Procurement Notices

Introduction

The Republic of South Sudan (RSS) gained independence in 2011 to become the 55th country on the African continent.  However significant civil, political, socio-economic and environmental challenges have substantially curtailed or reversed the health and develop gains that were anticipated since that time. As a result, over a decade later, the country struggles to move out of deeply entrenched fragility and instability leaving much of the population struggling to obtain or sustain the basic necessities of survival.   While the signing of a peace agreement in 2018, and subsequent progress on governance reform, recovery and peace-building, has begun to move the country forward, a serious humanitarian crisis continues to affected more than half of the countries population of approximately 13 million.  Some 8.3 million people are in immediate need of humanitarian assistance.  Data on population health are neither comprehensive nor current.  On many core indicators, such as maternal and child health, the country remains amongst the lowest performing nations continentally and globally.

Funding for HIV and TB Programmes

Financing for the HIV and TB programmes is almost exclusively dependent on external sources.  For HIV, in the year 2021, approximately 40% of the overall annual programme budget of US$79 million was contributed through the Global Fund to Fight AIDS (the Global Fund), Tuberculosis and Malaria and 60% was contributed by the United States President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.  However, specifically for HIV-related commodities, 98% of funds was contributed by the Global Fund.  The TB programme remains almost exclusively dependent on the Global Fund receiving approximately US$5 million in the 2021 programme year.  The Ministry of Health contributes minimally to the national HIV and TB responses through the periodic payment of health worker salaries and the provision of some infrastructure for the delivery of HIV and TB services in communities.

Requirement to Conduct Programme Reviews and Update Strategic Plans

As a component of eligibility for Global Fund grants, South Sudan is required to conduct regular reviews of its HIV and TB programmes and to main up-to-date and costed national strategic plans for these health challenges.  South Sudan is anticipating submitting new requests to the Global Fund in the first quarter of 2023 for support for its HIV and TB programmes. 

The country's HIV and TB programmes were last reviewed in 2019 in preparation for the 2021-2023 funding cycle.  The revised National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan 2021-2023, adopted in 2020, has not be reviewed, nor has the National TB Strategic Plan 2020-2024, also adopted in 2020. It is timely to commence such work to ensure that all reviews and revisions are completed in time for the next funding cycle.

The 2024-2026 TB/HIV/RSSH Funding Request will build on lessons learned during the current implementation period, adjusted to reflect the latest epidemiological trends, with the overall goal of meeting the 2030 SDGs of ending the epidemic of HIV and Tuberculosis, building resilient and sustainable systems for health, reducing inequalities and achieving gender equity, while acting as a catalyst for domestic resource mobilization and progress towards universal health coverage.

Additionally, one of the key UNDP supported activities is to strengthen the national pharmaceutical procurement and supply chain management system to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines for improved health standards. A review of the pharmaceutical sector revealed capacity gaps in medicine procurement, storage, distribution and utilization. In view of the projected scale up of health services by the government of South Sudan, these gaps pose a major risk to the HIV and TB programme outcomes. 

To address some of the gaps, the Consultant shall support the UNDP/GF procurement  team to ensure timely and effective procurement of goods and services procured by UNDP.

Coordinated Approach

To undertake the review, the MOH and its partners have proposed a coordinated approach, particularly given the close linkages between the HIV and TB programmes in the country context.  The approach will involve the engagement of one international public health expert to design and lead the reviews.  Additional national (HIV and TB) and international (TB only) consultants will be engaged to support the reviews.  The MOH will provide leadership and oversight through the review process.  The reviews will be supported by UNDP as the Principal Recipient for the HIV and TB grants in South Sudan.  UNDP will also draw on its global technical resources and partnerships to ensure high quality outcomes for the HIV and TB programmes in South Sudan.

Purpose of the Assignment

Assignment 1: Write up of the funding request for the New Funding Model 4 (NFM4) for 43 days (Feb -  March 2023)

The overall objective of this consultancy is to support the CCM and the Technical Writing Teams in developing the 2024-2026 TB/HIV/RSSH Funding Request to be submitted to the Global Fund for the First Window that is due on 31st March 2023. The CCM opted for the Full Review approach.

