Project Lead – Supply Chain

Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is a global health nonprofit that makes foundational changes to health systems to protect people from diseases and improve their health. MSH collaborates with local partners, from the Ministry of Health to the community, to strengthen and complement existing health systems. Since 1971, MSH has worked in more than 150 countries to help ensure sustainable, resilient, and equitable access to quality health care around the globe.

MSH is seeking a Project Lead – Supply Chain for a potential Gavi project in Nigeria, which will provide supply chain management technical assistance to support effective planning, coordination, and execution of last-mile vaccine distribution, thereby strengthening last-mile delivery systems.  Additionally, this project will provide technical guidance for route optimization and ensure delivery efficiency.  The project will work in close partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria, third-party logistics providers, and international donors’ organizations.

This position is subject to project award and funding.

Overall Responsibilities

The Project Lead (PL) is a key leadership position with managerial experience and subject matter expertise who will drive the strategic implementation and operational excellence of this pharmaceutical supply chain program. With full accountability for program success, the PL will lead a diverse team to deliver impactful results in alignment with Gavi goals, contractual requirements and MSH standards.

The PL has full accountability and authority for the development, execution, and monitoring of the program, including (1) vision and technical strategy; (2) project and performance management including compliance; (3) documentation and communication; (4) client and stakeholder relationships; and (5) coordination and synergy with other relevant initiatives and collaboration with Gavi and host country government counterparts and partners. The PL represents the program to the Gavi Alliance, collaborating country governments, private sector, and global stakeholders.

More broadly, the PL will lead the program team in supporting and monitoring local supply chains in partnership with government entities and other key stakeholders. The PL will provide leadership in supporting countries to work towards self-reliant national and regional systems. This will include pharmaceutical services and regulatory systems to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of health commodities in public and private supply chains, and to promote standards for good pharmacy practices and quality pharmaceutical services.

Specific Responsibilities

Overall Management:

• Oversee implementation of program activities and provides high quality technical and strategic leadership, managerial oversight, and administration of the project.
• Serve as the primary project liaison from MSH to the donor and is accountable for the achievement of results, ensuring quality of services is maintained at the highest standard, and that all project objectives and deliverables are met.
• Safeguard MSH’s reputation by ensuring that financial, contractual, technical, and political integrity is maintained and strengthened.
  
  

Technical Strategy and Management:

• Develop (update and adapt as needed) and execute technical strategy, project workplan, results framework, and performance monitoring plan as per contract/agreement requirements, MSH technical frameworks, and quality standards.
• Ensure appropriate and timely documentation and dissemination of key results and deliverables for maximum project impact.
  
  

Project and People Management:

• Ensure effective contract/agreement implementation in strict compliance with contract/agreement clauses, MSH and donor policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure project staffing, structure and reporting relationships are aligned with project needs, local context, and available resources.
• Manage and mentor the project team as per MSH policies and guidelines and implement an effective performance-management program including regular check-ins, annual appraisals, supportive supervision, rewards, training, coaching and career development support.
• Create an environment conducive to collaboration, learning, and performance improvement among the multidisciplinary, multinational program team. 
• In partnership with the Director of Finance and Administration, implement an effective budget monitoring and cost control system based on sound financial and accounting principles, MSH Standard Operating Procedures, and donor requirements. 
  
  

Client and other Stakeholder Relationships:

• Build and maintain strong working relations with key internal and external stakeholders, beneficiaries, prime and subcontractors, suppliers and partners. Provide effective and timely responses to inquiries and concerns.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the donor and host country government counterparts.
• Other duties as required.
  
  

Qualifications

• A postgraduate degree in Supply Chain Management, pharmacy, or related field is required.
• 8+ years of related experience in leading the implementation of health product and/or pharmaceutical supply chain related projects, including operations, information systems, and quality assurance, in Nigeria is required. 10+ years of progressively responsible experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in technical content relevant to the project.
• Exposure and knowledge with technical, political and contextual understanding of Nigeria and regional context including the supply chain landscape.
• Demonstrated leadership and management abilities.
• Prior experience and success directing similar or larger international donor-funded projects in Nigeria.
• Demonstrated strategic planning and visioning skills.
• Familiarity with Gavi regulations and administrative procedures in the implementation of donor assisted projects.
• Proven record of aligning diverse, multi-level teams with project mission and vision. Track record of strong commitment to sharing knowledge, documenting experiences, supporting creative initiatives, and sharing credit.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with senior-level colleagues, particularly interacting productively, proactively, and comfortably with high level government officials and agencies, international NGOs, private sector groups, and donor organizations.
• Demonstrated strategic agility, diplomacy, conflict management, team building, written and oral communication, and negotiation skills.
• Fluency in English required.
• Local candidates with international experience strongly preferred.
  
  

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

MSH is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, religion, creed, citizenship, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job requirements. MSH will take affirmative action to ensure that qualified applicants are employed and that employees are treated without regard to their race, age, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran and disability status. In compliance with U.S. Department of Labor Executive Order 11246, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, and Section 4212 of the Vietnam Era Readjustment Assistance Act, MSH has developed and maintains an affirmative action program and plan.

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