Technical Advisor - Supply Chain

Grade: I

Job ID: 13-7213

Location: AO-Luanda

# of Positions: 1

Center/Office: CPM - General

Project/Program: SIAPS

Application Due Date: 2014-02-21

Overall Responsibilities

The Technical Advisor (TA) is responsible for providing technical guidance and support in the planning and implementation of SIAPS/Angola Program interventions that promote achievement of USAID objectives, as directed by the Country Project Director (CPD) and under the supervision of the Senior Technical advisor. S/he provides technical assistance (TA) to apply SIAPS tools and training materials, coordinating study protocols, assessments and data collection activities. S/he provides pharmaceutical management TA to the Angola Ministry of Health (MOH) to implement activities in relation to supply chain of HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Reproductive Health/Family Planning (RH/FP) commodities.  He/she will contribute to reporting on activities and results of the SIAPS Angola program and to the conceptualization of strategy, activities and budgets for the SIAPS Angola program. S/he provides technical assistance to the MOH to develop and implement strategies to strengthen the national supply chain logistics system, tailored to the local context. S/he will work closely with the local counterparts, stakeholders and partners to design, implement, monitor and evaluate locally appropriate interventions to improve selection, quantification, procurement, storage and distribution and use of safe, efficacious and good quality medicines and related public health commodities, and promote quality health for the Angolan people. The work includes but is not limited to providing TA to the MOH National Directorate of Medicines and Equipment (Direcção Nacional de Medicamentos e Equipamentos–DNME), National Essential Medicines Program (Programa Nacional de Medicamentos Essenciais–PNME), National Malaria Control Program (Programa Nacional de Controlo da Malaria–PNCM), National HIV/AIDS Control Program (Instituto Nacional de Luta Contra o Sida-INLS), National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Program, National Reproductive Health/Family Planning (RH/FP) Program, National TB program (NTP), among others.

Specific Responsibilities

1. Develop, implement, and monitor processes for effective quantification, forecasting of needs and supply planning of needed medicines and related public health commodities for HIV/AIDS, malaria and RH/ at national and peripheral levels. Support the set up or strengthening of an effective and efficient pipeline system for key HIV/AIDS, Malaria, RH/FP medicines supplies.
2. Provide TA support to the DNME, CECOMA and PNME to build supply chain logistics management capacity of provincial and municipal health facility staff, to ensure constant availability HIV/AIDS, malaria and RH/FP commodities.
3. Provide TA support to the DNME, PNME and CECOMA to strengthen the receipt and distribution of malaria and RH/FP/MCH commodities at national, provincial and health facility levels. Ensure proper documentation and maintenance of transaction records
4. Provide TA support to the DNME, PNME and CECOMA to develop and implement pharmaceutical supply chain management capacity building interventions in Angola.  
5. Liaise as needed with  key national and provincial stakeholders involved in pharmaceutical supply chain management, including Universities.
6. Provide TA support, as needed, to the MOH to pilot and implement new tools, approaches and technologies in supply chain management. Ensure that logistical management systems envisioned will be adapted to existing Angola national infrastructure.
7. Provide TA support to the DNME, PNME and CECOMA to strengthen the logistics management information system (LMIS) for public health program commodities, as needed, including HIV/AIDS, Malaria, RH/FP commodities. If needed, assist local counterparts to redesign the existing LMIS and related tools into a simple, user-friendly, timely reporting system– Work with MOH key stakeholders to support central and peripheral levels to collect, synthesize and transmit data & information related to HIV/AIDS, Malaria, RH/FP related commodities. Develop clear supply chain performance indicators for public health program commodities, including RH/FP/MCH commodities
8. Provide TA and mentoring support to the provinces on pharmaceutical management, forecasting and quantification, good pharmacy practice, inventory management and rational use of medicines.
9. Collaborate, as needed, with other partners specialized in pharmaceutical and supply chain management and capacity building for individual facilities.
10. Maintain regular communications with SIAPS Country Project Director and other senior SIAPS project staff to ensure that all technical assistance needs in pharmaceutical systems and services for the MOH institutions are adequately addressed.
11. Coordinate, as needed with the CPD, and other technical staff to develop and implement SIAPS work plan, technical activities and budgets as needed.

Qualifications

1. Graduate degree in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, pharmaceutical management, or supply chain/logistics/procurement required; additional training in business administration, or public health considered a plus.
2. Significant experience in pharmaceutical supply chain systems implementation and strengthening in developing country context, including demonstrated knowledge and expertise in Reproductive Health and Capacity Building. Minimum of 3 years of related experience is required. 
3. Demonstrated leadership, facilitation, and planning skills; demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with donors, project stakeholders, government officials, collaborators, and private-sector partners. Previous experience in the development and delivery of training programs is preferred. 
4. Relevant experience in international public health with experience in pharmaceutical supply chain systems strengthening strongly preferred, particularly those related to the management of malaria, RH/FP and HIV health commodities. Previous experience in working with USAID programs or other large donor initiatives useful
5. Preference is given to Angolan citizens and individuals legally authorized to work in Angola and with strong understanding of the Angola public health supply chain system  
6. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to interact professionally with a diverse staff, clients and consultants. 
7. Demonstrated competence to assess priorities and manage a variety of activities in a time-sensitive environment and meet deadlines with attention to detail and quality. 
8. Proficiency in Portuguese including reading, writing and speaking skills with the ability to conduct business. Proficiency in English is highly preferred. 
9. Demonstrated intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite Applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Skills in relevant forecasting software a plus.
10. Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required to support the progress of program activities.

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