cold chain assignment in hindi

• Organization: UNICEF
• Country: Angola
• City: Luanda
• Office: WB AGO in Luanda
• Follow @UNjobs

Description of assignment title: Cold Chain Officer

Assignment country: Angola

Expected start date: 11/01/2024

Sustainable Development Goal: 3. Good health and well-being

Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist

Host entity: UNICEF

Type: Onsite

Duration: 12 months

(with possibility of extension)

Number of assignments: 1

Duty stations: Luanda

Mission and objectives

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential.

UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children.

UNICEF insists that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress.

UNICEF mobilizes political will and material resources to help countries, particularly developing countries, ensure a "first call for children" and to build their capacity to form appropriate policies and deliver services for children and their families.

UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children - victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities.

UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care.

UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority.

UNICEF aims, through its country programmes, to promote the equal rights of women and girls and to support their full participation in the political, social and economic development of their communities.

UNICEF works with all its partners towards the attainment of the sustainable human development goals adopted by the world community and the realization of the vision of peace and social progress enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Angola's immunization program faces severe challenges, with low coverage rates and a high number of zero-dose children—those who have not received the Pentavalent 1 vaccine. As of the 2023 WHO and UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC), Angola is among the top 20 countries with the highest number of zero-dose children, and Pentavalent 1 coverage has consistently remained below 80% over the past decade. This ongoing issue highlights significant weaknesses in the health system's ability to deliver vaccines effectively, leaving many children vulnerable to preventable diseases.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, causing a decline in immunization coverage due to disrupted health services and resource diversion. Angola is now experiencing a widespread measles outbreak affecting 38 municipalities across 13 provinces. Additionally, the country is confronting an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliomyelitis (cVDPV), a serious consequence of inadequate vaccination coverage. These outbreaks underscore the urgent need for improved immunization efforts and infrastructure.

The cold chain system, crucial for maintaining vaccine efficacy, is under considerable strain as only 60% oh health facilities in the country have cold chain equipment. Inadequate cold chain infrastructure and temperature monitoring systems, coupled with logistical difficulties, hinder effective vaccine distribution, especially in remote areas. There is an urgent need to assess and enhance cold chain capacity, ensuring vaccines are stored and transported at the correct temperatures.

Recruiting a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Cold Chain Officer is essential to address these issues. The Cold Chain Officer will work under the supervision of the Immunization Specialist to support strengthen the cold chain infrastructure, improve temperature monitoring, and support vaccine distribution. This role is critical for enhancing Angola's immunization program and achieving universal vaccine coverage.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Immunization Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Cold Chain Officer will:

• Assess needs for additional cold chain equipment, and develop operational deployment plans for new equipment to ensure reduction in cold chain capacity gaps.
• Support the planning and implementation of cold chain infrastructure expansion, including the introduction of new technologies and equipment to meet increasing immunization demands.
• Develop and implement contingency plans for cold chain failures or emergencies, ensuring that vaccines are safeguarded during power outages, equipment failures, or natural disasters.
• Conduct regular training sessions for health workers and logistics personnel on cold chain best practices, equipment handling, and emergency procedures.
• Regularly assess the performance and coverage of the cold chain system, identifying gaps and areas for improvement to enhance overall immunization program effectiveness
• Ensure that all cold chain equipment, including refrigerators, freezers, and temperature monitoring devices, is regularly serviced, maintained, and calibrated according to manufacturers' guidelines.
• Support EPI programme to oversee the maintenance and integrity of the cold chain for vaccines, ensuring that all vaccines are stored and transported at the appropriate temperatures from the point of manufacture to the point of use.
• Support implementation and management of temperature monitoring systems to ensure real-time tracking and recording of storage conditions, and promptly address any deviations.
• Collaborate with supply chain teams to ensure the efficient distribution of vaccines, minimizing risks of temperature excursions during transport and storage. eYFzWlk Beu37S
• Support the maintenance of accurate records of temperature logs, equipment maintenance, and any incidents of temperature excursions, and report these to relevant authorities for timely action.
• Ensure that all cold chain activities comply with national and international standards, guidelines, and best practices, and participate in quality assurance audits.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned to him from time to time

Eligibility criteria

Age: 18 - 80

Nationality

Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements

Required experience

3 years of experience in Public health, Immunization, epidemiology, global/international health, logistics/vaccine management other relevant programmes at the national and/or international level

• Knowledge of national and international systems for immunization logistics and/or cold chain management including IOTA/ReDIV, SMT etc
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Have affinity with or interest in children's rights and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise

Health, Logistics and Inventory, Procurement and contracting

Driving license

Portuguese, Level: Working knowledge, Required

English, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Required education level

Bachelor degree or equivalent in Public health, Immunization, epidemiology, global/international health, logistics/vaccine management, or related field.

