Vaccine Supply Chain Management Technical Assistants (TAs)

LonAdd HR Consultancy Plc (www.lonadd.com) is a Recruitment & Outsourcing Company based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with branch offices in Dukem, Hawassa and Bahir Dar. We are looking to recruit a qualified applicant on behalf of our client with the below criteria.

No. required   - Two (#2)  

Start Date -   Immediately available.

BACKGROUND

Client, in collaboration with Africa CDC and the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing the Saving Lives and Livelihoods (SLL) initiative as part of the African Union’s COVID-19 response. Recognizing the need for enhanced vaccine logistics support, Client has been requested to facilitate in-country vaccine distribution and to effectively implement the SLL initiative in Ethiopia, Client and its partners have developed collaborative micro-plans with the Ministry of Health to strengthen in-country vaccine logistics.

Given the complexity of vaccine stock management and cold chain requirements, deploying Vaccine Logistics Technical Assistants (TAs) to the Ministry of Health - PMED is essential in addition to the TAs deployed at EPSS Hubs from the SLL phase one implementation. These TAs will enhance immunization supply chain efficiency, improve stock data visibility, mitigate stock out risks, and support Ethiopia’s goal of vaccinating 70% of its population with Covid-19 vaccines. To ensure coordinated oversight, Client Ethiopia Country Office seeks to deploy two technical assistants at Ministry of Health’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment Directorate (MOH- PMED) for 12 months to facilitate coordination among MOH-PMED, MOH-Immunization Service Desk (MOH-ISD), EPSS and Client country office TAs engaged in the SLL project.

JUSTIFICATION

The deployment of National Vaccine Logistics TAs under the SLL initiative is a time-bound intervention that goes beyond the capacity of existing government and Client staff. While the Ministry of Health’s PMED, EPI and EPSS manage routine immunization logistics, the scale and urgency of vaccine logistics in a high zero-dose country, coupled with the introduction of multiple new vaccines and huge national vaccination campaigns this year and the integration of COVID- 19 efforts at lower levels, demand dedicated expertise. The increasing cold chain requirements and new technologies being procured further necessitate specialized coordination, stock data visibility and in-country logistics management.

This one-time support ensures the effective implementation of the SLL initiative by enhancing coordination, improving stock management and preventing supply disruptions—without

• Specific competencies, qualifications and responsibilities required of the third-party staff replacing existing staff functions. The TAs will facilitate collaboration among MoH, EPSS and Client directly contributing to Ethiopia’s immunization program and strengthening immunization supply chains in line with the country’s immunization strategic plan.

OBJECTIVES, PURPOSE & EXPECTED RESULTS

Objectives

• Strengthening forecasting, procurement, stock management, and cold chain logistics to ensure the availability and timely distribution of vaccines and related supplies.
• Increasing vaccine stock data visibility through eLMIS (mBrana, Dagu-2, MEMIS) in targeted facilities and reducing stock out rates within the assignment period.
• Supporting the acquisition, installation, and commissioning of CCE and RTMD system implementation for at EPSS center, Hubs and lower level storage points.
• Ensuring alignment with Ethiopia’s immunization targets, including achieving 70%
• COVID-19 vaccination coverage and strengthening routine immunization logistics
• Completing the supply chain gap analysis, capacity-building activities, and system improvements within the consultancy period

Purposes and Expected Outputs

• Conduct situation analysis of the immunization supply chain to identify bottlenecks and recommend solutions.
• Strengthen forecasting, procurement, and stock management for vaccines, ancillaries & CCE.
• Improve visibility of logistics data through eLMIS platforms such as mBrana, Dagu-2& MEMIS.
• Support the development and implementation of RTMD system for vaccine storage points.
• Provide technical support for healthcare waste management, CCE decommissioning and the introduction of new immunization initiatives like HFSE and DRIVE.
• Oversee the acquisition, installation and commissioning of CCE projects according to the ODPs.
• Build the capacity of RHBs and EPSS subnational hubs in cold chain and vaccine logistics management.
• Ensure periodic reporting and coordination among MoH, EPSS, and other stakeholders for improved immunization supply chain performance.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNEMENT

Client, in collaboration with MoH and EPSS, seeks to engage a National Immunization Supply Chain Management Technical Assistants (TAs) under the SLL initiative to enhance vaccine stock management, cold chain logistics, data visibility, and capacity building. The TAs will be responsible for:

Immunization supplies and CCE forecasting and supply planning

• Conduct immunization cold chain and supply chain system situation analysis
• Support MoH in technical specification of Vaccines, CCE and Supplies; Forecasting and preparing
• Comprehensive supply plan using standard tools (FSP4All, CPP).
• Plan, receive, store, deploy and monitor the in-country distribution and utilization of vaccines, CCE and related logistics.
• Technical support to MoH on regularly reviews and strengthening of vaccines forecast and supply planning, data triangulation, uptake/consumption, and immunization coverage.
• Coordinate vaccines and immunization supplies forecasting and supply planning process.
• Cold chain equipment (CCE) and vaccine procurement and stock management
• Liaise with MOH and Client Program and supply section on purchase and service requests.
• Coordinate the procurement, shipment and clarence of Vaccines, CCEs and solar photovoltaic units with the MOH and Client.
• Support EPSS/MOH to effectively manage the arrivals, storage, temperature monitoring and control during storage and distribution.
• Regularly communicate with Client supply section on ViVA updating and eVAR submission follow up.
• Review and identify gaps in the existing immunization waste management and support wastage monitoring activities.

