Technical Specialist, P-3, Temporary Position, Copenhagen, 364 days, Supply Division, COPENHAGEN, #00134583

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, the right to Health

How can you make a difference?

Are you a passionate expert in cold chain to support Supply Division procure the vaccines for the children? Please join us as one of the Technical specialist in the Infrastructure & Energy Centre, Cold Chain Unit.

The Technical Specialist (P-3) position is based in the Cold Chain Technical and Support Function of the Infrastructure and Energy Centre (IEC) and reports to the Technical Manager (P-4), who leads the sub-unit within the Centre.

As countries scale up vaccination programs, there is increasing emphasis on strengthening cold chain infrastructure to safeguard vaccine potency and to avoid costly losses due to temperature excursions or equipment failures. At the same time, new technologies are emerging that support the expansion and modernization of cold chain infrastructure in resource-limited settings, while simplifying processes and reducing investment risks.  

In addition, the Technical Specialist, in the best interest of the organization, will ensure continuity of critical technical specialist competencies within the unit.

Purpose for the job

Under the general guidance of the Technical Manager, the Technical Specialist (P-3):

• Ensures that the cold chain products procured through UNICEF comply with the latest standards and norms and are suitable and reliable for immunization programs.
• Provides technical advice and support for the supply, deployment and management of cold chain products for Procurement Services customers.
• Strengthens regional & country level capacities in planning, selecting, installing and maintaining cold chain products and supplies.
• Leads and represents UNICEF’s technical positions on cold chain technology and related initiatives with internal stakeholders and external partners.

This position contributes to UNICEF’s overall goal of supporting national immunization systems by ensuring that countries have access to reliable, high-performing, and appropriately selected cold chain technologies. By providing expert technical guidance, the role:

• Helps countries safeguard vaccine potency and prevent financial losses caused by cold chain failures.
• Supports effective and sustainable expansion of cold chain infrastructure, particularly in low-resource settings.
• Ensures UNICEF’s procurement and technical assistance are aligned with global norms, emerging technologies, and best practices.
• Enhances country readiness for the introduction of new vaccines and high-volume immunization activities.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. Product Specification, Quality Assurance, and Market Intelligence 

Accountability: Ensure the quality, technical standards, and market intelligence of cold chain products to support procurement and program implementation.

Duties:

• Prepares, reviews and maintains product specifications for cold chain products. 
• Conducts technical adjudication of RFQ/ITB/RFPs on cold chain products. 
• Supports development of concept notes, technical bulletins, and market notes for the knowledge management portal to strengthen capacity in cold chain technology, its use and procurement planning. 

2. Technical Leadership and Representation on Cold Chain Technology

Accountability: Provide technical leadership and represent UNICEF on col