) shaping the health research agenda; (iii) setting norms and standards; (iv) articulating evidence-based policy options; (v) providing technical support to countries; and (vi) monitoring and assessing health trends. The South-East Asia Region (SEAR) of WHO is made up of 11 countries, with over 1.9 billion people, with India’s population of 1.4 billion. All the Member States of WHO/SEAR (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor-Leste) share the common value of the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental human right. All of WHO actions are based on this and rooted in the underlying values of equity, solidarity and participation. WHO’s mandate revolves around six (6) leadership priorities specifying (i) advancing universal health coverage; (ii) health related sustainable development goals; (iii) addressing the challenge of non-communicable diseases and mental health, violence and injuries and disabilities; (iv) implementing the provisions of the International Health Regulations (2005); (v) increasing access to quality, safe, efficacious and affordable medical products (vi) addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health. Mission of the WHO Country Office for India: Within the framework of WHO’s Country Cooperation Strategy, the mission of the WHO Country Office is to support India in: (i) developing and sustaining its own health policies, health systems and public health programmes; (ii) working to prevent and overcome threats to health; (iii) anticipating future challenges; and (iv) advocating public health.

Duties:

Under the overall guidance of the Administrative Officer, and the direct supervision of the National Professional Officer (Administrative Services), the incumbent will be required to perform the following responsibilities:

• Plan and organize the work of the Procurement unit through identifying priorities, allocating tasks; evaluate performance of staff and ensure their strict adherence to procedures.
• Review procurement requests received from the programme teams and field offices to ensure coherent application of WHO-related rules, SOPs and consistent implementation of delegated authorities and responsibilities; prepare correspondence and Contract Review Committee (CRC) submissions and maintain follow-ups.
• Monitor the preparation and issuance of Invitation to Bid (ITB), Request for Quotation (RFQ) and Request for Proposal (RFP) to qualified suppliers. Review offers and provide inputs on contract awards, in compliance with the WHO standards, policies and procedures.
• Work closely with the Regional Office and Global Service Center (GSC) / HQ Procurement Teams to follow up on shipments & provide updates on delivery status/delays; resolve any outstanding issues.
• Oversees adherence to procuring goods and services, within the approved workplans, as per the threshold limits on contractual agreements, recommends amendments and extensions of contracts, and advises concerned parties on contractual rights and obligations.
• Perform market research to establish pre-qualified suppliers for routine goods and services and establish Long Term Agreements with suppliers to ensure Best Value for Money; review suppliers’ performance evaluations submitted by the users.
• Formulates strategies and designs innovative solutions to resolve issues/conflicts for complex procurement projects.
• Identifies new technologies, and products/services, evaluates and recommends potential supply sources and participates in the incorporation of research results into the procurement programme.
• Liaise with Programme units for annual procurement plans, analyze and forecast the requirement and manage procurement for the WCO and field offices to improve planning process.
• Draft audit responses, review and follow- up on any outstanding audit recommendations related to the procurement of goods or services.
• Support WCO for policies and procedures for risk management, compliance and contingency planning, enhancement of tools to systematically monitor and report on procurement related risks.
• Training and capacity building of WCO staff on procurement policies and procedures and disseminate information to WCO with the overall aim of enhancing and improving compliance and manage risk.
• Review current procurement processes, identify internal constraints which undermine compliance and propose corrective measures and internal controls.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

Essential:

• University degree in business administration or related field from a recognized university.

Experience:

Essential:

• At least one (1) year of progressively responsible experience in programme operations, procurement and contracting operations.

Skills:

• Thorough knowledge and skills in supply operations and procurement services.
• Excellent organizational and analytical skills with the ability to coordinate activities and multitask.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to negotiate with and convince officials with tact and diplomacy.
• Good knowledge of the administrative functioning of government institutions and related departments/agencies, and of the other partners in India.
• Knowledge of WHO/UN agencies programmes and practices will be an advantage.

Language Skills

Essential:

• Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Hindi.

Source: https://careers.who.int/careersection/ex/jobdetail.ftl?job=2408502