Immunizations supply chain/CCE and logistics management monitoring and reporting

• Support timely distribution and delivery of immunization supplies for routine, SIA, and emergency response through the most cost-effective and efficient means of transport.
• Follow up and support the “DRIVE” initiative implementation in piloted regions/health facilities & submit updates to MoH/Client .
• Provide technical support to MoH EVM 2.0 assessment
• Provide technical support to MoH on national vaccine wastage monitoring study.
• Coordinate the revision of immunization supply chain strategy in accordance with revised national immunization strategy.
• Conduct monthly stock status and stock situation (including stock receipts, distribution, utilization, and wastage rates) analysis and share with National VLWG.
• Support regular stock situation/utilization analysis to improving data driven decision- making.

Technical support in acquisition, installation and Commissioning of cold chain equipment and PV Systems.

• Provide support on designing and development of cold chain installation, commissioning, maintenance, inventory, and monitor status for appropriate action.
• Monitor the implementation HFSE in piloted regions/health facilities & submit updates to MoH/Client.
• Update and review the 2026 CCE Inventory (CCEI) and facilitate decommissioning and disposal of outdated CCE.
• Support MOH on development of CCE rehabilitation and maintenance plan.
• Conduct cold room mapping at subnational EPSS hubs and provide feedback for corrective actions.

Capacity development of Government and other implementing partners on iSCM System.

• Supports staff training to upgrade the capacity of the MoH and other immunization counterparts in the planning, implementation, and management of vaccines and CCEs.
• Provide regular supportive supervision to EPSS, and health facilities on vaccine and CCE management and service delivery.

Immunization Supply Chain and Logistics management and Coordination

• Coordinate national and subnational vaccine logistics working group on monitoring immunization supply chain and service delivery.
• Communicate monthly overall immunization supply chain performance report to supply chain steering committee, MOH-ISD and Client CO.
• Strengthen monitoring of cold chain equipment and vaccines at subnational levels and ensure timely data sharing.
• Facilitate a national revitalization of e-LMIS and other data management tools (mBrana, Dagu-2, MEMIS,etc) and support the functionality of these tools.
• Prepare and facilitate the feedback mechanism to RHBs and other immunization supply stakeholders on monthly immunization supply chain performance.

Technical support immunization service delivery

• Closely work with MoH-ISD in reviewing national and sub-national immunization coverage, immunization supply and cold chain performance, triangulating consumption & service data.
• Support MoH on the big catch-up vaccination, SIAs campaigns, introduction of new vaccines (Malaria, YF, and MenA) in supply chain, cold chain and vaccine delivery aspects.
• Support MoH on integration immunization service with other essential PHC services. Also, integration of Covid-19 with other routine immunization services.

Technical Support in development of RTMD system for vaccine Storage points.

• Support MoH on national RTMD strategy development and implementation for CCE performance monitoring.
• Support the RTMD deployment for CCE across selected facilities and EPSS refrigerated vehicles, and train staff in their use.

This 12 month assignment requires frequent travel to regions and lower level and close coordination of MoH-PMED/ISD/RHBs, EPSS and Client country office. The TAs will not replace existing staff but provide specialized expertise to address critical gaps. Success will be measured by improved stock visibility, strengthened cold chain systems and enhanced decision-making capacity.

DELIVERABLES / REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Major Tasks

• Immunization supplies and CCE forecasting, and supply planning
• Cold chain equipment and vaccine procurement andStock management
• Immunizations supply chain/CCE and logistics management, monitoring, and reporting
• Last mile delivery Initiative and immunization supply chain performance monitoring
• Capacity development of Government, and other implementing partners on iSCMSystem.
• Immunization Supply Chain and Logistics management and Coordination
• CCE Performance enhancement at vaccine storage points
• Last mile delivery expansion
• CCE infrastructure management
• iSCM performance management
• Technical support Immunization service delivery
• CCE infrastructure management

