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

Emory University•Decatur, GA

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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

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.
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
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