Health Product Management Advisor at UNDP: Roles, Responsibilities, and Career Insights
The Health Product Management Advisor role with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) is a full-time, home-based position that focuses on managing health products for public health programs, particularly those related to HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and other global health initiatives. Below is a detailed breakdown of the job
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1. Overview of the Role
- The advisor will support UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund and other health-related organizations.
- The main responsibility is to strengthen health systems by ensuring efficient management of health products (such as medicines, diagnostics, and medical supplies).
- The role requires technical expertise in procurement and supply chain management for health products.
- This position is part of UNDP’s Global Policy Network (GPN), within the Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS).
2. Key Responsibilities
The Health Product Management (HPM) Advisor will:
- Lead training and capacity building for UNDP’s Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSM) teams.
- Develop technical guidance documents, SOPs, and training materials for country offices.
- Monitor and analyze audits and risk assessments to improve supply chain management.
- Engage in strategic partnerships with key organizations like WHO, UNICEF, WFP, Global Fund, and GAVI.
- Support national programs (e.g., for HIV, TB, and malaria) to improve health product procurement, distribution, and regulation.
- Contribute to innovation and digital transformation in health supply chains.
3. Required Qualifications
Education:
- Master’s degree in Pharmacy is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy is acceptable with 12 years of experience (instead of 10 years for a Master’s degree).
Experience:
- 10 years (with Master’s) or 12 years (with Bachelor’s) of experience in public health systems and managing health products.
- At least 5 years of international experience.
- Knowledge of Global Fund policies and procedures for health product management.
- Experience working with HIV, TB, or malaria programs in developing countries.
- Expertise in procurement and supply chain management.
Languages:
- Fluency in English and either French or Spanish is required.
Certifications (Preferred but Not Mandatory):
- CIPS Level 2 (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) certification is highly desirable (or must be obtained within a year of employment).
4. Competencies Required
The role requires:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills (systems thinking, negotiation, risk management).
- Strong communication and partnership-building skills.
- Expertise in procurement, logistics, and supply chain management.
- Ability to work with governments, UN agencies, and other international organizations.
5. Why This Job is Important
- This position plays a key role in global health initiatives, ensuring life-saving medicines and health supplies reach the people who need them.
- It contributes to UNDP’s commitment to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- The role helps develop national health systems to ensure long-term sustainability.
6. Work Setup
- Remote (home-based) with no mobility required.
- Reports to Senior Health PSM Advisor (based in Copenhagen).
- Contract duration: 1 year (with the possibility of renewal).
7. Application Deadline & Process
- Application Deadline: April 3, 2025, at 5:59 AM.
- Application Process: Apply via UNDP’s official careers website.
- Scam Alert: UNDP does not charge fees at any stage of recruitment.
Conclusion
This is a senior-level, strategic role that focuses on health product management, procurement, and supply chain optimization at a global level. It requires strong technical expertise, leadership in training and capacity building, and international collaboration experience. If you have experience in pharmacy, health systems, and supply chain management, this could be a great opportunity to contribute to global health and development.
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Sure! Here’s a detailed and comprehensive explanation of the Health Product Management Advisor role with UNDP, covering all aspects of the job, responsibilities, qualifications, and impact on global health.
Comprehensive Guide to the Health Product Management Advisor Role at UNDP
1. Introduction to UNDP and the Role
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a leading global organization dedicated to sustainable development and humanitarian efforts. As part of its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP plays a key role in strengthening health systems worldwide.
One of the major challenges in global health is ensuring the efficient procurement, distribution, and management of essential health products such as medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical supplies. This is where the Health Product Management (HPM) Advisor becomes crucial.
This home-based, full-time role is part of UNDP’s Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS) within the Global Policy Network (GPN). The Advisor will work closely with UNDP Country Offices (COs), regional hubs, and international health organizations to improve the procurement, supply chain management, and distribution of life-saving health products in developing countries.
This position primarily supports UNDP’s partnership with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (Global Fund), as well as other health organizations such as GAVI (Vaccine Alliance), WHO, UNICEF, and WFP.
2. Key Responsibilities of the Role
The Health Product Management Advisor will be responsible for multiple critical functions, ranging from technical assistance to capacity building and policy development.
A. Technical Advisory and Support for Health Product Management
- Provide expert guidance on the procurement and supply chain management of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, and other health products.
- Ensure that health product procurement strategies align with the Global Fund’s policies and UNDP’s standards.
- Develop and implement risk management frameworks to mitigate supply chain disruptions and ensure the availability of essential medicines in crisis situations.
- Support UNDP Country Offices in establishing efficient logistics and inventory management systems to reduce waste and improve delivery efficiency.
- Work with ministries of health, national disease programs, and other stakeholders to strengthen national health product supply chains.
B. Capacity Building and Training
- Develop training programs, workshops, and e-learning courses on health product management.
