International Rescue Committee in collaboration with other global and local partners is implementing the GAVI-funded Reaching Every Child in Humanitarian Setting (REACH) project in Somalia. The project seeks to ensure systematically missed communities and Zero Dose Children (ZDC) in fragile and conflict settings are sustainably reached with quality immunization services integrated into Primary Health Care. Strengthening immunization Supply Chain Systems (iSC) is one of the core strategies employed by the REACH project to ensure last-mile distribution of vaccines and related supplies, to minimize immunization missed opportunities due to interrupted vaccine stockouts.

ROLE PURPOSE

As a core member of the REACH project’s technical team based in Baidoa, the medical supply chain officer will provide strategic country technical support to iSC systems strengthening across project locations by coordinating planning, implementation and monitoring of priority immunization supply chain strengthening related interventions and other logistics support, to ensure effective last-mile vaccine supply systems in line with the organization’s (IRC), donor goals and international standards.

SCOPE OF THE ROLE

Dimensions: IRC has created a world-class humanitarian health force for people affected by disaster and conflict living in some of the difficult places around the world. The Officer will play a critical part in ensuring systems for cold chain and vaccine supplies within REACH project locations are established and effectively deliver vaccines and related supplies while ensuring effective cold chain management along the cold chain.

Responsibilities:

KEY TASKS

The primary responsibilities are:

• Support IRC country project teams in vaccine and related supplies quantification (forecasting and supply planning) and distribution within REACH sites.
• Technical support to country teams in generating Cold Chain Equipment (CCEs) requirements for REACH sites. In situations where IRC is to procure, work with the internal supply chain teams to support related procurement processes in alignment with IRC, project, donor and national (MOH) priorities/ guidelines. Subsequently, support the development of CCE distribution and installation plans in liaison with county project technical teams.
• In collaboration with REACH technical and MoH teams, develop and implement an effective vaccines stocks management system for REACH sites, in line with IRC standards. This will further entail development/ adaptation and implementation of vaccines consumption tools within supported locations, including outreach, mobile and cross-border sites.
• Provide inputs in the project design, anticipate needs for supplies (consumables), and keep abreast of changes in vaccines supplies in close cooperation with the IRC and MoH
• While working with the IRC supply chain teams, analyze needs, prepare regular forecasts, calculate replenishment orders, and initiate timely procurement of immunization supplies (consumables) as/ if required, to create a seamless supply chain.
• While drawing support from the IRC’s Pharmacy manager and Gavi PM, coordinate capacity strengthening of project implementation teams in iSC and cold chain management systems, incorporating current, global pharmaceutical best practices. This will include coordinating commodity management training.

The primary responsibilities are:

• Support IRC country project teams in vaccine and related supplies quantification (forecasting and supply planning) and distribution within REACH sites.
• Technical support to country teams in generating Cold Chain Equipment (CCEs) requirements for REACH sites. In situations where IRC is to procure, work with the internal supply chain teams to support related procurement processes in alignment with IRC, project, donor and national (MOH) priorities/ guidelines. Subsequently, support the development of CCE distribution and installation plans in liaison with county project technical teams.
• In collaboration with REACH technical and MoH teams, develop and implement an effective vaccines stocks management system for REACH sites, in line with IRC standards. This will further entail development/ adaptation and implementation of vaccines consumption tools within supported locations, including outreach, mobile and cross-border sites.
• Provide inputs in the project design, anticipate needs for supplies (consumables), and keep abreast of changes in vaccines supplies in close cooperation with the IRC and MoH
• While working with the IRC supply chain teams, analyse needs, prepare regular forecasts, calculate replenishment orders, and initiate timely procurement of immunization supplies (consumables) as/ if required, to create a seamless supply chain and support and support warehouse where necessary.
• While drawing support from the IRC’s Pharmacy manager and Gavi PC, coordinate capacity strengthening of project implementation teams in iSC and cold chain management systems, incorporating current, global pharmaceutical best practices. This will include coordinating commodity management training.
• Coordinate REACH project locations vaccine supply chain management, and effective vaccine management assessments, ensuring they are conducted as planned, and in line with IRC, MOH and global standards.
• Support the project teams to develop, implement and monitor plans to address gaps identified in the supply chain assessments.
• While working closely with the project MEAL and technical teams, contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate mechanisms to strengthen immunization supply chain performance monitoring and reporting of vaccine stock and CCE status within REACH target sites. Ensure quarterly reporting on stock incidents (stockouts, understock overstock, and wastage of vaccines and CCE availability/ status) as well as formulation and implementation of cause-correction measures to mitigate vaccine insufficiency and/or wastage across project locations.
• Share consumption and supply information promptly through regular meetings with all stakeholders, ensuring information gathered are regularly and accurately recorded, collated, and analyzed for further dissemination, monitoring, documenting, and reporting on project.
• Support the establishment of systems for adverse event identification and reporting within the REACH project in line with MoH’s and the project’s reporting protocols.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of sub-national vaccines logistics working groups (LWGs), to strengthen the strategic use of data for management decisions to improve EPI performance and reach!
• Contribute to the REACH learning agenda by documenting lessons learnt in response to the project learning on strengthening immunization supply chain systems within fragile, conflict and cross-border settings to reach ZDC.
• Comply with IRC policies and practice for safeguarding, code of conduct health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Competent and organized medical logistician/ bachelor’s degree in Pharmacist with significant experience in Pharmacy Management- managing medical supply chains.
• Experience in quantification, procurement, warehousing, distribution, and general commodities management
• Experience in supply chain assessments and developing management strategies.
• Experience in immunization supply chain/ cold chain management will be an added advantage.
• Willingness to travel to sub region cold chain iHUBs periodically.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong interpersonal skills, self-motivated and result-driven, with the ability to effectively build and manage networks and relationships for program promotion.
• Excellent time management and communication skills (both verbal and written), with the ability to engage a range of diverse audiences, stakeholders, and partners.
• Ability to develop and utilise appropriate methods and tools in supply chain strengthening.
• Previous experience in training and capacity building
• Ability to synthesize and analyses information, and make clear, informed decision.
• Ability to work independently, under own initiative with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work as a team member independently and proactively with minimum day-to-day oversight.

AND BEHAVIOURS (our Values in Practice)

Accountability:

• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving results together with clients and role modelling IRC values.
• Holds self-accountable to deliver on their responsibilities, in the best way they see fit while taking necessary measures to improve performance.
• Maintains IRC’s culture of safeguarding and client-centeredness.

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for self and takes responsibility for own personal development.
• Widely shares personal vision for IRC, engages and motivates others.
• Future-oriented thinks strategically and on a global scale

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with own team, colleagues, members, donors, and partners.
• Values diversity sees it as a source of competitive strength.
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions.
• Willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency.
• Always acts in the best interests of clients/beneficiaries.

Proficiencies:

• Active listening and effective communication.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Professionalism and work ethic.
• Receptive and Resilient.
• Positive Interpersonal interactions