Project Lead Pharmaceutical Expert At Humanitarian Logistics Cooperative (Hulo)

This Call for Interest is open to all eligible consultants, in accordance with hulo’s procedures and principles.

Context of the consultancy:

The Humanitarian Logistics Cooperative, also known as “hulo”, is the first humanitarian European Cooperative Society (SCE) created in June 2021. Hulo now regroups 14 organisations: ACTED, Action contre la Faim (ACF), Bioport, Fleet Forum, the French Red Cross (FRC), Handicap International / Humanity & Inclusion (HI), INTERSOS, Médecins du Monde (MDM), Norvegian Refugee Council (NRC), Oxfam Intermón, Plan International, Première Urgence International (PUI), Solidarités International (SI) and Welt Hunger Hilfe (WHH).

Its objective is to increase the impact of humanitarian aid by strengthening links and solidarity between humanitarian logistics actors and improving performance through the pooling of logistics and supply chain resources and expertise. Hulo’s “Joint Initiatives” are already underway in 7 countries (Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, DRC, Lebanon, Jordan, Colombia and Chad) and include on the ground: Joint Procurement Initiatives, shared human resources, a digital solution for pooling resources, Joint Transport Initiatives and Joint Environmental Initiatives. At global level (i.e., across Headquarters of hulo member organisations), the hulo activities focus on Joint Procurement Initiatives. These initiatives save time and money, improve the quality of goods and services provided, and therefore provide more effective assistance to those who need it most.

The Humanitarian Pharmaceutical Supply Chain (HPSC) Joint Diagnosis project is the result of a common recognition by hulo members dealing in pharmaceutical supply that this aspect of humanitarian logistics systematically faces challenges and hurdles in achieving what is an essential and critical aspect of aid delivery. The timely delivery of quality drugs to where they are most needed, is a vital part of aid delivery and should ideally be efficient and straightforward. However, anecdotal evidence from the vast majority of humanitarian organizations dealing with pharmaceutical supply suggests that the reality is quite the opposite. Therefore, this project aims to analyse qualitative and quantitative data to better understand the roadblocks facing humanitarian pharmaceutical supply, provide recommendations, and determine whether and how these challenges can be transformed into pooling opportunities for a more resilient and effective humanitarian response.

To this end, the project proposes the following activities:

1. Literature review: The team will review scientific articles and studies relevant to the supply chain, and more specifically related to humanitarian and pharmaceutical supply, to assess how academic knowledge can provide a better understanding of current challenges and provide pathways for improvement.
2. Comprehensive analysis: The Joint Diagnosis will be based on the collection of quantitative and qualitative data.
3. Quantitative data analysis: hulo Business Analytics & Research Department will collect pharmaceutical supply data to be analysed and provide an objective overview of the situation and roadblocks. The data analysis will guide the selection of countries for the qualitative assessment.
4. Qualitative assessment: The team will interview key stakeholders for their insights, confront them with evidence gathered in previous steps, lead a workshop and undertake a field visit to discuss operational solutions that are “as joint as possible, as individual as necessary”.
5. Dissemination of results: A report will be written showcasing the Joint Diagnosis’ team’s current assessment of the humanitarian pharmaceutical supply chain, key bottlenecks, conclusions and recommendations, with a special focus on solutions based on collaboration, efficiency and hulo value creation. If conditions permit (timing, context, etc.), a dissemination webinar or participation in relevant conferences may be organized.
6. “Proof of concept” concept note: Finally, based on the conclusions and recommendations, the team of experts will draft a detailed concept note to test solutions that promise greater efficiency and effectiveness in humanitarian medical supply, using hulo pooling and joint approaches to ensure value creation and that quality and cost-effective pharmaceuticals, nutritional products and medical devices reach those who need them the most quickly and responsibly.

Given that medical supply among the cooperative members averages about $40 million per year (2019-2022), or about 10% of overall supply spending, the knowledge and insights that the Joint Diagnosis can provide will have concrete implications for the implementation of humanitarian programs and will be of significant value to the wider humanitarian community.

The Project Lead Pharmaceutical Expert will lead the pharmaceutical aspect of the “Humanitarian Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Joint Diagnosis” project, ensuring all processes meet regulatory standards while fostering collaboration among the participating organizations to identify opportunities for pooling resources and harmonizing practices. This role will focus on creating efficiency gains through cooperation and collective problem-solving.

Overall scope of work expected from the Consultant:

The Consultant is expected to:

1. Oversee the collection and analysis of pharmaceutical data, including drug lists, purchasing methods, and storage conditions.
2. Assess compliance with pharmaceutical regulations (e.g., WHO guidelines) and donor requirements throughout the supply chain.
3. Act as a key facilitator in creating consensus among the pharmaceutical focal points of participating NGOs, encouraging the pooling of resources and standardization of practices to maximize efficiency.
4. Facilitate discussions and workshops with Pharmaceutical and Supply Chain experts from the NGOs to identify avenues for collaboration and shared approaches to supply chain challenges.
5. Collaborate with the Project Lead Supply Chain Expert to identify and propose solutions for improving pharmaceutical logistics, focusing on resource pooling, harmonization and the cooperative value creation.
6. Lead risk analysis related to pharmaceutical handling (expiry, temperature control, etc.) and propose mitigation strategies.

Key priorities and deliverables:

Regarding the 6 objectives listed above, the key deliverables are:

1. Produce Literature review report
2. Engage in proactive relationship-building with pharmaceutical experts across the NGOs to foster a spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility.
3. Identify potential resistance or operational challenges and work to mediate differences, creating alignment on cooperative value creation opportunities.
4. Produce Comprehensive analysis report including qualitative and quantitative data collected
5. Contribute to the writing of a “Proof of concept” concept note

Management and Reporting Lines:

The Consultant will be working under the direct line management of the hulo Business Analytics & Research Coordinator.

The Consultant will also be working in close collaboration with the Project Lead Supply Chain Expert and Data Manager.

The Consultant will be required to undertake up to three trips: two for humanitarian missions and at least one to Paris. The organization and booking of these trips will be the responsibility of the candidate. However, all travel expenses will be reimbursed upon submission of appropriate receipts and expense reports, in accordance with our reimbursement policy.

Schedule:

This consultancy is targeting a maximum of 180 working days within the November 2024-September 2025 period.

Application & Contracting process:

The selected consultant will be contracted by hulo for a duration of 11 months but is not expected to work full time during this period. He/She is expected to outline the main key steps of the process as part of the Expression of Interest (EOI). These tasks can be fully carried out remotely.

Hulo invites applications for the provision of services described above. Interested candidates must submit their EOI outlining their financial offer (daily rate with clarifications on other cost covering expectations, plus a proposed overall cost), proposal to meet the ToR, scheduling and CV providing information on capacity and experience, showing qualification for the technical skills required by the scope of work, including:

• Expertise in pharmaceutical supply chains, with a strong understanding of WHO and donor regulations.
• Experience in humanitarian settings and pharmaceutical logistics.
• Excellent data analysis skills and ability to provide actionable insights.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency in English and French essential