- Provide technical training and mentorship to UNDP staff, country office teams, and national health officials.
- Establish a community of practice (CoP) for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative solutions in health product management.
- Ensure that training materials are up to date with the latest global health trends and policies.
C. Policy Development and Documentation
- Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), technical guidance documents, and procurement manuals for health product management.
- Work with legal and policy teams to ensure compliance with international regulatory frameworks for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
- Collaborate with WHO, UNICEF, and other health agencies to align UNDP’s procurement policies with global best practices.
D. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Risk Management
- Monitor and evaluate procurement and supply chain processes in UNDP-supported health programs.
- Conduct root cause analysis on issues such as stockouts, delays, and inefficiencies in the supply chain.
- Track audit recommendations and management actions related to health product management, ensuring that risks are identified and mitigated.
- Support UNDP Country Offices in developing emergency preparedness strategies for health supply chain disruptions.
E. Strategic Partnerships and Interagency Collaboration
- Represent UNDP in high-level technical working groups, international forums, and policy discussions on health product management.
- Strengthen UNDP’s partnerships with Global Fund, GAVI, WHO, UNICEF, WFP, and other international health organizations.
- Support joint initiatives with governments, private sector partners, and NGOs to enhance supply chain resilience.
- Collaborate with UNDP’s Crisis Bureau to support emergency health interventions in fragile and conflict-affected regions.
3. Required Qualifications and Experience
A. Educational Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Pharmacy (preferred).
- Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy with 12 years of experience (instead of 10 years required for a Master’s).
B. Professional Experience
- At least 10 years (with Master’s) or 12 years (with Bachelor’s) of progressive work experience in public health systems, supply chain management, and procurement of health products.
- Minimum 5 years of international experience working in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
- Expertise in Global Fund policies, supply chain systems, and procurement strategies.
- Experience in developing and managing partnerships with governments, donors, and health agencies.
C. Required Skills and Competencies
- Strong knowledge of the procurement and distribution of essential health products.
- Experience working with HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria national programs in developing countries.
- Ability to analyze and mitigate risks in supply chains for medicines and medical supplies.
- Excellent technical writing skills for developing policy documents, SOPs, and training materials.
- Strong negotiation and relationship management skills to engage with international stakeholders.
D. Language Requirements
- Fluency in English AND French or Spanish is required.
E. Preferred Certifications
- CIPS Level 2 (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) certification is highly desirable. If not obtained before recruitment, it must be completed within one year of employment.
4. Work Environment and Contract Details
A. Job Location
- Home-based role (remote work).
- No travel is required, but virtual coordination with UNDP Country Offices and global health agencies is expected.
B. Contract Duration and Schedule
- 1-year contract, with a possibility of extension.
- Full-time position.
C. Reporting Structure
- Reports to the Senior Health PSM Advisor (based in Copenhagen, Denmark).
5. Why This Job Matters: Impact on Global Health
A. Strengthening Health Systems
The Advisor plays a critical role in strengthening national health supply chains, ensuring that essential medicines and medical supplies reach millions of people in need.
B. Supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Goals
The work directly contributes to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by improving access to affordable medicines and strengthening healthcare infrastructure.
C. Building Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chains
By developing capacity-building programs, policies, and risk management frameworks, the Advisor helps countries transition to self-sufficient and sustainable health product management systems.
D. Crisis Response and Emergency Preparedness
During public health emergencies, such as pandemics or disease outbreaks, the Advisor supports rapid response strategies to ensure the availability of critical medicines and vaccines.
6. Application Process and Important Notes
A. Application Deadline
- April 3, 2025, at 5:59 AM.
B. Equal Opportunity and Diversity Policy
- UNDP values diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- UNDP promotes a harassment-free and inclusive work environment.
C. Scam Alert
- UNDP does NOT charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
- Beware of fraudulent job offers using UNDP’s name.
Conclusion
This position is ideal for experienced pharmacists, health supply chain experts, and procurement specialists who want to make a global impact. If you are passionate about global health, capacity building, and sustainable supply chain solutions, this is a unique opportunity to contribute to international health development.
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Ultimate Guide to the Health Product Management Advisor Role at UNDP
The Health Product Management (HPM) Advisor role at UNDP is a prestigious and impactful position in the global health sector. This guide provides a deep dive into the job responsibilities, impact, qualifications, and career prospects, along with insights into the UNDP’s mission in health system strengthening.
1. Understanding UNDP’s Role in Global Health
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization that operates in 170+ countries, working to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainable development. Health is a key area where UNDP plays a vital role, particularly in:
- Strengthening national health systems through policy and technical assistance.
- Managing and procuring essential health products in collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (Global Fund).
- Responding to health emergencies, including disease outbreaks and pandemics.
- Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
The HPM Advisor contributes directly to these efforts by ensuring the availability, quality, and affordability of critical medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical equipment.
