Supply Chain and Logistics Expert – Kenya

Activity Background:

USAID/KEA’s new strategy has a key objective of localization that works towards enhancing the capacity of local organizations. USAID/Kenya’s Office of Health Population and Nutrition (HPN) invests in population and health programs that aim to improve the survival, well-being, and productivity of the Kenyan population, especially in poor, marginalized, and underserved communities. To support the Kenyan people more sustainably, USAID is focused on strengthening county-level development and Kenya-owned, led, and managed organizations. As part of this effort, USAID launched 13 new health programs that will be implemented by local organizations under an initiative called Kenya Health Partnerships for Quality Services (KHPQS). The programs are meant to support the county governments in achieving the national goals of responding to HIV/AIDS, safeguarding the rights and welfare of children and adolescents impacted by HIV/AIDS, and ensuring equitable access to and use of quality primary health services by the most vulnerable.

SoCha is seeking a Supply Chain and Logistics Expert with international experience to support USAID/KEA’s health program teams and KHPQS partners. This role will collaborate closely with the USAID health program teams and LISA. The expert will also provide comprehensive support in supply chain management for the USAID health program, ensuring efficient coordination with stakeholders and adherence to established protocols and guidelines.

Scope of Work:

The supply chain expert’s responsibilities will include:

• Support USAID health product and technology procurement by reviewing inventory levels and status to determine when new procurements should be initiated, tracking planned arrivals, and flagging delays and challenges in the procurement process.
• Support with drafting the annual Master List (ML) coordinating with USAID health program teams in addition to identifying any risks or delays with the ML approval.
• Provide technical support to USAID supply chain activities such as Dawa za Ubora (DzU), Afya Uwazi, Afya Ugavi, KIPS, and others by reviewing work plans, reports, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), processes, inventory, and other activity deliverables. As appropriate, participate in monthly meetings, other technical meetings with the partners, and site visits.
• Review supply chain partner reports and feedback, identifying areas that need to be communicated and shared with other partners.
• Participate in coordination and technical meetings with USAID team members, implementing partners, and technical colleagues.
• Participate in commodity forecasting and quantification exercises, providing technical inputs, coordinating with clinical colleagues, coordinating USAID commodity support, and providing feedback to USAID colleagues.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, supply chain management, pharmacy, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
• At least twelve (12) years of international experience in supply chain management, preferably in the health sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in health product and technology procurement.
• Strong analytical skills for inventory management and procurement processes, with the ability to offer recommendations for improvement.
• International experience working with the health sector in a low to medium income country context is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in drafting, coordinating, and obtaining approvals for project documents with government health authorities or similar governing bodies.
• Proven ability to provide technical assistance and analysis on work plans, reports, KPIs, and inventory management.
• Experience in facilitating meetings and conducting site visits, including coordinating with multiple stakeholders and partners.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to review supply chain reports, identify areas for improvement, and facilitate communication among partners.
• Experience in commodity forecasting and quantification exercises, collaborating with clinical colleagues and donors, preferably including USAID.
• Strong communication and reporting skills, including the ability to effectively communicate findings and results to implementing partners and management.

Period of Performance:

Full time for 9 months (July 2024 – June 2025).

Location:

Remote working with ability to work within the same time zone as Kenya and make three trips to Kenya during this period. If located in Kenya, should be in person within Nairobi, Kenya.