Supply Chain Network Manager

Vacancy: Supply Chain Network Manager


 
Ref No. IRS/59/052014



We seek to urgently fill a new opening with a young and dynamic, self-motivated Supply Chain Network Manager in the Social Science and Impact Assessment (SSIA) Unit.
The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya at the Duduville campus.
This is a local (national) position that offers a two-year contract that is renewable. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate.
 

Overall Purpose of the Job


The Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS3) Project is seeking a Supply Chain Network Manager for sub-Saharan Africa. icipe is a sub-grantee of Purdue University and an implementing partner of the PICS3 project.
The Supply Chain Network Manager will coordinate with the PICS3 Project Collaborator at icipe and the PI based at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
The Supply Chain Network Manager will work closely with PICS3 partners to commercialise the PICS bag technology in sub-Saharan Africa with a main focus in four countries in eastern and southern Africa (Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia and Malawi).
The Supply Chain Network Manager will develop appropriate project implementation plans; initiate and promote supply chain development; and monitor and report on the outcomes of these activities to the PICS3 PI, PICS3 team members, donors, the business community, and the general public.


Specific duties include, but are not limited to the following:


Use business management skills to ensure that PICS3 commercialisation activities are effectively implemented in sub-Saharan Africa within scope, on schedule and within budget of the project.


To achieve these goals the following work breakdown is envisioned:


•Communicate with the PI and lead individuals of all project components (market building/extension, economics, follow-ups, etc.), to ensure that the necessary implementation plans are developed and carried out.    
•Physically visit activities in project countries in eastern and southern Africa to assess whether implementation plans are being followed as specified, and identify the need for and implement any necessary adjustments.
•Implement PICS3 supply chain activities by: (1) working with local manufacturers; (2) identifying distributor(s) of PICS bags in each country in eastern and southern Africa; and (3) facilitating collaboration among the supply chain participants and with the service providers, including NGOs, government extension services, and projects.
•Work with the PICS3 PI and the project team to: (1) facilitate supply chain participants’ access to capital by linking them to credit facilities; (2) provide support in developing marketing and business plans to facilitate access to capital. The goal is to increase the availability of the PICS bags by addressing challenges related to capital. This effort will focus in all PICS countries (in western, eastern and southern Africa).
•Collaborate with the PICS3 team and supply chain members to track progress in developing and sustaining the distribution systems of PICS bags. This will include tracking orders and sales, assessing needs for capacity building, finding appropriate trainers, carrying out training activities, and implementing supporting studies to assess progress in developing the supply chain.
•Ensure that: (1) project progress is communicated to the PICS3 PI and project team, and (2) the PICS3 project outcomes are communicated to project stakeholders and the general public.
•In collaboration with the PICS3 PI and the project team, draft, edit and submit annual project reports to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
•Knowledge required for performing the job: Experience working with manufacturers and distributors of plastic products, and/or the banking sector is a plus.



Requirements / Qualifications


•An MBA or equivalent qualification in commercialising low-cost technologies in rural Africa is required;
•At least 3 years working in the private sector in Africa. Experience working in marketing and distribution of agricultural inputs, e.g. fertiliser, pesticides, storage technologies, seed, etc. is preferred.
Kenyan national is preferred.


Disposition



The candidate must also possess the following attributes:


•Excellent interpersonal skills.
•Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
•Reporting: This position reports to the Social Science and Impact Assessment Unit Leader.
The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.




How to Apply


Applications will be accepted up to 9th June 2014, or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier.
Please quote the job reference number IRS/58/052014 on the envelope and application cover letter reference line, or email subject line.
Send an application (including current salary details and anticipated remuneration package), with a current CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses and fax numbers), copies of transcripts or academic certificates and relevant testimonials, and a one-page write-up on how you consider yourself suitable for the above job.
Only applications of shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.n Equal Opportunity Employer