Laboratory Supply Chain Monitoring Advisor , Iringa, Tanzania

TITLE:                    Laboratory Supply Chain Monitoring Advisor (1 Position)

REPORTS TO:      Regional Logistic Coordinator

LOCATION:         Position is based in the following MSD Zonal Store: Iringa, Tanzania

Overview:

JSI Research & Training Institute (JSI R&T) is a partner in the Partnership for Supply Chain Management (PFSCM).  PFSCM is implementing the Supply Chain Management System (SCMS) contract for USAID as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.  SCMS endeavors to strengthen or establish secure, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable supply chains capable of meeting the care and treatment needs of people living with and affected by HIV and AIDS.  In coordination with in-country and international partners, SCMS assists programs to enhance their supply-chain capacity; ensure that accurate supply-chain information is collected, shared, and used; and provide quality, affordable, health care products to those who need them.  

In Tanzania, SCMS supports the Government of Tanzania’s goal of improving the health of all Tanzanians. The project is managed by JSI R&T.  The field office is recruiting for 1 Laboratory Supply Chain Monitoring Advisor (Lab SCMA) to be based in Iringa zone throughout the country to serve as an early warning system capable of identifying potential break downs in the logistics system and taking corrective and remedial actions to avoid service interruptions. The Lab SCMA will prevent shortages or excess accumulation and wastage of laboratory related products in the health commodity distribution network.  The positions will report to the Regional Logistic Coordinator and designated supervisor in the zone.

Overall Responsibilities:                                                        

The Laboratory Supply Chain Monitoring Advisor will provide support to the day-to-day logistics activities of all the HIV/AIDS Care and Treatment Centers (CTCs) within their designated area.  In collaboration with the Diagnostics Unit of the MOHSW, MSD, NACP and other vertical programs, the SCMA-Lab will primarily work on implementing and monitoring the new national logistics system for laboratory supplies.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

For each MSD zonal store and its related health facilities:

1. Conducting logistics monitoring visits to selected health facilities that provide care and support for People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).  These visits may include staff from MSD, Regional Health Management Team (RHMT), Diagnostics Unit, NACP and Council Health Management  Team (CHMT)
2. Developing technical assistance plans, including project activity development and budgeting, preparation of strategic and annual work plans, monitoring, and evaluation of performance and impact.
3. Providing technical assistance to key CTCs personnel in the following areas:
   1. Analyzing the constraints to improved product availability in the selected facilities.
   2. Analyzing the supply chain implications of poor report & request (R&R) for lab supplies, storage and distribution.
   3. Identifying performance strengths, weaknesses, and Providing On-the-Job Training (OJT) in commodity management using existing tools such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) manuals.
   4. Facilitating the provision of Report and Requisition forms, manuals and other materials required to carry out logistics activities. 
   5. Ensuring that all logistics records are correctly maintained at the service delivery points.
   6. Ensuring that planned logistics activities (procedures) are being carried out according to schedule
   7. Ensuring prompt receipt of laboratory supplies at the SDPs
   8. Identifying potential breakdowns in the logistics systems and mobilize support and other interventions necessary to avoid stockouts of laboratory supplies.
   9. Ensuring that appropriate stock levels of laboratory supplies are maintained in MSD zonal stores.
4. Ensuring good communication with and timely feedback to CTC sites, MSD, Diagnostics Unit, NACP and JSI/SCMS on potential and/or actual stock imbalances.
5. Working with MSD Local Area Managers to ensure the steady supply of laboratory supplies to the zonal store.
6. Working with MSD Zonal warehouse and CTCs staff on establishing guidelines for proper storage and distribution of laboratory supplies.
7. Identifying and communicating the necessary resources for the performance of their duties.
8. Preparing and submitting routine reports to SCMS and designated institutions.
9. The position is based in a MSD Zonal area and will require travel to ART facilities within that zonal area, and may require travel to trainings/presentations/conferences.  Depending on the need or situation, some international travel may be required.
10. Perform  other duties as  may be assigned  by the Supervisor and or project management

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Applicants for this position should be Tanzanian nationals who possess the following minimum qualifications:

• Either a qualified Laboratory Scientist, Laboratory Technologist, or Biomedical Sciences with at least two years experience in managing laboratory supplies
• Experience in working with laboratory supplies and programs is preferred.
• Experience in logistics/supply chain management and or public health commodities management desirable.
• Experience in working with the Government of Tanzania and other NGO’s preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal English.
• Ability to prepare and present information related to health laboratory diagnostics
• Ability to work on a team to develop strategies and manage implementation of projects
• Ability to work independently.
• Previous work experience with USAID-funded projects desirable.
• Proficiency in common computer packages (eg.Word, PowerPoint, Excel) relevant to the work.
• Able to travel for an extended period of time away from the duty station to support technical activities.
• Able to travel internationally to attend trainings and conferences as needed.

*The Laboratory Supply Chain Monitoring Advisor will work under the guidance of the Regional Logistic Coordinator and /or a designated Supervisor.

REMUNERATION:

A competitive remuneration and benefits package will be offered to the successful candidate for the above positions basing on qualification, experience and salary history.

MODE OF APPLICATION:

Interested candidates are invited to send their cover letters, Curriculum Vitae with names and contact details of 3 work related references, enclosing certificate copies of relevant education and training.

Submission may be sent to the address below not later than Monday 12^th July, 2013.

 Human Resource Manager

John Snow, Inc.

 Plot No. 392,

 Toure Drive, Masaki

 P.O .Box 9263

 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

 Email: recruitment@tz.pfscm.org

Please indicate on the envelope the position applied for. Only candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within 3 weeks after the closing date, kindly assume that your application was not successful. JSI is an equal opportunity employer.