Individual/Independent Consultant - Procurement and Supply Chain Management Specialist

Overview

AIR International is currently seeking a Consultant Procurement and Supply Chain Management Specialist for the USAID Supply Chain Third-Party Monitoring activity (Afya Uwazi) within the International Development Division in Kenya. 

The incumbent will work as an Independent Consultant to conduct third-party monitoring of local entities contracted by USAID to procure, warehouse, and distribute health products. The Independent Consultant will conduct organizational capacity assessments on the local entities and monitor effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of procurement and supply chain processes with contractual requirements and applicable policies and regulations. The Independent Consultant will verify that procured health commodities meet established quality standards, undertake risk assessment through regular on-site spot checks and off-site document reviews and clearly identify, prioritize, and summarize recommendations. The Independent Consultant will facilitate knowledge building and sharing by synthesizing and disseminating lessons learned and best practices.

Nature / Duration of Contract : This Independent Consultant role is based in Nairobi, Kenya and candidates hired must be eligible to work in Kenya. The Independent Consultant will be required to work on a need basis over a six-month period, starting on/about July 01, 2024 to December 20, 2024 for a total estimate of 40 days level of effort. AIR will contract directly with the Independent Consultant under a consulting purchase order agreement

AIR’s IDD work spans the globe with projects in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, Central and Latin America, and the Middle East. Our IDD team is committed and engaged because we drive positive change in the following areas:

Agriculture, food security, and nutrition Early childhood development and education Refugees and migration Social protection Water, sanitation, and infrastructure Women's empowerment and gender equity Workforce development Climate change

Use your experience, knowledge, and education to help us deliver on our mission: to contribute to a better, more equitable world.

About AIR:

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, AIR is a nonpartisan, not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education, health, the workforce, human services, and international development to create a better, more equitable world.

AIR’s commitment to diversity goes beyond legal compliance to its full integration in our strategy, operations, and work environment. At AIR, we define diversity broadly, considering everyone’s unique life and community experiences. We believe that embracing diverse perspectives, abilities/disabilities, racial/ethnic and cultural backgrounds, styles, ages, genders, gender identities and expressions, education backgrounds, and life stories drives innovation and employee engagement. Learn more about AIR's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy and hear from our staff by .

Responsibilities

Scope of work includes:

Capacity assessment: Conduct organizational capacity assessments on local entities contracted by USAID to procure, warehouse, and distribute health products, with a focus on financial management and administrative policies, procedures and internal controls that directly impact health commodity procurement and supply chain management functions. Monitoring: Monitor effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance of procurement and supply chain processes with contractual requirements and applicable policies and regulations. Verify transparency in the procurement processes as well as adherence to policies, procedures, and controls. Establish best practices that achieve value for money. Quality Assurance: Assess the sources of supplies and verify that procured health commodities meet established quality standards. Risk Assessment: Identify vulnerabilities in the procurement and supply chain processes which may lead to fraud, abuse, wastage, and other malpractices and propose mitigation measures. Spot checks: Develop and refine spot check and other monitoring tools, train research assistants and lead data collection through regular on-site spot checks and off-site document reviews on procurement, warehousing, and distribution processes. Data Analysis: Analyze distribution and spot check data and triangulate with other data sources to inform decision-making; clearly identify, prioritize, and summarize recommendations. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing by synthesizing and disseminating lessons learned and best practices.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Experience and Skills

An advanced degree (masters or its equivalent) in pharmacy, procurement and supply chain management, public health, or related field. A minimum of 7 years relevant experience in managing or advising on the procurement, supply chain management and use of health products, particularly in developing countries. Experience in assessing procurement and supply chain management policies, systems, and structures in the public and/or private health sectors. Expertise in the procurement of health products, tendering processes, and applicable regulations, including U.S. Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR). Experience in supply chain/logistics management systems, including inventory, storage, and distribution management, from the central warehouses to the last mile. A good understanding of HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and family planning commodities’ market dynamics and existing global supply challenges. A good understanding of international health products procurement and supply management practices, applicable national and international laws, and recognized standards. Excellent report writing, communication and presentation skills, both written and oral. Team player who can work well independently. Professional training in procurement and supply management (PSM) of health products is a plus but not required.