The PSM consultant is part of the multidisciplinary team of consultants with expertise in HIV, TB, RSSH, Finance/Costing, M&E, Human Rights and Gender, Community Engagement, the CCM and the Technical Writing Teams under the coordination of the Lead Consultant. Under the leadership of the Lead Consultant, the PSM Consultant shall be responsible for providing technical support in regard to the Procurement and Supply Chain (PSM) activities and participate in the development of a complete and quality Funding Request package to the Global Fund and to accompany the CCM in the TRP clarification process.

The following is the list of activities expected to be undertaken by the PSM consultant through the supervision of the Lead Consultant:

• Work with the Lead Consultant to provide HIV/AIDS/STIs and TB and Leprosy Control PSM technical advice on the content of the Funding Request package to be presented to the Global Fund
• Based on the AIDS/STIs and TB and Leprosy Control Treatment Guidelines, develop grant making forecasting and quantification (with spreadsheets annexes) with clear assumptions for the period of 2024 to 2026 for health commodities (tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS) using different tools (Pipeline, QuanTB, QuantMed, ARVs CHAI Tool etc.) for:
  • laboratory reagents and consumables (HIV & TB)
  • first and second line ARVs (pediatric and adults)
  • first and second line TB drugs
  • and any other needful health products
• Complete the Global Fund template of List of Health Products (LoHP) for HIV & TB grants as per provided template.
• Take the lead in the development of the Procurement and Supply Chain Management component of the Funding Request for HIV/AIDS/STIs and TB and Leprosy Control
• Respond to the TRP/GAC Recommendations/Comments, and amended version of the complete

Assignment 2: PSM support activities for 42 days (April -  May 2023)

In additional to the assignment 1, tthe Procurement and Supply Chain Management Consultant (PSM) shall support the existing staff for ensuring the highest efficiency in the delivery of functions, in particular, in the areas of strategy development, procurement planning, procurement advise, end-end procurement support and contract. The following is the list of activities expected to be undertaken by the PSM consultant through the supervision of the Lead Consultant:

• Follow up with outstanding under C19RM procurement activities including but not limited to:
  • In collaboration with the Civil Engineer, follow up with ongoing civil works
  • Outstanding deliveries for C19RM
  • E-LMIS implementation
• Elaborate and implements an internal control system which ensures efficient and compliant management of Purchase Orders (PO), including all stages from issuance to closure;
• Implement procurement processes including organization of RFQ, ITB or RFP, receipt of quotations, bids or proposals, their evaluation, negotiation of certain conditions of contracts in full compliance with UNDP rules and regulations.
• Prepare submissions to the Contracts, Assets and Procurement Committee (CAP) and Advisory Committee on Procurement (ACP) for review and certification by the PSCM Specialist.
• Provide strategic and technical advice to the National Quantification Committees and processes.
• Review South Sudan quality assurance systems, identify weaknesses and propose way to improve QA of /AIDS/STIs and TB and Leprosy Control commodities.
• Support implementation of mSupply eLMIS software and hardware solutions from system setup, configuration, testing, phased deployment of eLMIS for the data management of medicines, diagnostics, and other health products information in the supply chain eLMIS which shall be inclusive of:
  • Engage with the mSupply system developer to understand the scope of work and expectations from the country office and the Ministry of Health. Start discussions with the Ministry of Health on the mechanisms of support and implementation
  • Support in implementation of eLMIS project
  • Support the country partners in the design and operationalization of eLMIS activities (pilot project and scaling up)
  • Assess/evaluate the progress and the final output of the project and sign off the handover to attest compliance to the expectations of the beneficiary and the contract.
• Manage and implementation of the procurement activities in accordance with the work plans, timely identification of delays, provide solutions and catch-up plans.
• Any other task requested by the PSM Specialist.

The detailed workplan for the national consultant will be prepared during the inception period of the consultancy.

Expected Deliverables

The consultant will prepare and submit contributions on the following deliverables:

Assignment 1: Funding request for 43 days:

• 20%: Inception report and road map that describes the specific tasks, deliverables and timelines after consultation with Lead Consultant and other key partners
• 30%: First drafts of Funding Request documents (including Funding Request Form, including the matching funds request, Prioritized Above Allocation Request, Programmatic Gap Table(s), Funding Landscape Table(s), List of health products, as well as Performance Framework and Detailed Budget);
• 20% Final version of complete Funding Request submission package
• 30% Funding Request submission and Consultancy close-out report.

Assignment 2: PSM support for 42 days:

• 20%: Inception report and road map that describes the specific tasks, deliverables, and timelines
• 30%: Report on PSM performed activities
• 30%: Detailed report on eLMIS system roll out
• 20% comprehensive Consultancy report with clear recommendations for improvement.

