Job Vacancy Description
Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) State Logistics Advisor
Locations: Bauchi, Kebbi and Sokoto
Background
The purpose of the USAID Global Health Supply Chain Program–Procurement and Supply Management single award IDIQ contract is to ensure uninterrupted supplies of health commodities to prevent suffering, save lives, and create a brighter future for families around the world. The IDIQ has four task orders that directly support the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), and USAID’s family planning and reproductive health program. GHSC-PSM provides health commodity procurement services and systems strengthening technical assistance that address all elements of a comprehensive supply chain.
GHSC-PSM has been tasked by USAID to improve access to MNCH commodities in three States: Bauchi, Kebbi and Sokoto. GHSC-PSM will be coordinating its work with other USAID implementing partners tasked with other aspects of health systems strengthening in the three states. GHSC-PSM will also align its activities with the SMOH and work closely with the State Health authorities in support of strong supply system for MNCH commodities.
The MNCH State Logistics Advisor will be expected to work with the State, IHP project office, Breakthrough Action and other key partners to coordinate and support the PSM of MNCH commodities in these priority State.
Responsibilities
Specifically, the MNCH State Logistics Advisor will conduct the following:
- Strategically collaborate with IHP and Breakthrough Action to ensure cooperative and integrated approach to improving MNCH services in respective States
- Provide technical support and advocate for strategic planning, governance, financing & PSM coordination
- Advocate for the provision of high quality MNCH commodities and good MNCH logistics management practices with both government counterparts and implementing partners
- Work in collaboration with the GoN Stakeholders, Implementing Partners, etc. in identifying and providing technical support for institutional and individual capacity building at the State level
- Facilitate the improvement of State MNCH supply chain coordination role through MNCH specific technical working groups and quantification sub-committee, partners forum and other core PSM activities
- Lead the pilot of targeted State-led MNCH SC interventions within focal States
- In collaboration with the State LMCU, carry out capacity development on specific MNCH supply chain interventions with measurable outcome as fallouts of assessments
- Lead the system strengthening activities of logistics and supply chain management for the MNCH programs, in collaboration with all program stakeholders and partners at the State level in priority States
- Provide technical assistance for annual national and State-specific quantifications (forecasting and supply planning) of MNCH commodities, in collaboration with all program stakeholders and USAID partners
- Provide technical assistance for quality and timely MNCH data collection, analysis, reporting and feedback to facilitate data visibility and accountability in priority States
- Facilitate transfer of skills to appropriate logistics officers in implementing the MNCH commodities logistics system in supported States
- Provide technical assistance for the development of tools or in developing or revising standard operating procedures (SOPs) and other policy documents for MNCH program management at the State level
- In collaboration with GHSC-PSM office in Abuja, support the MNCH focused end-use verification and other routine or designated field assignments
- Provide technical assistance for the conduct of MNCH SC focused supportive supervision at the health facilities, in partnership with other USAID partners, state LMCU and MNCH program supply chain operators
- In priority States, lead on the roll-out of the specific outcomes of the HCD assessment by stakeholders
- Provide technical assistance for performance management of routine monitoring of routine MNCH SCM performance
- Write routine monthly, quarterly and annual reports for submission to relevant program stakeholders
- Contribute to the identification of best practices and success stories for GHSC-PSM circulation
- Work with designated consultants or short-term technical assistance providers to carry out requisite activities and facilitate transfer of skills to appropriate local staff
- Perform any other duties as assigned.
Supervision:
- The MNCH Logistics Advisor, will report directly to the Senior Manager, Region 5 on Administrative activities and to the Program Manager, MNCH on Technical activities.
Skills and Qualifications
Applicants for this position should possess the following minimum skills:
- First Degree in Pharmacy, Public and / or Community Health, or Medical or Social Sciences field
- At least 5 years experience working in MNCH, Malaria, Reproductive health and/or logistics with extensive field experience in Northern Nigeria
- Good understanding of the Nigeria Health sector especially in the areas of MNCH as a developmental issue and attendant socio-economic implications
- Experience in Logistics management and ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
- Excellent written and verbal English and Hausa language skills. Hausa is a prerequisite and should be stated in the cover letter.
- Experience successfully working with multiple stakeholders at the State level of the public and private sectors to ensure timely project delivery
- Dynamic personality with initiative, flexibility, strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Must have organizational and strong computer skills
- Ability to work both as part of a team and independently
- Willingness to be based in Kebbi
- Willingness to travel up to 40% within State.