Competencies and values

• Live the UNICEF Core Values of: Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, Sustainability
• Competencies: Builds and maintains partnerships, demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness, Drive to achieve results for impact, Innovates and embraces changes, Manages ambiguity and complexity, Thinks and acts strategically, Works collaboratively with others.

Other information

Living conditions and remarks

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Luanda. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents - except for UN Community Volunteers), as well as final repatriation (if applicable). You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator .

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person's race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

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Insights into Editorial: Improving cold chain systems

Introduction:

The pandemic has taught us a great deal. We have all become familiar with terms such as variants, waves, vaccine supply chains and quarantine.

It has also encouraged an interest in preventive health technology, especially in vaccines.

This interest is understandable, given that India accounts for the second highest caseload of COVID-19 globally.

Once the vaccines were available, the nation had to take on the task of rolling out one of the largest vaccination drives in the world; this of course, is not new to India.

Background of India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP):

India’s Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), launched in 1985 to deliver routine immunisation , showcased its strengths in managing large-scale vaccine delivery.

This programme targets close to 2.67 crore newborns and 2.9 crore pregnant women annually.

To strengthen the programme’s outcomes, in 2014, Mission Indradhanush was introduced to achieve full immunisation coverage of all children and pregnant women at a rapid pace — a commendable initiative.

But the pandemic reminded us that vaccines alone do not save lives, vaccination does.

While we have, over the years, set up a strong service delivery network , the pandemic showed us that there were weak links in the chain, especially in the cold chain, which needs to be robust and seamless.

Cold chain management:

The success of any sustainable vaccination programme relies on many factors.

• A key factor is cold chain management because when this fails, the potency or effectiveness of the vaccine is wasted.
• Nearly half the vaccines distributed around the world go to waste , in large part due to a failure to properly control storage temperatures.
• In India, close to 20% of temperature-sensitive healthcare products arrive damaged or degraded because of broken or insufficient cold chains, including a quarter of vaccines.
• Wastage has cost implications and can delay the achievement of immunization targets.
• Here, India has strong foundations to build upon . India’s UIP comprises upwards of 27,000 functional cold chain points of which 750 (3%) are located at the district level and above; the remaining 95% are located below the district level.
• The COVID-19 vaccination efforts relied on the cold chain infrastructure established under the UIP to cover 87 crore people with two doses of the vaccine and over 100 crores with at least a single dose.
• This effort was supported by the government’s cloud-based digital platform Co-WIN, which helps to facilitate registration, immunizations and appointments, and issues digital vaccine certificates , highlighting the benefits of digitization .

Digitizing the vaccine supply chain network:

• The Health Ministry has been digitizing the vaccine supply chain network in recent years through the use of cloud technology , such as with the Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN).
• Developed with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and implemented by the UN Development Programme through a smartphone-based app, the platform digitizes information on vaccine stocks and temperatures across the country.
• This supports healthcare workers in the last mile in supervising and maintaining the efficiency of the vaccine cold chain.
• The role played by supportive infrastructure for cold chain such as a regular supply of electricity cannot be underplayed.
• For instance, in Chhattisgarh, 72% of the functioning health centres have been solarized to tackle the issue of regular power outages .
• This has significantly reduced disruption in service provision and increased the uptake of services.

Building back better and stronger:

COVID-19, which disrupted supply chains across countries and in India too, marks an inflection point in the trajectory of immunization programmes.

As we recover from the pandemic, there is an opportunity for us to pivot to newer mechanisms that can help develop unbroken and resilient cold chain systems and thus augment the immunization landscape.

Going forward, this will be the only way to ensure access to the last mile with life-saving vaccines, in time.

The integrated solution combines:

Technology: Online real-time information on vaccine stocks and storage temperature to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.

Governance: Systemizing record keeping, upgrading logistics and encouraging good practices to ensure efficient vaccine logistics management.

Human Resources: To empower the state cold chain network by building the capacities of handlers and managers at each stage of vaccine supply.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on the learnings from the pandemic, it is imperative that we look towards a future where the critical arteries that comprise the supply chain of immunization facilities be strengthened.

India has pioneered many approaches to ensure access to public health services at a scale never seen before.

Robust cold chain systems are an investment in India’s future pandemic preparedness.

By taking steps towards actionable policies that improve the cold chain, we have an opportunity to lead the way in building back better and stronger.

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Future of food security: How cold chain innovation minimises waste

With sustained investments, innovative solutions, and cohesive partnerships, the future of food security appears optimistic, with the potential to significantly reduce food wastage and contribute to economic stability..

