Last Mile Activity (LMA) Senior Specialist
Location: Addis Ababa
Organization: Management Sciences for Health (MSH)
Job Description
BACKGROUND
Management Sciences for Health (MSH) is a global health nonprofit that envisions a world where everyone, everywhere, has the opportunity for a healthy life, by working shoulder-to-shoulder with countries and communities to save lives and improve the health of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people by building strong, resilient, sustainable health systems.
MSH collaborates with local partners, from Ministries to communities, to strengthen and complement existing health systems. Since 1971, MSH has worked in more than 150 countries to help ensure sustainable, resilient, and equitable access to quality health care around the globe.
Supply Chain Services Activity is a five-year DoS-funded project implemented by MSH and its international and local partners to enhance systems in Ethiopia in an effort to develop a more mature and sustainable supply chains that ensure access to and promote the rational use of quality assured, safe, effective medicine by effectively managing the supply chain services at all levels of the health system.
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB: ‘
The SCS Activity Last Mile Activity (LMA) Senior Specialist will provide hands-on technical and operational support to strengthen Ethiopia’s last mile delivery system for essential health commodities. Working closely with the Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Supply Service (EPSS), hubs, health facilities, and private logistics providers, the Specialist will help ensure timely and reliable delivery of products to service delivery points. The Senior Specialist will support the rollout and implementation of standardized last mile delivery procedures, digital tools, route planning improvements, and proof-of-delivery mechanisms that improve visibility, reduce delays, and enhance accountability.
The LMA Senior Specialist will also support data collection, performance monitoring, vendor follow-up, and routine coordination across stakeholders. Through field visits, coaching, and practical problem-solving, the Senior Specialist will contribute to building EPSS capacity, documenting lessons learned, and strengthening the overall functionality and sustainability of the LMD system. The role ensures smooth day-to-day implementation of SCS-supported interventions and contributes to a more responsive and efficient supply chain serving Ethiopia’s public health priorities.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under supervision of the LMA Advisor, the LMA Senior Specialist will carry out the following responsibilities:
- Support EPSS in the implementation and expansion of the direct last-mile delivery (LMD) model to improve delivery reliability and reduce stockouts at health facilities.
- Assist hubs and transport teams in applying standardized delivery procedures and ensuring alignment with national guidelines.
- Provide field-level support on delivery scheduling, route planning, vehicle allocation, and management of transit challenges.
- Conduct routine visits to service delivery points, hubs, and transport providers to verify delivery practices, assess bottlenecks, and provide immediate corrective recommendations.
- Monitor cold-chain and sensitive commodity handling practices to ensure compliance with national standards.
- Assist EPSS in monitoring private logistics provider performance, including adherence to contract terms, service standards, and KPIs.
- Provide field-level follow-up, feedback, and data for vendor evaluation and continuous improvement.
- Support coordination between EPSS and private partners during outsourcing rollout and implementation.
- Support hub-level use of digital tools such as route optimization systems and proof-of-delivery applications.
- Assist EPSS teams in capturing, cleaning, and reporting LMD performance data.
- Track key indicators including delivery timeliness, accuracy, tracer product availability, and cost-per-kilometer to support routine decision-making.
- Work with EPSS IT and operations teams to ensure LMD data is properly entered into ERP, LMIS, dashboards, or related systems.
- Support delivery of hands-on coaching and training for hub staff, transport teams, and private providers on delivery standards, tools, and reporting.
- Participate in LMD coordination meetings with EPSS, RHBs, and implementing partners, ensuring that field insights and data inform decision-making.
- Document and share lessons learned, challenges, and promising practices from regions and hubs.
- Contribute to the preparation of progress updates, dashboards, field reports, and technical briefs.
- Support rapid response delivery arrangements during outbreaks, emergencies, or commodity shortages.
- Perform any other responsibilities assigned by the supervisor, aligned with the overall objectives of the LMD strengthening activity.
QUALIFICATIONS
REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION:
- Advanced degree in Pharmacy, Supply Chain Management Public Health or a closely related field; or a commensurate combination of education and professional experience.
REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
- 2-4 years of professional experience in pharmaceutical supply chain management, with at least two (2) year of specialized experience in Last mile Distribution of pharmaceuticals, and other public health commodities in conflict affected areas.
- A minimum of one (1) year of experience working on U.S. government or other donor-funded projects, or with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is preferred.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Good understanding of Ethiopia’s public health supply chain, EPSS operations, and related policies.
- Practical experience with delivery operations, logistics planning, vehicle management, or distribution systems.
- Familiarity with digital tools such as route optimization, GPS tracking, or proof-of-delivery applications is an advantage.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret delivery data and identify problems.
- Excellent communication, coordination, and teamwork capabilities.
- Ability to work in demanding environments and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Experience working in conflict-affected or hard-to-reach areas is an asset.
- Willingness to travel frequently within Ethiopia.
COMPETENCIES:
- Results seeker – Proactive, meets deadlines, identifies actions, and achieves goals.
- Innovator – thinks creatively, anticipates changes, and produces solutions.
- Adaptor – stays calm under pressure and handles constructive criticism well.
- Complier – follows procedures and encourages others to do as well.
MSH is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
