Logistics – Advisor (Short-term Consultant): Akros Research

Short-term Consultant Position: February – April 2020

Akros is a cutting-edge organization that establishes data-driven systems that improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged communities. We pride ourselves in our ground-level knowledge of the health systems where we work, and our ability to provide novel, lasting solutions implemented in developing regions.

Background

The DFID-funded Crown Agents Accelerating Sustainable Control and elimination of NTDs (ASCEND) project seeks to advance the impact and sustainability of national programs tackling neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Under ASCEND, the Mass Drug Administration (MDA) and Morbidity Mapping for the treatment of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) will support the Zambia Ministry of Health (MoH) NTD department carry out MDA for LF and Morbidity Mapping in sixty-nine districts in Zambia.

Akros is seeking a Logistics Advisor to act as the key logistics and supply chain technical advisor in the design and execution of complex drug distribution processes at the community level across sixty-nine districts in Zambia during the LF MDA campaign. The Advisor will be responsible for:

1) Working with Akros staff and Ministry of Health officials to complete a drug audit prior to distribution activities;
2) design and execution of effective, feasible, and timely logistic mechanisms and supply chain management protocols to guide commodity management during MDA campaigns and;
3) Developing robust reverse logistics reporting and tracking tools and protocols.

General Responsibilities & Expected Outcomes:

• Complete comprehensive drug audit prior to drug distribution
• Work with Akros senior management during work planning and implementation stages, providing technical guidance, as necessary, regarding design of logistics and supply chain protocols and procedures
• Participate in pre-campaign planning processes with national and sub-national government stakeholders and Akros senior staff to assess current distribution processes, and drug and supply chain needs
• Provide guidance and oversight on all logistic operations during the campaign
• Work closely with field managers and district health officers to monitor distribution progress and MDA implementation, and prescribe corrective action when necessary
• Contribute to and participate in post-campaign reporting and validation activities

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or functional equivalent
• At least 8 years demonstrated technical experience advising or managing complex commodity management programs in Africa
• Extensive experience leading the development of supply chain and logistic operations best practice processes
• At least 5 years demonstrated experience managing operational, project management and administrative duties for internationally funded programs
• Demonstrable qualifications in supply chain and logistics program management
• Outstanding oral presentation skills
• Excellent technical writing and analytic skills and ability to produce high quality reports on program activities
• Excellent skills in stakeholder and partner relationship management, including liaising between government, NGOs, and other entities
• Strong skills in assessing data quality and developing effective strategies to improve implementation
• Excellent understanding of the challenges and needs of frontline healthcare providers in providing primary healthcare services
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with quality products
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent quantitative and critical thinking skills
• Candidate should be highly productive and internally motivated
• Candidate should work well against challenging and changing delivery schedules

Location and Term

This position is based in Lusaka, Zambia, and is open to local candidates. It will require roughly 75% travel within Zambia. The Logistics Adviser position will be for three to four months.

Application Instructions

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply early. To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV with references to [email protected] with “Application: LF MDA Logistics Adviser” as the email’s subject line.