Supply Chain Advisor at Health Systems Consult Limited (HSCL)

Project Background

• In collaboration with the Government of Nigeria (GoN), PEPFAR/USAID investments have led to the achievement of significant progress in the fight against the HIV epidemic in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
• However, the 2018 Nigeria HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) showed that epidemic control targets are yet to be achieved. Further, this progress is threatened by development challenges: limited financial resources, insufficient use of data for decision making, weak coordination mechanism across all levels of government and insecurity.
• The Accelerating Control of HIV Epidemic (ACE) project provides USAID with the opportunity to support the GoN, civil society groups, and private sector actors in the cluster 3 focus states to close gaps in reaching control targets, address critical challenges in implementing their HIV response and accelerate progress towards sustainable epidemic control.

Job Summary

• The supply chain Advisor will support the efficient and effective management of medical supplies, and other commodities related to HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) prevention, treatment, and care on the project.
• The Supply ChainAdvisor will work closely with the team and health facilities to ensure uninterrupted supply chain operations, timelydelivery of essential medicines, and compliance with relevant regulations and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with team and health facilities to develop comprehensive supply chain plans for HIV and TBrelated pharmaceuticals and medical commodities.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Monitor and manage inventory levels at health facilities. Implement efficient distribution strategies to ensure that HIV and TB medicines and supplies reach the intended locations on time.
• Ensure that all procured pharmaceuticals and medical commodities meet quality standards and regulatory requirements. 
• Provide technical assistance in capacity building for commodity management at health facilities and other settings as appropriate at the state level.
• Ensure timely and accurate commodity reporting on National Health Logistics Management Information System (NHLMIS) for all project commodities.
• Develop and maintain a robust data management system to track inventory, consumption, and supply chain performance. 
• Work in close collaboration with the state M& E team to triangulate commodity data with service data to ensure data quality (DQA) and participate actively in monthly M&E meetings.
• Remain informed and mentor HCW on new findings in the field of pharmacy and supply chain services that relate to HIV/AIDS care and treatment by reviewing current literature and drawing implications from research for program activities.
• Coordinate with program teams to align supply chain activities with programmatic needs.
• Collaborate with other stakeholders including government agencies, and donors, to ensure effective integration of supply chain activities within the broader health system.
• Identify potential supply chain risks and develop mitigation strategies to address challenges related to logistics, transportation, and commodity security.
• Ensure identification, monitoring, and reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) for all project commodities (ARV and OI drugs).
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and procurement policies, as well as donor-specific requirements related to supply chain management.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the team lead.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Pharmacy, Public Health, or a related field. 
• Advanced Degrees or relevant certifications is an added advantage.
• At least 5 years’ experience in supply chain management, preferably in the health or pharmaceutical sectors.
• Knowledge of HIV and TB prevention, treatment, and care programs, including the supply chain requirements specific to these programs.
• Familiarity with the National Supply Chain System of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and LMIS, including ART and TB Commodities Logistics Systems and NAVISION will be an added advantage.
• Familiarity with procurement processes, tendering, and vendor management.
• Willingness to travel to health facilities and program sites as needed.

Desired competencies:

• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of health and development programs in developing countries in general and Nigeria specifically.
• Thorough knowledge of adult and pediatric Regimens of ART.
• Knowledge of HAART service and management issues related to the clinical management of HIV/AIDS.
• Knowledge of the District Health Information System (DHIS2) and Lafiya Management Information System (LAMIS-Plus) is required.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision.
• High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English communication and appreciable knowledge of Hausa.
• Well-developed computer skills.
• Understanding of quality assurance and regulatory requirements for pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences.