FIXED TERM CONTRACT VACANCY
1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022
Programme Specialist (Health Product Management)-Global Fund
The AIDS Foundation of South Africa (AFSA) is a Durban-based NGO that acts as an interface between Donors and Community Based Organisations (CBO’s) working in the HIV/AIDS sector, by placing donor funds with strategically selected CBOs, in South Africa, and providing them with ongoing, technical support & capacity building. AFSA has been selected to be appointed by the Global Fund (GF) as one of the Principal Recipients (PRs) that will manage programmes to be funded by the grant. AFSA wishes to appoint a suitably qualified individual to fill the role of Programme Specialist (Health Product Management) in Durban.
Purpose of job:
To ensure health product management and reporting functions are carried out efficiently. Will work in coordination with Product suppliers, DoH, AFSA programme managers, SANAC TSU and programme implementers, to ensure efficient and continuous products supply and ensure uninterrupted services to programme beneficiaries. Will also participate in the development of operational policies and guidelines, related to HPM. Provide specialised technical support to AFSA programmes: Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), Human Rights (HR), Advocacy (ADV) and Community Response Systems (CRS). Support capacity development, oversee formulation & implementation of programme improvement strategies & ensure high quality & standards are met.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Health product management (HPM): Support implementing teams and clinical team regarding procurement, dispensing, distribution and stock management, of key programme commodities: medicines, rapid test kits, PPE, consumables, etc. Quantify and forecast product needs and consumption. Ensure implementers do not run out of essential programme commodities. Liaise with suppliers and other partners to ensure continuous, uninterrupted stock availability from manufacturer to warehousing intermediary to end user. Key commodities include: HIV ARTs, HIV test kits, healthcare PPE, etc. track stock distribution. Ensure full accountability of commodities procured under the programme. Validating the PSM arrangements and the supply plan, including forecasting and related budget for health products Identify key risks related to health product management and HPM arrangements and ensure that appropriate mitigation measures are in place for the effective and efficient implementation of activities related to the management of health products and improvement of systems to prevent service disruption and poor quality of services, use of substandard health products, and ensure effective use of grant funds. Escalate any HPM, service delivery related risks to funder, as necessary. Ensuring adherence to relevant policies (including Global Fund) and reviewing instances of non-compliance and proposing remedial actions; Contributing to internal and external trainings and guidance on AFSA and Global Fund HPM policies, procedures and tools; Ensure quality approved products are used. Adhere to WHO pre-qualified products guidelines. Manage procurement of all grant resources for implementation. Ensure high quality warehousing, storage, transportation and use of health products. Support distribution of IEC material to partners. Updating of SOPs, tools, tick sheets and assessments. Quality management: SOPs, manuals, guidelines: develop, train. Support training activities.
Technical support: Provide technical and programmatic support to the Programme. Conduct gap analysis of programme activities, including technical skills and capacity requirements. Measure impacts through standardised MEL indicators to identify strengths and weaknesses and implement operational strategies, systems, and processes to enhance efficiency and improve quality. Contribute to the AFSA knowledge management hub on AGYW components (document key lessons learnt and best practices as well as promote information exchange). Review, revise or develop Standard Operating Procedures for programme modules. Review, revise or develop and manage quality assurance processes and monitor the application thereof. Conduct routine program assessments including on-site visits as part of ensuring quality improvement and be an available technical resource to the teams.
Reporting: Oversee the health product management template: grant document which captures all information pertaining to the procurement and supply management of health products under the grant.
Manage the Price and Quality Reporting database: a publicly accessible online database that collects and displays data on procurement transactions made by Global Fund-supported programs. Collate and analyse data and achievements for donor reporting purposes. Manage procurement-related data & provide detailed regular reports. Report, on AFSA procurement, to relevant structures and also maintain procurement-related databases for accountability and transparency.
Required qualifications, skills & experience:
A clinical /health-related qualification: BCur (or 4-year nursing diploma), BPharm, or similar.
If nursing:
preference will be given to primary healthcare, education, dispensing licence, NIMART trained.
Post-basic pharmacy qualification, coupled with relevant experience of 5years or more, will be considered.
A medical /clinical-related qualification, in: Pharmacy or nursing, or similar.
Experience with pharmaceutical procurement, management, warehousing /storage and distribution is required.
Experience with WHO prequalified products is recommended.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience working in pharmaceutical management, procurement and supply-chain management of health products at national level.
Minimum of 3 years of experience in managing complex PSM situations, managing /mitigating risks related to health products at country, regional or international level.
Experience in developing PSM related operational tools, and guidance.
Proven track record in supporting provincial or district implementing partners. Experience with approval and certification processes for pharmaceutical management service providers.
Experience working within the health products frameworks, mainly in South Africa.
Experience and/or understanding of South African health systems.
Demonstrated experience in maintaining strong relationships with partners, government counterparts, donors, implementing partners, private sector, and other stakeholders.
Previous experience managing projects with multiple partners and international donors such as Global Fund or PEPFAR funded programme.
Transferable experience in development programs, including but not limited to HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis, Adolescent Girls and Young Women, Human Rights and Advocacy for Sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Competent in clinical training.
Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
Superior writing and verbal skills in English and an African language.
High level of interpersonal skills, including an ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a broad range of public sector counterparts, donors, and other key stakeholders.
Strong leadership and communication skills.
Ability to consult, take initiative, multi-task & coordinate multiple priorities. Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting deadlines.
Ability to work independently and to delegate tasks to multidisciplinary teams.
Clear and thoughtful communication-, listening- and social skills are essential.
Advanced computer experience (MS Teams, MS Office Suite).
Valid Driver’s License and 2 years’ experience -recommended.
Willingness and ability to travel across the country and internationally, if necessary, for quality audits, and support.
IMPORTANT: Interested persons must only submit a 2-page CV (showing qualifications & work experience) and a cover letter. Only bring these documents when invited for interview: certified copies of identity document and certificates, driver’s licence and contact details of 3 referees.
Submit application by email to [email protected], no later than 20 March 2021 & subject line must have relevant reference: “Programme Specialist (Health Product Management)-Global Fund”. Please note that applications received after this date or with incorrect reference will be disqualified. Alternatively you may apply directly on our website at https://www.aids.org.za/vacancies/
Closing date stipulated in this document applies, but applications submitted late will be considered until suitable candidate is found.
Candidates who fail to submit the additional documents, on the day of the interview, will be disqualified and not interviewed. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted – should you not hear from us within a period of one month, you may consider your application unsuccessful. AFSA reserves the right not to make an appointment and /or to extend the closing date in order to facilitate further searches. AFSA is an equal opportunity employer. We particularly encourage applications from people living with HIV and AIDS (PLWHA), people living with disabilities, women and previously disadvantaged people. Shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo a competency based assessment and driving assessment as part of the recruitment process.