The National and Provincial Departments of Health are currently gearing up for the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination programme to the general public from May 2021. A number of donors (including the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Endowment, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, DG Murray Trust, ELMA Vaccines & Immunization Foundation, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and the Solidarity Fund) have pooled resources to strengthen planning and implementation capacity within provinces and districts. DGMT is leading the coordinated donor support process to the NDoH.
Based in North West – DGMT seeks to appoint pharmaceutically experienced
PROVINCIAL VACCINE MANAGEMENT, COLD CHAIN & LOGISTICS FACILITATOR
The incumbent will establish a process for the flow of information regarding vaccine usage, wastage, quantities and distribution so that the management of vaccines becomes more efficient and cost-effective at the national level. Using their pharmaceutical background and experience, they will optimise the policies and management of vaccines and injection safety, including ensuring the availability of correct ancillary supplies. Through their management experience, they will evaluate the management of vaccines through provincial reviews of cold chain management and the management of injection safety. They will also liaise with the district vaccine implementation teams on all vaccine logistics to improve communication on the vaccine and ancillary related problems.
The Provincial VM, CC & Logistics Facilitator will be responsible for the following duties:
Review, update, reprint and facilitate the implementation of the national guidelines on cold chain operations.
Coordinate communication with all provinces public and private sector. This includes a weekly update from the district vaccines manager, the follow-up of problems and the feedback to the EPI staff meetings on matters arising out of these discussions.
To facilitate provincial vaccine distribution to ensure cold chain management at all stages through to the vaccinee.
To assign and manage duties related to the key performance areas of vaccine distribution as per the business plan.
Monitor vaccine usage and wastage at provincial and district level through the review of issued vaccines versus the number of vaccinated persons per facility.
Provide supervisory support within the province to ensure efficient logistics planning, distribution, storage and handling.
Ensure safe and timeous delivery of vaccines, ancillary items, PPE and other equipment to the District Core Teams (DCTs) as required by vaccination sites.
Closely coordinate with the District Core Teams to ensure availability of vaccines, vaccine carriers for cold chain management, and other supplies.
Review SVS reporting compliance and stock levels to determine potential shortages or reporting issues.
Monitor SVS reports of vaccines and ancillary items. Identify supply and distribution challenges, conduct risk analyses and develop interventions.
The Provincial VM, CC & Logistics Facilitator must meet the following criteria:
Pharmaceutical background is required, with experience in a managerial position.
Experience in cold chain management.
Experience in working with provincial and district government structures a plus.
Background of compliance and regulatory control over setting up systems in a large team, including successful communication systems
Vaccine management experience or knowledge of protocols preferred
A clear MIE background check is required before the start of employment. Must be legally eligible to work full time in South Africa.
View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application by Friday July 2nd, 2021 to [email protected]