Laboratory Supply Chain Advisor

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:

The SCS Activity Laboratory Supply Chain Advisor is responsible to support activities related to laboratory logistics systems established in the country for the ART laboratory monitoring system and in strengthening areas of the laboratory testing program that affect availability and use of laboratory reagents and supplies. S/he support in specification preparation, forecasting, supply planning, procurement follow-up, pipeline monitoring, monitoring of reagent use & maintenance of equipment, quality assurance programs, and supporting systems for referral linkage. The Laboratory Supply Chain Advisor will report to Supply Chain Management Lead.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under supervision of the Supply Chain Management Lead and in close collaboration with technical teams in SCS Activity, the Supply Chain Advisor will carry out the following tasks.

• Work with Ministry of Health (MoH), Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS), Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), Regional Health Bureaus (RHBs), USAID and other counterparts to monitor the supply chain of laboratory commodities that are used for HIV/AIDS to ensure that the right quantities of laboratory commodities are procured and made available at all levels of the supply chain.
• Provide technical leadership on laboratory commodities management issues, particularly for products used for HIV/AIDS.
• Develop action plan on supply management of HIV/AIDS Laboratory commodities and implement the plan and monitor progress.
• Provide technical support in the annual forecasting and quarterly supply plan revision of HIV/AIDS laboratory commodities.
• Undertake procurement follow-up and stock status and pipeline monitoring of HIV/AIDS laboratory commodities.
• Work with MOH, EPHI and all other stakeholders in the preparation and implementation of HIV/AIDS laboratory equipment standardization and maintenance strategy for the country.
• Engage in undertaking monthly stock status analysis, preparing stock-out risk mitigation plan and close follow-up of the plan by responsible government and partner organizations.
• Closely monitor VL/EID sites and provide the necessary support to ensure uninterrupted supply of commodities and equipment functionality.
• Support EPHI in the implementation of the VIPMA initiative in VL/EID sites.
• Represent SCS in HIV/AIDS and other laboratory commodities management coordination platforms.
• Support the laboratory logistics system for HIV/AIDS considering the planned expansion of laboratory testing sites.
• Work with public and private sector partners to implement activities that strengthen management of laboratory logistics across the country.
• Compile, evaluate and maintain the laboratory-related evidence to support advocacy, policy dialogue and planning with the MOH, EPHI, RHBs, Regional Laboratories and other implementing partners.
• Provide advice to other SCS staff on technical issues relevant to laboratory-related health policies, strategies, interventions, and innovations.
• Lead the collection and maintaining of laboratory logistics related information required for regular reporting to USAID as per agreed timelines.
• Exhibit MSH values and build culture of “Living our Values” within the team
• Carry out additional responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time by Supply Chain Management Lead.

QUALIFICATIONS

A) EDUCATION/TRAINING:Advanced Degree in Laboratory Technology or in related fields

B) EXPERIENCE - Minimum of seven years of experience in supply chain management of laboratory commodities

• At least two years of experience in HIV/AIDS laboratory commodities management at national level.
• Experience working in USG or other donor-funded projects in the management of health program laboratory commodities, including HIV/AIDS, is a plus
• Extensive experience in clinical laboratory work including laboratory commodities management.

C) KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Deep understanding of the operational and programmatic aspects of major public health programs, such as HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, and MCH, including their specific laboratory commodity requirements in Ethiopia.
• Updated knowledge on HIV and TB diagnosis and treatment protocols as well as current prevalence of diseases in the country
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Ethiopian pharmaceutical supply chain sector and related regulations, especially the supply management of health program laboratory commodities.
• Demonstrated ability to work with other implementing partners in implementing interventions to strengthen the supply management of laboratory commodities.
• Practical skill in identifying performance gaps, developing interventions to address gaps in the supply management of laboratory commodities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop action plans, implement and monitor performance using key performance indicators.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.

D) CORE JOB COMPETENCIES:

• Results seeker – Proactive, meets deadlines, identifies actions, and achieves goals.
• Innovator – thinks creatively, anticipates changes, and produces solutions.
• Adaptor – stays calm under pressure and handles constructive criticism well.
• Complier – follows procedures and encourages others to do as well.

MSH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. MSH complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, as amended, and all related applicable regulations.

Skills Required:

• Health / Medical
• Logistics / Supply / Chain