Travel

Domestic travel within South Sudan as part of this assignment will be paid by UNDP including tickets and living allowance.

Submission of CVs

Applicants will need to submit their CVs through Procurement Bids Juba email: bids.juba@undp.org on 27th January 2023 at 17H00 Juba time. Any late submission shall be automatocally rejected

Evaluation

Applicants will be screened against qualifications and competencies specified below through a desk review or an interview process. Applicants will be evaluated based on a cumulative analysis method that combines the results of technical and financial evaluation results

Timeframe

The consultant’s 4-months assignment will be conducted in South Sudan with the possibility of travel outside the capital city.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

·       Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.

·       Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP.

·       Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional

• Strong analytical, negotiation and communication skills, including ability to produce high quality practical advisory reports and knowledge products.

Project and Resource Management

·       Ability to produce high quality outputs in a timely manner while understanding and anticipating the evolving client needs.

·       Ability to focus on impact and results for the client, promoting and demonstrating an ethic of client service.

·       Strong organizational skills.

·       Ability to work independently, produce high quality outputs.

·       Sound judgment, strategic thinking and the ability to manage competing priorities.

Partnership building and teamwork

·       Demonstrated well developed people management skills.

·       Strong ability to manage teams; creating an enabling environment, mentoring and developing staff.

·       Excellent negotiating and networking skills.

·       Demonstrated flexibility to excel in a multi-cultural environment.

·       Provides constructive coaching and feedback.

Communications and Advocacy

·       Strong ability to write clearly and convincingly, adapting style and content to different audiences and speak clearly and convincingly.

·       Strong presentation skills in meetings with the ability to adapt for different audiences.

·       Strong analytical, research and writing skills with demonstrated ability to think strategically.

·       Strong capacity to communicate clearly and quickly.

·       Strong inter-personal, negotiation and liaison skills.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in public health with pharmacy background, Supply Chain Management and/or Logistics or Procurement and/or related disciplines with minimum 5 years’ experience or relevant Bachelor degree with minimum 7 years’ experience
• Specific training, certificate or diploma in forecasting, quantification, procurement and supply chain of HIV commodities
• Specific training, certificate or diploma in relevant aspects of health products, quality assurance will be positively considered.

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience working with Global Fund Secretariat, or Global Fund implementers 
• Good understanding of the HIV situation in post conflict Africa; knowledge of the HIV and TB situation and response to the epidemic in South Sudan is an added advantage
• Excellent Knowledge of broader health policies and HIV/AIDS and TB and Leprosy  Control Programmes
• Knowledge of the guiding principles / recommendations on HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care
• Strong experience in providing technical programmatic assistance to developing countries and post-conflict settings on HIV and AIDS policy and strategic framework development
• Knowledge of QuanTB software, Quantimed and Pipeline is an asset
• Excellent understanding of GF policy, including on counterpart financing, equity and high impact
• Demonstrated experience in developing GF proposals, concept notes or funding requests
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines and to work effectively under pressure
  • Excellent analytical and written skills proven by produced reports or relevant documents in English
  • Computer skills including Microsoft office, spreadsheet, database, etc.

Language:

·       Excellent oral and written English

·       Working knowledge of Arabic is an asset

Guidelines for Applications

Interested applicants are advised to carefully review this advertisement and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described.

Qualified candidates are requested to apply through Procurement Bids Juba email: bids.juba@undp.org on 27th January 2023 at 17H00 Juba time. Any late submission shall be automatocally rejected. The application should contain:

• Cover letter explaining why you are the most suitable candidate for the advertised position.
• Signed and Updated Personal History Form (P11). Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects and specifying the relevant assignment period (from/to), as well as the email and telephone contacts of at least three (3) professional references
• The P11 template can be downloaded from this link:  http://sas.undp.org/documents/p11_personal_history_form.doc). 
• Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability indicating financial proposal.

Please note that our system only takes one attachment. Therefore, kindly scan all your documents into a single PDF file to upload.

Security: Individual Consultants are responsible for ensuring they have vaccinations/inoculations when travelling to certain countries, as designated by the UN Medical Director. Consultants are also required to comply with the UN security directives set forth under https://trip.dss.un.org

Travel costs for the purpose of this assignment will be paid separately according to UNDP rules and regulations.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you have provided all requested materials.