Supply Chain Manager At Village Health Works

Background

Village Health Works (VHW) is a joint American-Burundian NGO based in Kigutu, Bururi Province whose mission is to provide quality, compassionate health care in a dignified environment while treating the root causes of illness, poverty, violence, and neglect in collaboration with those we serve. VHW’s approach integrates clinical services with education, food security, economic development, environmental protection, music and the arts. Our provision of clinical, educational, agricultural, community and economic development programs is highly dependent on a robust and efficient supply chain that sources materials locally, regionally and internationally.

In response to the challenges facing health care delivery in southern Burundi, Village Health Works has embarked on an ambitious project to build a District Level Hospital that will be a foundation for educational, training and research programs. The 150-bed facility will provide comprehensive medical care focusing on establishing surgical and obstetrical services and developing the capacity to provide specialty clinical services not currently available in Burundi. Construction of the Kigutu Hospital began in early 2017 with anticipated completion in Summer 2022. With the construction of the Kigutu Hospital, Village Health Works has significantly increased the scope and complexity of our procurement activities.

Position Overview

Village Health Works is recruiting a seasoned Supply Chain Manager to join the senior management team in leading the organization’s efforts to implement and run a comprehensive supply chain into and within Burundi. The Supply Chain Manager will be based at the central level, and will be responsible for envisioning, implementing, and continuously improving VHW’s supply chain activities. He/she will also ensure that inventory management and ordering processes are established and maintained, and will oversee the activity of all supply chain staff. The Supply Chain Manager will oversee the development and implementation of inventory practices, ordering processes and international as well as domestic logistics. S/he will also be responsible for advocating on behalf of program needs to ensure that resources and staffing are available to meet the organizations goals. Individuals with international experience in supply chain, logistics, or systems implementation are encouraged to apply.

This position will manage and oversee all Supply Chain activities for Village Health Works, from budget support and forecasting to international procurement, to warehousing distribution. They will be responsible for organizing and overseeing the management of all supplies necessary for the ongoing operations of our wide range of programs as well as all equipment and materials necessary for the construction and operation of the Kigutu Hospital. They will manage the full lifecycle of this work ensuring high quality services and compliant products are sourced.

Liaises primarily with:

• Chief Operating Officer
• Country Director and Director of Finance
• Program Directors for Health, Education, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development
• Clinical Director of the Kigutu Hospital Project
• Internal Local and International procurement staff members

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategy

• Create a global supply chain strategy that addresses VHW’s short-term and long-term needs along the entire product lifecycle, from procurement planning to distribution. Objectives should include increasing efficiency, reducing stock-outs, and standardizing elements of the supply chain.
• Design, test, and implement improved business processes and tools based upon ambitiously set key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Continue implementing VHW’s electronic inventory management system or LMIS. Provide leadership around change management and ensure uptake and integration of any system changes.

Implementation

• Revise and continuously improve the standard method for product forecasting and reordering. Establish reorder and procurement cycles and inventory review procedures.
• Review vendor relationships, existing contracts, and VHW procurement policies and those of VHW’s donors. Through management of key vendors, explore options for pooled procurement, long term agreements, vendor managed inventories, volume price reductions, and other cost-management strategies.
• Reassign, train or recruit staff necessary to complete the desired staffing structure. Working with site-based leadership, determine and document roles and responsibilities of both NYC and Kigutu based supply chain teams.
• Develop and implement a strategic approach to demand planning, purchasing, logistics and distribution. Ensure that all elements of the supply chain are functioning properly; assess and adjust practices as needed.
• Identify areas for training and skill-building to strengthen supply chain operations. Develop or share methods and materials for site-based staff. Provide on-site training when necessary, and oversee any external consultants or volunteers engaged for training opportunities.
• Lead program managers on all things material’s planning – from quantification and budgeting to specification and installation/utilization.
• Support programs in uptake of improved business processes and tools.
• Collaborate with program managers on financial approvals, from budget implementation to special requests.

Management

• Establish key performance indicators to measure the supply chain improvements and overall performance. Communicate KPIs and ensure that team members are achieving desired results.
• Manage customs clearance, warehousing, and internal logistics and distribution processes.
• Manage daily activities of the entire supply chain team (transport, procurement, maintenance). Meet regularly with each direct report; help to prioritize activities, troubleshoot and respond to emergencies.
• Create development plans for staff; provide mentorship and identify relevant training opportunities for the SC team.

Qualifications:

• 5 years of relevant experience: logistics, procurement, warehousing/inventory management, and systems design and implementation in a developing country or post-conflict environment.
• 2-3 years of supervision and management experience required.
• Master’s Degree and/or Lean Six Sigma training preferred; ISO 9001:2008 background considered an asset.
• Electrical or mechanical engineering, IT/communications, or other technical background considered an asset.
• Strong analytical skills. Ability to synthesize and organize data and report on findings.
• Strong time management skills and high level of integrity.
• Ability to think strategically and plan for long-term initiatives. Able to implement change and demonstrate to others the value of improved processes.
• Good communication skills. Comfortable working with colleagues from different cultures and collaborating across departmental boundaries.
• Management skills. Comfortable managing remote employees.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills (in English and preferably French) and ability to professionally communicate in a multicultural environment.
• Preference for teamwork and a collaborative working environment.
• Commitment to social justice and mission-driven organizations.
• Able to function with a high level of independence, flexibility, and good humor.
• Ability to live and work full time at VHW’s main campus, in rural S. Burundi.