Senior Supply Chain Specialist - International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) - The Task Force for Global Health

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Description

As part of the Task Force for Global Health, the Supply Chain Specialist serves as a technical advisor to national neglected tropical disease (NTD) programs and implementing partners, supporting the effective management and distribution of donated and procured medicines, diagnostic kits, and program supplies. The position provides expertise in supply chain systems, product management, inventory oversight, and logistics coordination to strengthen national program capacity and ensure timely delivery and appropriate use of health commodities. The role coordinates international shipments, supports procurement and sourcing of program supplies, and collaborates closely with Ministries of Health, implementing partners, procurement agents, and global stakeholders to maximize access to medicines and supplies. The Sr. Supply Chain Specialist evaluates country supply chain readiness, conducts supply chain assessments, and provides technical assistance to strengthen drug management practices, including the development and implementation of standard operating procedures, inventory systems, and supply chain planning processes. May supervise interns and/or volunteers from time to time. Performs other related duties as required. This position is jointly supported by the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) and the Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center (NTD-SC), with time allocated approximately 50% to each program. The incumbent contributes to both programs through product shipment coordination, supply procurement, inventory management, forecasting, supply chain system strengthening, and technical support to national NTD programs and global partners. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assists in the design, implementation, and coordination of supply chain-related aspects of an NGO program and provides technical expertise in supply chain systems, inventory, and product management to donation recipient countries.
• Coordinates with supply chain managers to ensure production of material and on-time shipment to countries.
• Liaises closely with national program coordinators and implementing partners to maximize access to medicines and supplies.
• Serves as a liaison to and works with other groups  
• and organizations participating in the national trachoma program or seeking supply chain and logistics knowledge of the program.  

ITI and the NTD Support Center will jointly support this position, splitting time equally (50% each) between the two programs. The percent allocation of effort may vary throughout the year based on program needs at the time. 

Specific responsibilities assigned to the Supply Chain Specialist include, but may not be limited to: 

International Trachoma Initiative (50%):

Product Management:

• Liaises with vendors and country representatives to coordinate shipments of medicines, diagnostic kits, and supplies 
• Communicates with recipient countries to confirm receipt and proper management of procured and donated products 
• Compiles and files country-level shipping documents  
• Plans and facilitates supply chain assessments for program countries; evaluates warehouse practices  
• Understands supply chain challenges faced by national programs to advocate on behalf of the programs to implementing partners, donors, and ITI management  
• Assists in the preparation of the recipient country's annual memorandum of understanding  
• Maintains communication with stakeholders regarding the product pipeline and works closely with recipient countries to maximize utilization of donated medicines  

Data Management and Reporting:

• Responds to country-specific supply chain data requests in support of national trachoma program planning  
• Updates database with key information including shipment figures, inventory data, and partner contacts  
• Assists in the analysis of inventory reports and distribution data; validates distribution reports with reported in-country inventory for the program and, work with Program Associates to resolve differences between shipped vs. distributed treatment data  
• Creates reports, charts, graph, and ad hoc reports 
• Assists in the preparation of letters, briefings, and reports on activities, and other written materials related to supply chain-related aspects of the program  

Trainings, Facilitation, and Technical Support:

• Serves as a supply chain expert and provides technical expertise to national NTD/trachoma programs, implementing partners, WHO, and other organizations supporting the program  
• Provide technical assistance to countries with implementing standard operating procedures for drug management to ensure consistency across various NTD programs  
• Creates and customizes supply chain tools and documents, standard operating procedures, and training materials to continuously improve supply chain operations  
• Develops guidelines and processes to support implementing partners and country programs in designing donated drugs supply chain management operations, including quantification, establishing cyclical inventory, in-country logistics planning optimization, and performance management  
• Contributes to harmonizing and standardizing best practices in donated medicines supply chain management across NTD programs  
• Supports program by evaluating their supply chain readiness and providing technical support to Ministries of Health and implementing partners; monitors and provides updates on supply chain through reports, letters, briefings, or other written materials related to the supply chain; works with ITI management to define, plan, execute, and monitor progress of specific activities and projects 
• Follows up with National Program Coordinators and implementing NGO partners on assessment findings and recommendations for improvement  
• Contributes to the development of supply chain training materials 
• Develops and implements supply chain-specific mass drug administration transitioning plans/closeout plans 

Meetings:

• Assists in meeting coordination and preparation of data packets and presentation materials for internal and external meetings (e.g., Trachoma Expert Committee, Trachoma Action Planning, NTD Supply Chain Forum, NTD/Trachoma Cross-Border, and other designated meetings)  
• Undertakes international travel; represents ITI at meetings and workshops through active participation; gives presentations at conferences and meetings on behalf of ITI  

Neglected Tropical Diseases Support Center (50%) 

Supplies:

• Source and procure supplies and diagnostic kits as needed 
• Review partner supply lists and budgets 
• Investigate supply chain constraints, and cost savings through price research/negotiation 
• Work closely with the technical team and principal investigators to finalize supply lists and in-country inventory 
• Collaborate with partners (e.g., CDC) to confirm diagnostic and laboratory supply needs 
• Maintain standardized supply calculators, SOPs and bench aids 
• Utilize the NTD-SC Smartsheet system to record, track and report supply orders and shipping 
• Store all supply order and shipping documents in the Google drive file structure 
• Submit monthly credit card reports for all shipping orders; work closely with the Financial Analyst to make sure supply orders are properly coded in Financial Edge 

Shipping:

• Receive shipping requests 
• Process shipments (including packing, documenting and dispatching shipments to project sites) 
• Coordinate closely with in-country partners to prepare proper documentation for shipments 
• Work with in-country partners to facilitate swift clearance of supplies from customs 
• Draft material transfer agreements, as needed 
• Facilitate cold chain shipping when needed 
• Track shipments 

Inventory Management and Forecasting:

• Continued development of inventory management and forecasting automated systems and processes  
• Oversight and strengthening of inventory and request tracking system 

Other Responsibilities:  

• Participate fully as a member of the Task Force for Global Health by contributing, assisting, and participating in projects, activities, and initiatives as requested by management 
• May supervise interns and/or volunteers from time to time  

TRAVEL:  20-30% domestic and international travel   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in a field related to specified program areas and five years related program management experience, OR an equivalent combination of experience, education, and training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• 5-7 years of supply chain management experience (planning, inventory management, and logistics-related work)   
• Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management or relevant field of study 
• Proficient in MS Office programs  
• Demonstrated interpersonal and written communication skills 
• Experience working in or with developing countries  
• Possess a high degree of planning, organizational, analytical, and financial skills  
• Ability to partner and communicate with all levels of an organization 
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently  
• Ability to work and/or travel over weekends  
• APICS certified  

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs.  Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

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