Job Title: Technical Advisor, Technical Programs Support

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is a non-profit international health organization composed of nearly 2500 people from more than 74 nationalities working in over 50 countries.

Our mission is to save lives and improve the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people by closing the gap between knowledge and action in public health.

Together with our partners, we are helping managers and leaders in developing countries to create stronger management systems that improve health services for the greatest health impact.

About USAID USSHC Program:

USAID funded Uganda Systems Strengthening for Health Commodities (USSHC) is a five year program supporting the Government of Uganda’s health system to improve the availability and accessibility of essential medicines and health supplies (EMHS).The expected results of USSHC are to:1) strengthen national policies and strategies and support cost-effective, equitable, and transparent utilization of EMHS resources; 2) strengthen country capacity for effective management and utilization of EMHS; and 3) increase availability and access of EMHS among priority populations.

Job Summary: The Technical Advisor, Technical Programs Support will work closely with the Pharmacy Division, the Quantification and Planning Unit (QPPU) to guide and mentor logistics secondments to the Ministry of Health (MOH) technical programs.

The Technical Advisor has overall responsibility for technical programs system strengthening and coordination. SI he promotes collaboration and best practices in supply-chain management of essential commodities with priority on system change, harmonization/integration, logistics information management and building program capacity to reduce wastage, optimize resource use and achieve increased availability and supply-chain efficiency of program commodities.

Responsibilities shall include the development of technical strategies and work plans. He or she has supervisory responsibility and technical leadership for program seconded staff to support implementation of technical program supply-chain strengthening activities.

S/he is responsible for maintaining effective communication with the, seconded staff, key stakeholders and the relevant MOH departments particularly Pharmacy Division and the technical program management teams.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Significantly contribute technical and administrative inputs into the design and implementation of assessments of commodity supply chain management systems to identify resources and gaps which can be addressed by the Program.
• Work closely with QPPU coordinate quantification and procurement planning for technical programs
• Provide support in the establishment and management of systems and information to monitor program commodity supply-chains whilst assuring data quality and utilization particularly at central level
• Advise the Ministry of Health on policy changes and strengthening systems affecting supply chain for technical programs
• Provide support the Ministry of Health to integrate vertical supply and information systems into integrated National pharmaceutical management and Information systems
• Support the role out of vertical strategies for capacity building in commodities management for technical programs
• Actively contribute to the writing of Quarterly and Annual progress reports

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• The ideal candidate should hold a good Bachelor’s degree in a health area; such as pharmacy, medicine, public health, a master’s degree in public health or business majoring in health systems management and supply chain management
• Additional training in logistics and supply chain management is an added advantage
• Five or more years of work experience in providing pharmaceutical management technical assistance especially in the area of supply chain management, both at central and health facility level in a developing country preferably sub Saharan Africa
• Past exposure and experience in pharmaceutical/health systems strengthening is preferred most especially where system change is involved,
• Excellent analytical skills with computerized packages including Microsoft office packages, internet research and familiarity with common PSM tools
• Working experience in Uganda with comprehensive understanding of the Uganda public health system is an advantage. Previous work experience with USAID supported programs is also an added advantage
• Strong organizational, administrative, communications and reporting skills
• High degree of flexibility and adaptation to changing priorities and shifting deadlines
• Excellent English speaking and writing skills required, including ability to write lucid technical reports and documents
• Demonstrated leadership skills and committed team player.

How to Apply for the job:

All candidates are encouraged to send their application (cover letter and CV only) addressed to The Human Resources Partner at MSH, Plot 15 Princess Anne Drive, Bugolobi, P. O. Box 71419, Kampala, Uganda or via Email to: HRUG@msh.org.

Deadline: 10^th October, 2014 by 5.00pm.

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