Consultant, Supply Chain Specialist

THE FEDERATION

The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a leading global service provider and advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all. A federation of 142 Member Associations (MAs), IPPF works in 172 countries and maintains more than 45,000 service delivery points worldwide. IPPF aims to ensure that all people are free to make choices about their sexuality and well-being, in a world free of discrimination.

Since 2017, IPPF’s humanitarian program has been providing global assistance to populations in crisis. The consultancy will support countries engaged in the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) funded SPRINT IV initiative, covering 14[1] countries in the Asia Pacific region. The role will work with both the humanitarian team (global) and the development team from the regional offices covered under the SPRINT program.

[1] Asia region 1.Pakistan 2. India 3. Sri Lanka 4. Indonesia 5. Myanmar 6. Nepal 7. Philippines 8. Maldives

Pacific Region 1. Papua New Guinea 2. Fiji 3. Solomon Islands 4. Tonga 5. Vanuatu 6. Samoa

JOB PURPOSE:

In an emergency a strong supply chain is required to deliver lifesaving medicines and equipment to deliver services. The purpose of this role is to support IPPF MAs to improve their capacity in supply and logistics.

There are 14 countries supported by the SPRINT projects in the Pacific and Asia region. The role will work across the humanitarian – development nexus, focusing on fundamental supply activities that take place in the preparedness stage of a humanitarian crises. At country level the consultant will work directly with the MA (either the logistics focal point and/ or humanitarian focal point or relevant person) to improve capacity based on previous assessments and international guidance.[1]

The IPPF humanitarian team and the regional offices in South Asia (Delhi), East and Southeast Asia and Oceania Region (Kuala Lumpur) and Pacific (Suva, Fiji), will be in support of the activities undertaken and can act as resources to share locally adapted, innovative ideas.

You will report directly to the Senior Sexual & Reproductive Health Advisor and work in close collaboration with the Director of Programs and Performance ESEAOR office.

[1] John Snow International (2019) Supply Chain Mangers Handbook – A practical guide to the management of health commodities. This can be accessed at: https://publications.jsi.com/JSIInternet/Inc/Common/_download_pub.cfm?id=18491&lid=3

KEY TASKS

Essential outputs include, but not exclusive to:

• Conduct two MA supply chain capacity assessments (remotely) to better understand MA capacity utilizing the adapted SCHERA Questionnaire in India and the Maldives*.
• Support (minimum 11) of MAs to assess the need and requirements of (often establish) a safety stock. Including the creation of a system to support the supply chain (including plans for rapid release of commodities) in humanitarian crises, this may include:
  • Creation of a forecasting and procurement plan for materials
  • Clarification of key supply chain functions within the MA
  • Upskilling in storage and distribution
  • Potentially establishment of a list of key partners and focal points (both public and private sector) to assist with in-country warehousing and logistics solutions
• Bespoke training on key elements of supply and logistic as needed, likely including (quantification and forecasting) to assess and report consumption to relevant stakeholders. These trainings will build on previous work completed on supply and logistics.
• Socialize the IPPF Procurement guidance written by Central Office and regional offices as relevant
• Support the updating of regional office supply and logistics guidance as needed

Deliverables

• 2 Supply Chain Assessments (India and Maldives)
• The establishment/ formalization of safety stock in all 14 MAs (where feasible, at least 11), including policies, procedures that are created/ refreshed in collaboration with the MA. The procedure will include forecasting and contingencies for product availability in humanitarian situations. This may take the format of a Standard Operating Proceedure
• Collaborate with the MAs and regional offices to update/ create policy and procedures (SOP) for managing supplies in regular and humanitarian setting. (To be completed in at least 10 of the countries covered +/- 1 regional office)
• Tailored training to the individual needs of the MAs (Ideally at least one per country), typically to update policy and processes.
• Field visits to at least 6 of the countries covered (at least 2 Pacific Island Countries) to collaborate and upskill staff on bespoke Supply and logistic requests

2 webinars on supply and logistics (minimum of 1 addressing supply and logistics in humanitarian settings), with attendance by at least 12 of the 14 MAs

• Submission (written and oral) of a final report and recommendations

Requirements:

Education: Advanced university degree in supply chain or logistics management or a related field. Qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Knowledge and Experience: • Five years of professional work experience in medical and/or humanitarian supply chain management or logistics; • Managing medical supplies procurement, distribution, storage, and transportation operations in emergency settings ( commercial, NGO, or with an international organization); • Experience in challenging and complex humanitarian/emergency settings and experience in the development, implementation and facilitation of adult learning programs/training is desirable.

Core Competencies:

• Work effectively under pressure in a low-resource setting
• Adapt to change and deal with ambiguity.
• Demonstrates respect for gender and diversity in humanitarian and/or development contexts.
• Engage respectfully and appropriately with national counterparts
• Ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships.
• Adapt supply chain advice to meet the local context
• Communicate clearly and effectively
• Maintain ethical and professional behavior in accordance with relevant codes of conduct and policies.
• Works collaboratively with colleagues, partners and others to achieve goals.

Skills:

• Fluency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Languages: Fluency in English is required

Other:

Travel requirement: International travel is required to work and provide direct support to MAs. This will be covered in line with IPPF policy.