Position Summary
Sierra Leone has the highest maternal mortality in the world. The maternal mortality ratio (MMR) for Sierra Leone is high irrespective of the estimated value adopted. The maternal mortality ratio was estimated at 1,165 per 100,000 live births in 2013 (SLDHS 2013). However, the recent UN Estimates of the Trends in Maternal Mortality: 1990 to 2015 has estimated MMR in the country at 1,360 per 100,000 Live Births. This situation has been compounded by inadequate access to emergency obstetric and newborn care, low skilled birth attendance and limited access to family planning services. The recent Ebola Outbreak has further complicated this situation over the past two years.
The Government of Sierra Leone has developed a Presidential Recovery Plan (PRP) that outlines priorities for the post Ebola 10 – 24 month recovery period. Addressing the high maternal and child mortality rates have been identified as top priorities in the PRP and the President has declared maternal and child mortality as a Public Health Emergency. The PRP has a target of ‘Saving the lives of 600 women and 5,000 children by 2018’. This ambitious target requires the alignment of different sectors, resources and partners to fulfill the government commitment. UNFPA is playing a key role in addressing the targets of the PRP. UNFPA together with UNICEF and WHO have developed a joint DFID programme; The Saving Lives Programme (SLP) to address the health priorities in the PRP. The SLP aims to contribute to the Government of Sierra Leone’s plan for the accelerated reduction of maternal, newborn, child and adolescent mortality and morbidity. The SLP will not only contribute to meeting the short term goals of the PRP, but also strengthen the overall health sector in the long term. The main expected outcomes are:
- Increased use of quality RMNCH services, especially for poor women
- Increased use of contraception especially among adolescents
- Fewer teen pregnancies, and
- Reduced prevalence and improved management of childhood illness
Job Purpose
Under the overall guidance of the Representative and direct supervision of the International Operations Manager, She/he responds creatively to complex challenges in terms of donor contacts and complex programme execution modalities. The incumbent supervises the procurement team of the DFID Saving Lives Project. This post specifically serves the procurement and contracting needs of the project activities and advice also on procurement needs for all the Country Office.
In direct support of the Project activities, concert with the Procurement Policy formulation and strategic thinking, ensure proper effective use of UNFPA's and external partners' resources in the following activities:
- Manage and co-ordinate the Project’s procurement and logistics services for activities indicated in the Project Document and the Work Plans;
- Build capacity by advising Sierra Leone Country Office and external parties on all aspects of procurement and logistics management implementation and organization;
- Represent UNFPA in UN working groups, Supervise and coach procurement staff.
Academic Qualifications and Experience:
- Master’s Degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance, Economics or related field;
- Certification in procurement, CIPS certification is highly desirable.
- At least 5 years of progressively relevant experience at national or international level in a multicultural environment
- Experience in working with the UN is desirable.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance knowledge of web based management systems
We are no longer accepting applications for this position.
