Health Specialist (NO-3), #136375, Damascus -Syria, MENA

For every child, the right to Health

Following a decade-long war, Syria experienced massive destruction of health infrastructure includinghealth facilities, cold chain equipment, disruption of health and immunization supply chain, migration ofskilled health workforce, insecurity in many parts of the country and economic challenges that wereworsened by covid19 pandemic. To ensure continuity of immunization services, UNICEF with support ofGavi invested heavily in the national programme including Immunization supply chain that has ensured75% of children receive lifesaving vaccines.

Following the changes in government in December 2024, the Syria Immunization programme is currentlyundergoing transitioning the NWS programme into One Syria programme. This provides an opportunityfor the country to address gaps in immunization supply chain and cold chain leveraging on thecommitment of government and increased access to immunization services.

How can you make a difference?

You will provide technical support to the country to improve Immunization Supply Chain (ISC) management, efficiency and sustainability by:

(1) Promoting and enhancing capacity in Effective Vaccine Management practices

(2) Strengthening Supply and Cold Chain Management, including installation, preventive and curative maintenance of cold chain equipment

(3) Strengthening Vaccine Stock Management to prevent stockouts and optimize vaccine usage

(4) Promoting the establishment of a Functional National Logistics Working Group

(5) Promoting the collection, analysis and use of data, evidence and innovative tools to assess and continuously improve supply chain systems performance.

You will work with WHO and other partners to develop National Immunization Supply Chain and Cold Chain Logistics policies, strategies, guidelines, procedures, systems, and activities. Additionally, you will closely collaborate with other Immunization Supply Chain Management partners globally and in the field. The UNICEF Syria country office is currently seeking a Health Specialist to provide quality support to the government, ensuring the successful implementation of these initiatives.

Your role as Health Specialist (Vaccine and Cold Chain Management) is pivotal in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the immunization supply chain, which directly supports UNICEF’s commitment and accountability to the National Immunization Programme and Gavi. By optimizing vaccine management, strengthening cold chain systems, and building capacity, you ensure that vaccines are delivered effectively and timely to the last mile while maintaining vaccine efficacy and safety, thereby contributing to higher vaccination coverage and equity, minimal zero-dose, and better health outcomes. Your focus on data-driven decision-making and capacity development aligns with UNICEF’s equity strategy, ensuring that all children, especially the most disadvantaged, have access to life-saving vaccines, including new vaccines.

Minimum requirements

Bachelor or equivalent (First Level University Degree)in a relevant area combined with 2 additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Desirables

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language(Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
• Experience working in a developing country is considered as an asset.
• Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.
• Relevant experience at country level, particularly in development, fragile settings and humanitarian contexts.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

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 are conditional on the selected candidates willingness to comply with current or future vaccination requirements, should UNICEF mandate it for personnel. Failure to comply with such requirements, where applicable and without a duly approved medical exemption from the relevant UN authority, will result in the cancellation of the selection or may lead to other administrative measures, including separation from service.

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 is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF's Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

Visa residence requirements: i.e. UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

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.