Community Logistics Technical Advisor (CITA)

John Snow, Inc., and its nonprofit affiliate JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc., are public health research and consulting firms dedicated to improving the health of individuals and communities throughout the world.JSI builds local capacity to address critical health problems, collaborating with local partners to assist countries, governments, communities, families, and individuals to develop their skills and identify solutions that meet their public health needs. Through management assistance, research and evaluation, education, and training, JSI works to enable agencies and health professionals to provide appropriate services in an effective and compassionate manner....

JSI Research and Training Institute, Inc.

Improving Supply Chain for Community Case Management of Pneumonia and other Common Diseases of Childhood (SC4CCM) Project, Position Description

Title: Community Logistics Technical Advisor (CITA)

Reports to: Resident Logistics Advisor

Locations: Addis Ababa

Background

JSI Logistics Services (JSI LS) is seeking a Community Logistics Technical Advisor for the Improving Supply Chains for Community Case Management of Pneumonia and Other Common Diseases of Childhood (SC4CCM) project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This three-year project will work to identify, demonstrate, and instautionalize supply chain management (SCM) practices that improve the availability and use of selected essential health products rn community-based programs n three Sub-Saharan African countries, of which Ethiopia is one. The project aims to demonstrate that it is possible to overcome the supply chain constraints to effect community-based treatment of common diseases of childhood at scale. This project, managed by JSI Research & Training Institute, falls under the .JSI LS portfolio and is managed out of the JSI Arlington office.

Description: It is a locally hired position responsible for supporting the testing and implementation of supply chain interventions and innovations for community case management for child health in Ethiopia. The Advisor assists in the implementation of the project’s country activities in Ethiopia. S/he reports to the Resident Logistics Advisor and work closely with other implementing partners in Ethiopia and SC4CCM technical staff based in the Addis Ababa office. S/he is responsible for actively participating in all technical activities, working with the supervisor and home office staff to support timely and effective completion of the work plan, and maintaining effective communication with the project staff in the home office, RCHLA, the FMOH and its stakeholders, public, private, and FBO/NGO sector CCM implementing programs and other USG cooperating agencies.

OVERALL RESPONSIBILTIES:

The Advisor is responsible for identifying; testing and implementing innovative solutions for Supply chain Constrains of Integrated. Community Case Management in Ethiopia. The focus of this position is, thus to identify, demonstrate, and institutionalize supply chain management (SCM) practices that improve the availability and use of ICCM products in all sites implementing ICCM in Ethiopia.

S)he wil be working with OH, 9.-iB, PFSA Central and branch officeslhubs, ZHD, Woreda Health Offices, health facilities, RCHLA and ICCM partners to make sure that the ICCM supply chain and ICCM product availability are well considered at all levels in the ICCM implementation. The Advisor promotes collaboration and documents best practices in supply chain management, pipeline updates, distribution and delivery of ICCM commodities. S/he will be supporting the implementation and best use of health/logistics management Information systems for ICCM related programs.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Work with the US and country SC4CCM project team members and in-country stakeholders to develop and implement an annual work plan that supports the strengthening of the supply chain for CCM products in Ethiopia and is consistent with the goals and objectives of the SC4CCM project.

2. Work with the US based and country team members to organize, staff and manage technical activities in the work plan. Activities may include routine monitoring of testing for interventions through community level field visits, system design, training of trainers workshops, monitoring and supervision, assessments and evaluations, and special studies.

3. Oversee the collection of monitoring data and compilation of that data in coordination with other project staff and headquarters M&E staff.

Contribute to analysis of data to generate recommendations and plans of actions regarding project interventions. Disseminate information and reports to relevant stakeholders as required.

4. Monitor the performances of the activities by the regional staffs and achievements towards the milestones of the project. Mentor regional staff in supporting the implementation of the projects’ intervention activities.

5. Keep breast on the progress and potential changes within the structure of the national ICCM program and advise the RLA and RCHLAs on potential impacts on the supply chain and the project interventions.

6. Document and share best practices and identify feasible strategies for scale up.

7. Guided by his/her supervisor liaise with the Government of Ethiopia, SCM and CCM implementing partners, research partners, global procurement partners, and other stakeholders on supply chain issues related to CCM as required.

8. Work closely with the local research partner to manage the testing and implementation of innovations to support community case management for child health. This work may involve local travel to the woreda, health centre and community level for monitoring of pilot interventions.

9. Provide supportive supervision, in collaboration with MOH supervisors, to all staff involved with CCM activities through regular field visits, especially during the testing phase.

10. Assist in developing Scopes of Work and the identification of technical consultants.

11. Facilitate and participate in the development of, and/or the timely completion/review of, country and technical reports, such as: monthly and quarterly reports, Technical Assistance Records, strategic plans, work plan revisions, technical and strategy papers, budget updates, and other ad hoc reports, as required. Complete the reports and submit to the RLA.

12. Assist RLA in reviewing and tracking annual work plans, budgets, indicators, and milestones.

13. Provide technical input to and review of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation annual reports and other relevant reporting documents.

14. Assure adherence to JSI’s standards for management and technical quality.

15. Participate in weekly technical teleconference calls, team meetings and periodic team building exercises.

16. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Masters degree in Public Health, Pharmacy, Supply Chain Management and related fields

• Specific expertise in community case management highly desirable

• Experience in public health supply chains in Ethiopia is highly desirable

• 3 years in the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of international health projects

• Strong managerial, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience working in the government health system at regional or woreda level in Ethiopia is highly desirable, although not required.

• Experience in working with community based programs or working with health extension workers in Ethiopia is highly desirable, although not required.

• Strong preference for candidate with excellent data analysis, interpretation and presentation skills

• Knowledge of (or ability to grasp quickly) the JSI management and quality assurance systems.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to establish a team and work as a part of it.

• Strong preference for a candidate who can identify and develop creative, innovative and cutting-edge solutions for existing program challenges

• Experience with the international donor community, including bilateral and multilateral donor agencies and private foundations.

• Excellent writing, communication, presentation, and organzational skills.

• Strong preference for a candidate who is a team player, can take initiative, and demonstrates technical leadership.

• Ability to work comfortably in the MS Office package, specifically MSWord, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

• Fluent in English and Amharic.

This is a full-time position based in Ethiopia with the possibility of domestic travel to provide technical assistance. JSI offers excellent benefits.

To apply to this position, please submit CV, Cover letter, salary requirements and date of availability to Michelle Pahl at mpahl@jsi.com  applicant should provide salary history and date of availability in cover letter. Application will be accepted till September 29, 2011.

JSI R&T is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer committed to workplace diversity. Women and minority candidates are encouraged to apply. M/F/H/V/D. © 2010 JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. 

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