The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities. At-work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. IRC leads the way from harm to home. Began work in Ethiopia, 1999 in response to severe drought that happened in Ethiopia’s Somali region. Currently, providing assistance in ten different regions implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

Job Overview/Summary: 

ROLE PURPOSE

As a member of the health and nutrition technical team based at Addis Ababa, the medical logistician will provide technical support to iSC systems strengthening across project locations by coordinating planning, implementation and monitoring of priority interventions and other logistics support, to ensure effective last-mile vaccine supply systems in line with the organizations and international standards.

SCOPE OF THE ROLE

Reports to: GAVI Project coordinator. The post holder will work closely with IRC’s Regional Pharmacy Adviser (for direct pharmacy and supply chain technical guidance), IRC country pharmacist, , REACH technical teams and the supply chain departments.

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 medical logistician will play a critical part in ensuring systems for vaccine supplies within REACH project locations are established and effectively deliver vaccines and related supplies.

The primary responsibilities are:

• Support IRC country project and Ministry of Health (MoH) 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 (CCE) 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. 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

• While drawing support from the IRC’s Regional Pharmacy Adviser, coordinate capacity strengthening of project implementation and MoH 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 and MoH 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 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 is 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.

• Represent IRC and actively participate on national vaccines logistics working groups (LWGs), to strengthen the strategic use of data for management decisions to improve EPI performance

• 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

Job Requirements

• BSC or Clinical Degree in Pharmacy / BA-SCM, with significant working experience on vaccine supply chain management

• 3 years of relevant experience for degree holder,

• Experience in quantification, procurement, warehousing, and distribution of health commodities

• Working experience with Ministry of Health, Regional Health bureaus and EPSS related to vaccines and    commodities supply chain management, and familiar with the countries Immunization supply chain polices and strategies     

• Experience in developing Vaccines and CCEs estimations/forecasting’s, warehousing, distribution and conducting supply chain assessments, and developing management strategies

• Working experience at conflict affected settings and having related trainings/TOT on cold chain management is an added advantage

• Willingness to travel to various project intervention woredas (40%).

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

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

Work Environment

How to Apply

Register using the following LINK

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.