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1. Background and justification The WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) supports Member States in preparing for, detecting, and responding rapidly to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the evolving emergency context, including the ongoing preparedness and response activities related to Bundibugyo Virus Disease Response (BVD) and other public health emergencies, requires timely procurement and delivery of critical goods and services to support emergency operations. Under the overall guidance of the Team Lead EPR and the technical supervision of the Senior Operation Officer, the Procurement Officer Consultant will provide procurement and contract management support to the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster, ensuring the timely acquisition and delivery of goods, services and operational requirements necessary for Ebola response and other emergency interventions. The incumbent will contribute to strengthening procurement planning, contract management, supplier performance monitoring and supply chain coordination in accordance with WHO policies, procedures and emergency operational requirements.
2. Organizational Context
The consultant will be embedded within the Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) Cluster at the WHO Country Office in Kinshasa and will work closely with technical units, operational teams, budget and finance staff, logistics personnel, suppliers, implementing partners and WHO regional and headquarters offices. The incumbent will support the procurement of emergency medical and non-medical supplies, equipment, services and contractual arrangements required for emergency operations, with particular emphasis on activities supporting the Ebola response. The consultant will collaborate closely with the Global Service Centre (GSC), Regional Office procurement teams, logistics units and suppliers to facilitate the timely delivery of essential goods and services while ensuring compliance with WHO procurement policies and procedures.
3. Objectives of the Assignment
The objective of this consultancy is to provide procurement and contracting support to the EPR Cluster by ensuring efficient, transparent and timely procurement processes for emergency preparedness and response activities, particularly those related to Ebola response operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
4. Summary of Assigned Duties
During the assignment, the duty station and responsibilities may be adjusted according to operational needs.
The incumbent will:
- Support procurement and contracting activities required for emergency preparedness and response operations, particularly Ebola response interventions.
- Review procurement requests received from EPR teams and ensure completeness, accuracy and compliance with WHO procurement procedures.
- Prepare procurement plans, cost estimates, purchase requests and procurement tracking tools for emergency operations.
- Facilitate the procurement of goods and services through local and international procurement mechanisms and WHO corporate systems.
- Monitor the end-to-end procurement process, including requisition, solicitation, evaluation, contract issuance, delivery and payment follow-up.
- Support supplier identification, market assessments and roster development to ensure availability of qualified vendors for emergency response requirements.
- Maintain and update supplier databases and contribute to supplier performance evaluations.
- Liaise with suppliers, freight forwarders, logistics teams, regional offices and headquarters to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
- Monitor delivery timelines and resolve procurement-related issues that may affect emergency operations.
- Support contract administration activities, including amendments, extensions and closure of procurement actions.
- Maintain procurement records and ensure proper filing and archiving procurement documentation.
- Prepare procurement reports, dashboards and analyses for management decision-making and donor reporting requirements.
- Assist in responding to internal and external audit recommendations related to procurement activities.
- Contribute to strengthening procurement preparedness for Ebola and other public health emergency responses.
- Perform any other procurement-related duties assigned by the supervisor in support of EPR operations.
5. Deliverables
The consultant will be expected to deliver:
- Timely processing of procurement requests for emergency operations.
- Updated procurement tracking and monitoring tools.
- Supplier database and market assessment reports.
- Monthly procurement status reports.
- Documentation and follow-up of procurement actions supporting Ebola response activities.
- Procurement files maintained in compliance with WHO requirements.
- Support to audit responses and implementation of procurement recommendations.
6. Competencies
Core Competencies
- Ensuring the effective use of resources.
- Communication.
- Moving forward in a changing environment.
- Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences.
- Teamwork.
7. Functional Knowledge and Skills
- Sound knowledge of procurement, supply chain and contract management processes.
- Good understanding of emergency procurement requirements and operational support mechanisms.
- Ability to manage multiple procurement actions simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated negotiation and vendor management skills.
- Ability to prepare procurement reports and monitor procurement performance indicators.
- Knowledge of WHO, UN or international organization procurement procedures is desirable.
8. Education Qualifications
Essential
First university degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Pharmacy, Engineering or another relevant field from a recognized institution.
Desirable
Advanced university degree or professional certification in Procurement, Supply Chain, Logistics or Contract Management (e.g. CIPS or equivalent).
9. Experience
Essential
- At least two (2) years of relevant professional experience in procurement, contract management, logistics or supply chain operations.
- Proven experience in managing procurement processes and supplier relations.
- Experience using ERP systems and procurement tracking tools.
Desirable
- Experience in developing countries.
- Previous experience supporting emergency, outbreak or humanitarian response operations.
- Prior experience with WHO, other UN agencies, international NGOs or humanitarian organizations.
- Previous professional experience in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) would be a strong asset.
- Experience supporting procurement activities for Ebola or other public health emergency responses is highly desirable.
10. Language Requirements
Essential
Excellent knowledge of French.
Desirable
Working knowledge of English.
11. IT Skills
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook).
- Good knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
- Experience in procurement tracking, reporting and database management.
- Ability to analyze and present procurement and supply data effectively.
Duration
Three (3) months, with the possibility of extension subject to operational needs, satisfactory performance and availability of funds.
Duty Station
Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, with possible travel to field locations based on operational requirements related to Ebola and other health emergency responses.
Additional Information