Thursday September 12, 2024 , 4 min Read

With its burgeoning population and rising food demand, India faces significant challenges in ensuring food security. A crucial aspect of addressing these challenges lies in minimising food wastage . Unfortunately, a substantial portion of food produced in India goes to waste due to inadequate cold chain infrastructure.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 40% of food in India is lost, with 30% of fruits and vegetables rotting in insufficient storage conditions. This wastage not only threatens food security but also hampers economic stability.

However, advancements in cold chain logistics offer a promising solution to these issues.

Cold chain infrastructure in India

India's cold chain infrastructure is vital for the agricultural and pharmaceutical sectors but remains underdeveloped and underutilised. With 8,653 cold stores across the country boasting a capacity of 394.17 lakh metric tons (MT), only 60% of this capacity is effectively used, according to a study conducted by NABARD Consultancy Services. The infrastructure is fragmented, with 60% concentrated in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Punjab.

Several factors contribute to this inefficiency: a lack of awareness among farmers, food processors, and logistics experts about the benefits of cold storage; high costs of building and operating facilities, which deter startups; frequent power outages and inadequate equipment; logistical challenges such as vehicle breakdowns and poor packaging; and the diverse terrain and extreme temperatures that complicate maintaining an unbroken cold chain. These issues collectively hamper the optimisation of India's cold chain logistics, leading to significant food wastage.

Emerging solutions and opportunities

Despite these challenges, the future of India's cold chain industry looks promising, driven by technological innovations and increasing demand for fresh produce, groceries, vaccinations, and pharmaceuticals. The market for cold chain solutions is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 15% or higher, especially following the increased demand post-COVID-19, according to a study by Astute Analytica.

Technological advancements

Several cutting-edge technologies are set up to transform India's cold chain sector:

AI- and ML-based smart sensors and real-time tracking

These technologies provide real-time alerts on temperature, humidity, and environmental conditions, enabling quick responses to prevent losses. They also support predictive maintenance and vehicle tracking using historical data, ensuring seamless cold chain operations.

The adoption of advanced technologies, such as automated storage systems and GPS-enabled tracking, enhances efficiency and ensures compliance with international product handling standards.

Last-mile delivery technologies

Innovations in last-mile delivery facilitate transparent and immutable recordkeeping for proof of delivery (POD), reducing costs and minimising disputes. Predictive analytics can forecast package arrivals, providing real-time updates to customers.

Sustainable logistics practices

The industry is increasingly adopting sustainable practices, driven by consumer demand for fresh, healthy, and sustainably sourced products. Innovations include eco-friendly refrigerants, Phase Change Materials (PCMs), and IoT-based technologies to enhance sustainability and efficiency.

Data analytics for predictive maintenance

Data analytics enables predictive maintenance algorithms, anticipating equipment failures and preventing downtime, thereby ensuring the reliability of cold chain systems.

Skill Development

Training and skill development initiatives are crucial for a proficient workforce capable of navigating the complexities of the cold supply chain. These initiatives focus on training personnel in cold storage facilities, logistics professionals, and those involved in maintaining temperature-sensitive transportation.

Government initiatives

Recognising the importance of cold chain infrastructure, the Indian government has introduced several schemes and policies to support the sector's growth:

• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY): This scheme aims to establish contemporary infrastructure for efficient supply chain management, with an allocation of Rs 4,600 crore continuing till 2026.
• Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure scheme: Offering financial aid up to Rs 10 crore per project, this programme supports infrastructure development across the supply chain, including pre-cooling, cold storage, and reefer vans.
• Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme: Administered by the National Horticulture Board, this scheme provides a credit-linked subsidy covering 35-50% of the capital cost for cold storage projects.
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: With a budget of Rs 20,050 crore over five years, this scheme targets deficiencies in fish production and post-harvest infrastructure, aiming to boost fish production and exports.

With the country's current cold chain market size at $35 billion and expected to reach $50 billion by 2027, strategic investments are more critical than ever.

Adding 5G technology and more advanced IoT devices is likely to open up new opportunities in transportation management, making it more efficient and widespread. Our nation’s cold chain infrastructure is a centre point for ensuring food security and minimising post-harvest losses. While significant progress has been made, challenges persist in enhancing capacity, efficiency, and accessibility.

However, with sustained investments, innovative solutions, and cohesive partnerships, the future of food security appears optimistic, with the potential to significantly reduce food wastage and contribute to economic stability.

(Swarup Bose is Founder and CEO of Celcius Logistics.)

Edited by Kanishk Singh

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of YourStory.)

• Expert Opinion
• food security
• Food wastage
• cold chain logistics
• Supply chain

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