Supply Chain Adviser

The Axios Foundation (AF) is a US-based public charity focused on the implementation of programs to drive access to care in the developing world. Axios engages with local stakeholders, opinion leaders, government authorities and health facility management to assess and improve local infrastructure, including hospitals and laboratories, and to manage effective supply chain management systems and disease management programs. In addition, the Foundation manages a number of international drug donation programs.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Supply Chain Adviser

Location: Kano
Job Type: Internal & External

Job Description

• AFN seeks Supply Chain Adviser for the DFID funded Maternal Neonatal, and Child Health Program in Nigeria.
• The program covers six states in Northern Nigeria and in addition to providing and strengthening MNCH services, will also include routine Immunization.
• Supply Chain Adviser will support strengthening of the health commodities supply chain and ensure delivery of program health commodities.
• The Supply Chain Adviser will support the vaccines logistics and supply chain management activities for the MNCH commodities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Advise and guide MNCH, SMOH, Government of Nigeria, and other stakeholders on supply chain issues, best practices, policies, innovations, and performance.
• Provide leadership and guidance to State Logistics Coordinator in each of the program states on addressing health commodities supply chain challenges and issues.
• Provide support for the design of a strategy for integrated supply chain systems capable of managing all health commodities (essential medianes, MNCH, FPIRI-I commodities, etc.).
• Provide overall technical support and leadership on institutionalizing/strengthening Drug Revolving fund in the state.
• Provide overall technical guidance on procurement activities of the state including monitoring of procurement performance in such a way to forestall stock outs of essential medicines, MNCH, HTSP/RH and vaccines in collaboration with the vaccine/HTSP Adviser
• Coordinate the assessment of existing supply chain and logistics systems in all the states, identify gaps and weaknesses, and develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), policies, guidelines, and procedures to build capacity and promote sustainability.
• Coordinate with the project’s M&E team to ensure that logistics related data is effectively captured throughout the supply chain.
• Coordinate with other projects and donors (including OFID, USAID, Global Fund, GAVI, etc.) on service delivery, commodities supply chain and logistics strengthening.
• Work with state logistics officers to identify needs for technical assistance to state and local level health institutions.
• Liaise with Crown Agents to ensure smooth procurement of programme commodities that meets the required quality and specifications.
• Ensure that statewide quantifications are carried out to meet the MNCH commodity needs of the states.
• Monitor and advise the programme on commodities status across the pipeline to avoid stock outs
• Ensure best practices and lessons learned are shared across the states.

Qualifications, Experiences and Skills

• A Degree in Pharmacy or Medical Laboratory Science. A Master’s degrees in Public Health will be an added advantage.
• Minimum 8 years of experience in health commodities Io9istics and supply chain management.
• Experience working with DFID funded project will be desirable.
• Knowledge and experience in MNCH, reproductive health, family planning routine immunization, and other health programs.
• Experience in capacity building and trainmg of logistics and health facility staff.
• Experience working in Northern Nigeria, particularly in Kano, Kaduna, Kastina, Jigawa, Yobe and Zamfara.
• Demonstrated ability to work with government staff at multiple levels including the state and local community levels.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Excellent presentation and interpersonal skills.