Technical Officer (Cold Chain)

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OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME

WHO’s work in countries operationalizes the General Programme of Work (GPW14) and the European Programme of Work 2025-2029 (EPW2). GPW14 focuses on accelerating progress toward Health for All by strengthening systems for health, improving access to essential services, advancing preparedness and resilience, and reducing health inequalities. EPW2, endorsed at RC75 following extensive consultation with Member States, reaffirms WHO/Europe’s role in bringing unique value to countries through five core functions:
1. International knowledge hub for health – providing authoritative evidence, norms, policies and best practices from across the Region and globally to inform national public health decision-making.
2. Impartial coordinator for everyone’s health – convening national stakeholders and partners to align strategies and support coherent, multisectoral responses to shared health challenges.
3. Leader in tracking and managing cross-border health threats – supporting surveillance, preparedness, and coordinated action on public health emergencies in line with the Preparedness 2.0 agenda.
4. Driver of health system transformation – advising national authorities on evidence-informed reforms and policies that strengthen health systems and improve performance.
5. Voice for health equity – helping countries identify who is being left behind and integrating equity considerations into health policies and strategies.

In this context, WHO Country Offices enable the translation of global and regional commitments into national action. They support Member States by providing strategic advice, convening dialogue across sectors and partners, connecting national authorities with WHO’s technical expertise, and facilitating the use of evidence and best practices to inform policy.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES

The purpose of this position is to provide technical support to the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Ukraine in strengthening the immunization cold chain system. This position will enable the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO/EURO) to be more responsive and to play a leading role in strengthening of vaccine management and safety practices for further diseases preparedness and control. Under the overall guidance of the Head of WHO Office in Ukraine and direct supervision of the Health Programme Lead, with close collaboration with the Vaccine Preventable Diseases and Immunization (VPI) unit in WHO European Regional Office in Copenhagen, the incumbent will undertake the following specific responsibilities:
1. Contribute to the implementation of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) for Vaccine storage and distribution at national warehouse and WHO outsource premises. In addition, considering power outages and current situation with electricity system conduct specific risk assessment.
2. Serve as a technical resource to the programme concerning vaccine safety in regards of storage and distribution.
3. Arrange for capacity building and training on storage, logistic and actions on emergency situations.
4. Monitor and conduct situation analysis of available cold chain equipment and prepare tables, graphs and other statistical data and report outcome of analysis for generating evidence for needs and decision making process.
5. Conduct regular risk assessment at the national and district level warehouses for vaccine storage.
6. Provide technical advice to strengthen cold chain capacities.
7. Monitor performance and compliance with established SOPs for performance qualifications of cold rooms, equipment at the level of healthcare delivery providers and remote temperature monitoring system.
8. Liaise with national counterparts, and partners (UN and bilateral) to harmonize implementation activities related to cold chain.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Essential: A university degree (Bachelor's level) in cold chain engineer, logistics, supply chain management, medicine, pharmacy, biomedical engineering, or a related field relevant to this position.

Desirable: Master's degree or advanced training in any of the above.

Experience

Essential: At least 2 years of professional experience at the national level in cold chain logistics, vaccine management, or immunization program implementation. Demonstrated experience working with/within public projects and working with multiple stakeholders, such as national policymakers, NGOs, and the private sector, in the area of cold chain and logistics. Good knowledge of cold chain system in Ukraine.

Desirable: Experience in planning and implementing health-related projects, knowledge of global vaccine supply chains, and familiarity with immunization and cold chain systems in Ukraine.

Functional Skills

1. Demonstrated knowledge of infectious diseases surveillance systems and global and regional standards.
2. Familiarity with national immunization, cold chain and public health systems.
3. Knowledge of the principles of physics, engineering and cold chain equipment.
4. Demonstrated analytical, presentation, and report-writing skills.
5. Proven ability to work comfortably in an international, multi-disciplinary, fast-paced environment.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of the goals and procedures of international organizations (United Nations system, donors, major nongovernmental organizations)
7. Ability to identify and manage one's own emotions, as well as helping others do the same.

WHO Competencies

Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

Use of Language Skills

Essential: Expert knowledge of English. Expert knowledge of Ukrainian.

Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of another United Nations language.

REMUNERATION

Remuneration comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 47,491 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable) and 30 days of annual leave.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Staff members separated due to the 2025 Prioritization and Realignment Process will receive special consideration according to the applicable regulatory framework.

• This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

• A written test and/or an asynchronous video assessment may be used as a form of screening.

• In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU)/United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. Some professional certificates may not appear in the WHED and will require individual review.

• According to 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. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible.

• Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to WHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and Manual.

• The Director-General retains the discretion to not make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade, or to make an appointment with a modified job description, including shortening the duration of the appointment.

• WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. WHO recruits and employs staff regardless of disability status, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, race, marital status, religious, cultural, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, or any