Outbound Logistics - Operations Advisor

OVERALL RESPONIBILITIES:

The SCS Activity Outbound Logistics Advisor is responsible for overseeing the coordination of warehousing and distribution services for health commodities within the Pharmaceuticals Supply Service (EPSS) supply chain system in designated areas with special focus on HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria and MNCH commodities. This role is expected to ensure proper warehousing, stock management and timely distribution of priority health program commodities by supporting EPSS’s warehouse, inventory management and distribution operations. Additionally, the Advisor supports EPSS hubs in maintaining a regular and consistent re-supply of health program commodities to public health facilities. In collaboration with SCS technical leads, S/he contributes to enhancing EPSS supply chain capacity and capability, leading technical assistance efforts to improve infrastructure, systems, processes, and human resources, ultimately driving the transformation of supply and distribution management throughout the project's duration.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under supervision of the Supply Chain Management Lead and in close collaboration with technical teams in SCS Activity, the Outbound Logistics Advisor is expected to carry out the following responsibilities:

• Provide technical support in the development of Warehouse and Distribution (W&D) strategies, action plans, project proposal and capacity building materials for EPSS and MOH
• Manage the design, development and implementation of supply chain projects as defined by EPSS and USAID clients and SCS team.
• Assist EPSS central and hubs in conducting monthly inventory analysis by reviewing current stock levels and consumption at center and hubs, compiling insights, and submitting reports to central WIM director and hub managers for informed decision-making.
• Monitor and support the implementation of recommendations from monthly stock analyses and develop risk mitigation plan.
• Support EPSS in conducting quarterly inventory counts, perpetual/cyclic stock counts, and analyzing stock situations to develop improvement plans.
• Assist in enhancing inventory accuracy rates at EPSS center and hubs.
• Oversee the delivery, storage, inventory management, and distribution of U.S. Government (USG) procured commodities, with a particular focus on viral load/EID commodities.
• Investigate reported stock-outs and stock imbalances, implementing immediate corrective actions to mitigate supply disruptions.
• Support EPSS warehouse improvement initiatives, including warehouse layout design, kitting, material handling equipment (MHE) specifications, process and management procedure development, and infrastructure enhancements.
• Assist in strengthening EPSS’s Center of Excellence (CoE) initiative
• Support the sustainability of quality management systems (QMS) at EPSS central and hubs
• Contribute to the development and execution of standard operating procedures (SOPs) at EPSS.
• Assist in implementing key performance indicators (KPIs) for effective monitoring and evaluation.
• Support the activities of EPSS disposal sites and ensure proper disposal of health commodities through recommended disposal methods.
• Strengthening the transport management system of EPSS ERP and ensure proper coordination between warehouses and EPSS hubs.
• Provide technical guidance on warehouse operations through supporting the implementation of Extended Warehouse Management (EWM) module of EPSS ERP system.
• Support EPSS in analyzing health facility RRF (Reporting and Requisition Form) data quality through utilization of data triangulation tools, ensuring proper documentation and filing.
• Support EPSS in the provision of structured feedback to underperforming health facilities based on data quality analysis results.
• Coordinate with the EPSS team to ensure the timely replenishment of program health commodities at health facilities. Assist in the last mile distribution of priority health program products in conflict affected areas.
• Assist EPSS in effectively implementing the Order to Cash (O2C) module of the ERP system to ensure the timely distribution of products.
• Support in updating route mapping of health facilities and scheduling within the hub’s catchment area to optimize vehicle utilization and expanding facility direct deliveries.
• Actively participate in logistics review meetings, cluster meetings, and relevant technical working group (TWG) meetings at different levels.
• Assess EPSS staff training needs, providing onsite technical support and organizing/facilitating off-site training sessions as necessary.
• Collaborate with EPSS leadership at different levels to forecast warehouse resource needs, plan for timely provisions, and facilitate management approvals.
• Document, report and scale-up best practices in the areas of warehousing, inventory management and distribution of health commodities.
• Prepare weekly and monthly action plans and progress reports for submission to the SCS supply chain management lead
• Uphold MSH’s values across his/her activities
• Ensure compliance with established policies and procedures, promoting adherence across SCS staff.
• Support the quantification and supply planning of priority health products in support of MOH and EPSS
• Support and advise EPSS leadership on any strategic initiatives being implemented at EPSS.
• Promote the institutionalization and sustainability of SCS-supported initiatives through staff engagement, capacity building, thorough documentation, and effective communication of achievements.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by EPSS or SCS supply chain management lead.

QUALIFICATIONS

A)EDUCATION/TRAINING - Advanced degree in Pharmacy, Supply Chain Management, Public Health or a closely related field; or a commensurate combination of education and professional experience.

B) EXPERIENCE - Minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in pharmaceutical supply chain management, with at least three (3) years of specialized experience in outbound (warehousing, inventory management and distribution) supply chain management of pharmaceuticals, and other public health commodities.

A minimum of three (3) years of experience working on U.S. government, other donor-funded projects, or with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is preferred.

C) KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Basic understanding of the operational and programmatic aspects of major public health programs, such as HIV/AIDS, TB, Malaria, and MNCH, including their specific commodity requirements in Ethiopia.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Ethiopian pharmaceutical supply chain sector and related regulations.
• Proven experience in strategic level support to the public sector supply chain system in outbound operations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with other implementing partners in implementing complex programs.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
• Hands-on Skill in using ERP system, data generation, data analysis and report writing
• Strong organizational abilities and proven capacity to collaborate effectively within a team-oriented environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and effective communication abilities, with a demonstrated capacity to identify and resolve operational challenges.
• Demonstrated flexibility and the ability to prioritize and manage a wide range of tasks and activities.
• In-depth knowledge of the Ethiopian public health sector and prior work experience in Ethiopia is highly preferred. Especially, the ability to analyze and interpret public health policies related to SCM is preferred.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, management, planning, analytical and organizational skills. These will be demonstrated in the ability to work both independently and within a team, assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities with attention to detail.
• Working independently within expressed parameters, regularly scheduled tasks and adherence to strict deadlines is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective team member in a complex and fast paced environment.
• Familiarity with SCS Activity, USAID, MOH and EPSS systems is a significant advantage.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Ethiopia as required.

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 and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, religion, creed, citizenship, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job requirements. MSH will take affirmative action to ensure that qualified applicants are employed and that employees are treated without regard to their race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and disability status. In compliance with U.S. Department of Labor Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, MSH has developed and maintains an affirmative action program and plan.

Skills Required:

• Health / Medical
• Logistics / Supply / Chain
• Pharmaceutical