Last Mile Distribution (LMD) 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 Distribution (LMD) Senior Specialist supports the coordination and execution of health commodity distribution in conflict-affected areas of different regions in the country. The Specialist works closely with EPSS hubs in supported conflict affected regions, third-party logistics (3PL/4PL) providers, and the SCS office in Addis Ababa to ensure effective collaboration and smooth operational flow.
This role plays a key part in supporting EPSS with order processing, route planning, and the day-to-day oversight of commodity movements from EPSS hubs to health facilities, as well as replenishments from the EPSS central warehouse to regional hubs. The LMD Specialist coordinates with EPSS teams and logistics providers to ensure the timely availability of vehicles and efficient last-mile delivery of health commodities.
Additionally, the Senior Specialist supports the preparation and timely submission of required distribution documentation and payment requests for selected 3PL/4PL providers, contributing to uninterrupted distribution operations. In collaboration with SCS technical lead and LMD manager, the LMD Senior Specialist contributes to strengthening EPSS’s last-mile distribution capacity by supporting system improvements, process optimization, and targeted technical assistance to enhance overall supply chain performance.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under supervision of the USG SCS LMD Manager and in close collaboration with technical teams in SCS Activity, the Last mile Distribution Senior specialist is expected to carry out the following responsibilities:
- Provide technical support in the development and implementation of last-mile distribution (LMD) strategies, action plans, and capacity-building materials for EPSS and relevant stakeholders.
- Support the coordination and execution of health commodity distribution activities in conflict-affected areas, working closely with EPSS hubs, 3PL/4PL providers, RHBs, and other partners to ensure smooth operations.
- Assist EPSS hubs in processing incoming orders by supporting the review of order lists, filtering restricted products, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and regulatory requirements.
- Support EPSS in initiating and managing vehicle requests by contributing to route planning, estimating commodity volumes, identifying delivery destinations, and recommending appropriate vehicle types.
- Work closely with EPSS hubs, RHBs, and implementing partners to support effective LMD operations and promote adherence to supply chain best practices.
- Participate in relevant task forces, coordination meetings, and technical working groups as required, representing the project at operational and technical levels.
- Review route plans and support the identification and resolution of logistical challenges in coordination with EPSS and logistics providers.
- Liaise with 3PL/4PL providers to support the assessment of their operational capacity, coordinate vehicle availability, and verify that vehicles meet required specifications prior to dispatch; support EPSS in identifying alternative transport solutions when needed.
- Support the submission of procurement action requests to MSH for vehicle deployment in line with approved route plans.
- Monitor EPSS order preparation processes and support verification that appropriate insurance coverage is in place prior to dispatch.
- Track and monitor distribution activities to ensure deliveries are conducted according to approved routes, schedules, and health facility lists.
- Support adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and assist in verifying that roles and responsibilities of EPSS, RHBs, 3PL providers, and health facilities are followed appropriately.
- Review and validate proof of delivery (POD) documentation against stock transfer vouchers (STVs) and support verification of reports submitted by 3PL/4PL providers.
- Facilitate the timely processing of documentation required for payments to 3PL/4PL providers, ensuring completeness and submission to MSH-HQ.
- Prepare and submit weekly and monthly action plans and activity reports to the LMD Manager.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation of LMD activities, best practices, and lessons learned, and regularly report on progress, challenges, and mitigation measures to key stakeholders.
- Monitor stock levels at EPSS hubs and selected health facilities and coordinate with the Outbound Logistics Advisor to inform LMD response planning.
- Track LMD performance against established key performance indicators (KPIs) and support the identification of corrective actions where performance gaps are identified.
- Assess training needs of EPSS staff related to LMD operations, provide onsite technical support, and support the organization and facilitation of training sessions as required.
- Collaborate with EPSS team at different levels to support forecasting of resource needs, planning for timely provision of logistics resources, and facilitation of required approvals.
- Support compliance with USG regulations, MSH policies, and quality management standards across all LMD-related activities.
- Uphold MSH’s core values in the execution of all responsibilities.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of LMD operations by supporting innovative, efficient, and contextualized solutions.
- Promote sustainability and institutionalization of SCS-supported LMD initiatives through staff engagement, capacity building, documentation, and effective communication of results.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor in alignment with the objectives of the role.
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) years of specialized experience in Last mile Distribution of pharmaceuticals, and other public health commodities in conflict affected settings.
- A minimum of One (1) year of experience on LMD working on U.S. government, 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.
- 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.
