Logistics Specialist At Crown Agents

About the role

Background:

Suriname detected its first case of the Covid-19 on March 13th, 2020. Currently, the country is experiencing the third wave of the disease, and the increasing cases and deaths are of concern to the country especially with the increased transmissibility of the Delta variant. It is estimated that approximately one in every 86 people in the country are currently sick with Covid-19.

The country has developed a comprehensive National Vaccine Deployment Plan (NVDP) which details the prioritisation for vaccinating the population using a two-dose regime. Suriname aims to reach the majority of priority groups by the end of 2021 with the healthy population being reached between 2022 and 2023, however that might change as the epidemiology of the disease evolves over time.

There have been a number of challenges with the vaccine roll out including last mile delivery of vaccine to remote communities, the number of available vaccinators to immunise the population, and high levels of vaccine hesitancy.

To support the COVID19 vaccine roll out by the Ministry of Health, in partnership with our client, Crown Agents will implement a rapid needs assessment to assess and determine challenges within the service delivery of the Covid-19 vaccine approach and then provide the MoH with recommendations and an implementation plan to overcome those identified challenges. Following on from the assessment will immediately follow a costed implementation plan lasting approximately eight months.

Objective of the Consultancy

This First Phase is the Inception of a longer term Technical Assistance project to ensure high levels of vaccine take up in specified geographical regions of Suriname. You will be acting as a Logistics Specialist as part of a small project inception team that will also include a Supply Chain Specialist, an EPI Specialist (immunisation), and a Vaccine Hesitancy Specialist.

Description of Tasks

Attend “Kick Off” Meeting in Suriname with key stakeholders such as Ministry of Health

Review and map current logistics and cold chain capabilities – including identification and qualified logistics service partners (storage and transport), equipment. Feed logistics inputs into a National Overview research document and recommendations for the NVDP based on current operational climate.

Oversee and write Logistics component of a country assessment.

Work with Project Team Lead on Operational Support Plan Development, overseeing the Logistics components.

Work with Project Team Lead to contribute Logistics inputs into final assessment report, including costed recommendations for operational phase.

Conduct a debrief meeting with all key stakeholders on assessment findings

About you

A Master’s degree or professional qualification in Logistics / supply chain with demonstrable GDP training
A minimum of 10 years relevant working across in international health / pharmaceutical supply chain
Experience working with the Ministry of Health in implementing similar programs would be an advantage.
Sound understanding of the National COVID-19 Response and Vaccination Programs
Experience working in Suriname and/or the South American Region.
Excellent communications skills, including writing and presentation skills
Strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy and tact to effectively communicate with senior-level officials, multiple stakeholders and professionals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
Strong professional oral communication and writing skills, including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents.
Ability to work in English and Dutch (preferable)

About us

You’ll be working with Crown Agents which is a high impact social enterprise passionate about transforming the future for millions of people. Since our creation in 1833 we have worked across the globe to improve public services and drive economic growth. Our expertise is finding new solutions to difficult problems for clients in the areas of health, governance, economic growth, humanitarian action and supply chain services. We work with and train leaders at local, national and international level to achieve lasting change drawing on our insight and experience.