Supply Chain Expert at Solina Centre for International Development and Research (SCIDaR)

About the job

• SCIDaR in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) in Nigeria, is seeking a qualified Supply Chain Expert to support the optimization of the supply chain for the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) of the Azithromycin program aimed at reducing child mortality rates in Nigeria.
• The expert will play a critical role in assessing, redesigning, and implementing an effective and resilient supply chain system to ensure the consistent availability and accessibility of Azithromycin in target regions.

Scope of Work

Comprehensive supply chain assessment:

• Conduct a thorough evaluation of the existing logistics and supply chain system for the Azithromycin MDA program.
• Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within the current supply chain.
• Assess commodities quantification, procurement processes, storage facilities and practices, distribution channels, and the logistics management information system.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including Sight Savers, SARMAAN, FMoH, WHO, Nigeria Customs, NAFDAC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pfizer, and other pharmaceutical organizations, to gather relevant information and insights.
• Procurement and Importation System Enhancement

In-Depth Procurement and Importation Analysis:

• Conduct an exhaustive evaluation of the current procurement and importation system for the Azithromycin MDA program.
• Identify bottlenecks and challenges within the existing system.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including Sight Savers, SARMAAN, FMoH, WHO, Nigeria Customs, NAFDAC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pfizer, and other pharmaceutical organizations to gather relevant information and insights.

Immediate Solutions Development:

• Devise a strategic approach to address the identified bottlenecks and challenges in the short term.
• Explore opportunities for sourcing from local suppliers to enhance the resilience of the procurement system.
• Develop a procurement plan for the Azithromycin MDA program, outlining strategies and actions until 2026.

Monitoring system design and pilot:

• Collaborate on the design of a monitoring system to ensure the efficiency of procurement and importation processes.
• Lead a pilot implementation of the monitoring system to test its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Transition the responsibility for the monitoring system to the program team after the pilot phase.

Continuous Improvement and Collaboration

• Continue to work closely with the program team to address any emerging issues or inefficiencies in the procurement and importation system.
• Provide guidance and expertise in optimizing the system for better performance
• Maintain regular communication and collaboration with field teams and key stakeholders (both global and national) to ensure the procurement and importation system remains adaptable and efficient

Qualifications & Experience:

• A minimum of a Master;s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Public health, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5-8 years of relevant experience in supply chain management and logistics, with a focus on healthcare or pharmaceutical supply chains.
• Strong knowledge of supply chain best practices, including procurement, importation of new drugs, distribution, and inventory management.
• Experience conducting supply chain assessments and redesigning systems for complex public health programs.
• Familiarity with the healthcare system in Nigeria and an understanding of the challenges and dynamics of healthcare supply chains in the country.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government agencies, donors, and implementing partners.

Competencies required:

• Strong commitment to SCIDaR's aims, values, and principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work in a team and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage complex initiatives.