2. Detailed Job Description and Responsibilities
The Health Product Management Advisor serves as a senior technical expert responsible for advising UNDP Country Offices (COs), governments, and international health partners on procurement and supply chain management (PSM) strategies.
A. Core Responsibilities
1. Procurement and Supply Chain Management (PSM) Strategy
- Develop and implement sustainable health procurement strategies in line with international best practices.
- Ensure compliance with Global Fund procurement policies, WHO prequalification standards, and national regulatory frameworks.
- Support UNDP Country Offices in forecasting, quantification, and inventory management to avoid stockouts or excess supply.
- Provide expertise in medical logistics, warehousing, and distribution planning.
2. Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure that all health products meet WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Distribution Practices (GDP) standards.
- Develop risk mitigation plans to prevent the procurement of substandard or falsified medicines.
- Collaborate with national drug regulatory authorities to streamline product registration and approvals.
3. Strengthening National Health Systems
- Work with ministries of health to develop long-term, self-sustaining health procurement systems.
- Support the transition of Global Fund-supported programs to fully nationally managed programs.
- Assist in the development of health financing models and cost-effective procurement strategies.
4. Emergency Response & Humanitarian Aid
- Provide technical support for pandemic response efforts, including COVID-19, Ebola, and future health crises.
- Coordinate emergency procurement and logistics for rapid deployment of medical supplies.
- Develop disaster preparedness plans to ensure resilience in health supply chains.
5. Partnership Development and Advocacy
- Strengthen collaborations with Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, WFP, World Bank, and national governments.
- Represent UNDP in international forums, technical working groups, and policy discussions on health product management.
- Support the development of public-private partnerships (PPPs) for sustainable health procurement solutions.
3. Skills and Expertise Required
A. Technical Expertise
- In-depth knowledge of procurement, logistics, and supply chain management for essential medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics.
- Familiarity with Global Fund requirements, WHO prequalification processes, and international health procurement regulations.
- Experience with SAP, ERP, and e-procurement systems for managing large-scale medical supply chains.
- Strong analytical and risk management skills in forecasting and health product availability.
B. Professional Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Pharmacy or related fields (Public Health, Supply Chain, Health Economics, etc.).
- Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy + 12 years of experience (instead of 10 years with a Master’s).
- Minimum 10-12 years of experience in health procurement and supply chain management.
- At least 5 years of international experience in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
C. Certifications & Language Skills
- CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) Level 2 Certification (or must be obtained within 1 year).
- Fluency in English AND either French or Spanish is mandatory.
4. Impact of the Role on Global Health
A. Improving Access to Essential Medicines
By ensuring efficient procurement and distribution, the Advisor helps deliver life-saving medicines to millions worldwide, preventing disease outbreaks and unnecessary deaths.
B. Reducing Waste and Increasing Cost-efficiency
Better procurement strategies help cut costs, reduce corruption risks, and minimize medicine wastage, ensuring that every dollar spent is optimized for impact.
C. Strengthening National Health Resilience
By training national health teams and building sustainable procurement systems, the Advisor helps develop long-term health security and self-reliance in LMICs.
D. Emergency Health Response
The Advisor plays a critical role in crisis response, ensuring that medicines and vaccines reach affected areas during pandemics, natural disasters, or conflicts.
5. Career Growth and Future Opportunities
A. Career Pathway
This role can lead to higher leadership positions in global health organizations, including:
- Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) at UNDP, WHO, or Global Fund.
- Director of Supply Chain Management in international NGOs.
- Senior Advisor for Global Health Partnerships in UN agencies.
B. Salary and Benefits
- Competitive UN salary based on experience level.
- Comprehensive health insurance and pension plans.
- Flexible remote work arrangement (home-based position).
C. Opportunities for Networking and Influence
- Work with top global health policymakers and UN agencies.
- Participate in international conferences and technical working groups.
- Influence national and international health policies through strategic recommendations.
Table of Contents
6. Application Process and Next Steps
A. Application Deadline and Submission
- Deadline: April 3, 2025, at 5:59 AM UTC.
- Applications must be submitted via UNDP’s official recruitment portal.
B. Selection Criteria
The recruitment process includes:
- Review of qualifications, experience, and language skills.
- Technical interview with UNDP’s Health Procurement Team.
- Written assessment on supply chain case studies.
- Reference checks from previous employers.
C. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not demonstrating knowledge of Global Fund policies and health procurement challenges.
❌ Submitting a generic CV instead of tailoring it to UNDP’s job requirements.
❌ Not emphasizing international experience in LMICs.
❌ Lack of fluency in French or Spanish, which is a mandatory requirement.
7. Conclusion: Is This Role Right for You?
If you have a passion for global health, expertise in supply chain management, and a commitment to making a difference, this role is an excellent career opportunity. The Health Product Management Advisor position at UNDP offers a chance to work at the forefront of international public health, influencing policies that impact millions of lives.
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