Deliverables

• Technical support to MoH on regularly reviews and strengthening of vaccines supply planning, data triangulation, consumption and immunization coverage.
• Liaise with MoH and Client on procurement and service requests, coordinate vaccine, CCE and solar PV procurement and clearance, and ensure ViVA updates and eVAR submission follow-up with Client Supply
• Facilitate a national e-LMIS revitalization workshop (mBrana, Dagu-2, MEMIS) and support their functionality, ensuring quality vaccine and supply stock data reporting from piloted woredas.
• Monitor the “DRIVE” initiative implementation in piloted regions/health facilities & submit updates to MoH/Client. Provide technical support to MOH EVM 2.0 assessment.
• Training and capacity development in vaccine logistics and cold chain management of MoH/EPSS and other implementing partners.
• Review and identify gaps in the existing immunization waste management system and support wastage monitoring activities
• Support RTMD data utilization for CCE performance, report RTM data for action, assist MoH in RTMD strategy development, and oversee RTMD installation, deployment, and training in facilities and EPSS vehicles.
• Support timely distribution and delivery of immunization supplies for routine, SIA, and emergency response through the most cost- effective and efficient means of transport.
• Review and update the 2026 CCE inventory, facilitate decommissioning of outdated CCE and support MoH in developing a CCE Rehabilitation and maintenance plan
• Provide feedback to regions and immunization supply stakeholders on monthly immunization supply chain performance.
• Support MOH on the Big catch-up vaccination, SIAs introduction of new vaccines (Malaria, YF, and MenA) related issues with the supply chain and vaccine delivery.
• Finalization of CCE and vaccine management strategy & reporting. Technical support and facilitation in acquisition, installation &commissioning of CCE and HSFE-PV System
• Work Location: Primarily based at MoH-PMED, with periodic assignments at EPSS Head office. The role also requires travel to subnational levels- including RHBs, EPSS hubs and woredas, as needed.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The TAs will directly be accountable to MOH-PMED Health Supply Chain Desk and Health Section at Client Ethiopia will oversee the management of this contract, ensuring alignment with immunization supply chain objectives. The Immunization Officer at Client Health Section will serve as the primary focal point, coordinating with MoH-PMED, EPSS and other key stakeholders regarding these TAs. Resources, including technical guidance, data access and operational

support, will be made available through HR third party of Client. The TAs will be granted with relevant accesses to relevant systems and personnel to facilitate effective implementation and reporting.  GENERAL CONDITIONS: PROCEDURES AND LOGISTICS

• The contract must be signed by Client, the TAs and the Third-Party company before work commences.
  • The TAs will primarily work under the direct supervision of MoH-PMED and occasionally from EPSS central office, with frequent field travel to subnational levels.
  • Payments will be processed upon completion of deliverables and certification by supervisors at MOH-PMED and Client health section.
  • The TAs will be provided with transport and DSA reimbursement through HR third party if the travel is approved by Client on the monthly travel plan.
  • Client transport will not be directly available for TAs, except under exceptional circumstances.
  • Flight costs, when required, will be covered at the most economical and direct route, with prior approval through Third Party Company.
  • In general, the Third-Party company is responsible for purchasing travel tickets but TAs may be reimbursed if agreed upon in advance in exceptional cases.
  • Travel authorization is mandatory before any work-related travel if it is going to be reimbursed from the contractual value.
  • As external personnel, TAs do not have direct access to Client resources unless specified.
  • The TAs must provide their own computer, office supplies and other necessary materials for the expected deliverables.
  • Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Public Health, or a related field from a recognized University/ institution. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an advantage.
  • Experience: At least five years of experience in health commodities supply chain operations, immunization logistics including storage, logistics and inventory control of supplies.
  • Technical Skills:
  • Familiar with Ethiopian health supply chain management, including forecasting, supply planning, procurement, customs clearance ,distribution, stock tracking
    • Strong knowledge of vaccine logistics and immunization data management.
    • Expertise in cold chain management, including temperature monitoring, storage compliance and cold room mapping and RTM.
    • Experience with WHO PQS-listed equipment, Gavi CCEOP processes and CCE inventory and rehabilitation planning.
    • Experience in emergency response, vaccination campaigns, new vaccine introduction or large-scale immunization programs is preferred.
    • Proficiency in mBrana, OpenLMIS, DHIS2, ERP-SAP and other LMIS tools.
    • Strong skills in data quality, triangulation, reporting, analytics
    • Strong knowledge Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word.
    • Skilled in training, technical assistance and development of SOPs& training materials.
    • Proven experience engaging with the Ministry of Health, EPSS, and other key stakeholders.
    • Excellent communication & presentation skills with the ability to coordinate diverse teams.

How to Apply: - Interested applicants with the appropriate qualification and experience should submit their most recent and detailed CV, via email to “ recruitment@lonadd.com ” with the subject “Vaccine Supply Chain Management Technical Assistants (TAs)” in the subject box.

Application Deadline:  April 4, 2025

 Only Shortlisted Candidates will be contacted.