Supply Chain& Logistics Management Specialist - CARE India (Apply by: 11 July'14)

Position: Supply Chain& Logistics Management Specialist

Grade/Level: E/Middle Management

Project/Unit: State RMNCH+A Unit (SRU), Bihar TSU 

Reports to: Health System Specialist, SRU

Location: Patna, Bihar

Project Duration: 4 Years

Project Background 

The confluence of four key factors creates a pivotal opportunity to accelerate progress toward achieving the government of Bihar’s (GoB) 2017 targets for reductions in rates of mortality, fertility and malnutrition, and increases in immunization coverage. 

These factors include: 

a) Consistent political support from GoB to improve the health of women and children, exemplified most recently by the launch of the Human Development Mission (Manav Vikas Mission) under the chairmanship of Chief Minister in the state; 
b) Recent launch of the government of India’s (GoI) RMNCH+A strategy; 
c) Success of the Ananya program in identifying strategies and developing solutions that support these goals; and 
d) Recognition by the Health Department and Social Welfare (ICDS) Department of the value of the work of Ananya and other development partners in Bihar. 

To capitalize on this opportunity, CARE will lead the establishment of a Technical Support Unit (TSU) constituted with major development partners[1] (DFID/BTAST, UNICEF, UNFPA, NIPI and WHO/NPSP), that will closely work with and support the Health and Social Welfare (ICDS) Departments of the GoB in their endeavour to achieve rapid and sustainable change in health and nutrition. 

The proposed TSU will provide catalytic support to the two departments to refine policies, systems and processes, transform capabilities and behaviours, and build ownership to unlock the potential of both public and private sector providers to effectively implement solutions. 

The work of the TSU will focus on effective technical interventions in maternal and child health, family planning and nutrition. Key drivers of change will include the transfer of skills and building ownership of approaches and solutions by Health and Social Welfare (ICDS) Departments. 

The State RMNCH+A Unit (SRU) of the TSU will consist mainly of technical experts from CARE and other development partners who will work closely with GoB to develop effective strategies to achieve GoB’s 2017 targets for reductions in rates of mortality, fertility and increases in immunization coverage.

Job Summary 

The Supply Chain& Logistics Management Specialist will work under the supervision of the Health System Specialist, SRU. S/he will support the State Health Society and work closely with the Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL) in supply chain operations including planning, procurement, contracting, storage, distribution and monitoring in Bihar State where BMGF is the Lead Partner. Collaborates closely with the concerned State Program Officer in defining supply interventions to meet programmatic needs, and provides technical support on supply chain management issues.

Contract/Key Relationships 

The Supply Chain& Logistics Management Specialist will work closely with all other Technical Team members of the TSU.

Key Responsibilities 

• Support the SHSB to strengthen RMNCH+A commodity supply chain in the State in collaboration with BMSICL and other stakeholders. 
• Support in the development of procurement policies and procedures.
• Work with the concerned officials to document and expand the capacity of existing supply chain system and procedures.
• Facilitate the design and implementation of supply chain performance monitoring for RMNCH+A activities in the State
• Ensure supply chain management at State and District level. 
• Conduct supervision and monitoring visits. This will include but not limited to on-site observations/guidance.
• Supervise supply of drugs and consumables for effective program implementation. Monitor and update stock, consumption/distribution and pipeline information.
• Provide support to the BMSICL for developing system for equipment and drug warehouse inventory management.
• Set appropriate controls for proper tracking of goods from transport and handling to final destination.
• Identifies areas for capacity development in supply chain management and capacity building of the concerned persons at State/District level.
• Develop system to monitor suppliers’ performance with respect to the quality and timely delivery of goods and services.
• Stay abreast of policy and program environment, identify best practices and support dissemination of new knowledge. 
• Support any specific techno-managerial efforts of the TSU that come up from time to time. 
• Candidate should be willing to travel in state of Bihar for more than 50 % of time
• Periodically reviews program progress and interim results to ensure alignment with the overall CARE’s Strategic Programming and GED Framework.
• Any other work assigned for the smooth functioning of the project.

Qualification & Experience 

Essential:

i. MBBS/AYUSH/MBA/MPH with experience in Materials Management, Supply chain management and other relevant discipline.
ii. At least 2 years of professional experience working in supply chain management
iii. Experience managing public health programs or projects in India with specific experience in reproductive health, maternal and child health and immunization programs.

Preferred:

i. Demonstrated understanding of the health administration setup in Bihar
ii. Basic principles and practices related to the management of health care delivery systems

Skills & Competencies 

i. Proven ability to identify problem areas, analyze, plan, innovate and execute ideas, as well as impart knowledge and skills
ii. Ability to objectively analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative health program monitoring and evaluation data and has an eye for details. Communicate analyses effectively to SRU team members and GoB 
iii. Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills, and ability to work seamlessly across levels 
iv. Demonstrated learning agility, pro-activeness and openness to embrace new technologies at work.
v. Ability to function effectively as a team member and respect diversity in a team
vi. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with government counterparts and Development Partners.

Candidates should visit http://apps.careindia.org/eis/Recruitment/frmCareerOptions.aspx to apply for the positions online.

The last date of receiving applications will be 11 July 2014. Only short-listed candidates would be contacted. 

“CARE India is an equal opportunity and diversity promoting employer. Therefore Women, persons differently abled, SC/ST/ OBC candidates are especially encouraged to apply”