Senior Supply Chain Partnership & Coordination Officer (AfCDC)

Organization Information

Reports to: Head of Supply Division
Directorate/Department: Administration
Division: Supply Chain Division
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports:0
Job Grade: P3
Contract Type: Fixed Term

Purpose of Job

The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is an autonomous technical institution of the African Union that supports the Member States (MS) in planning, preparing, and responding effectively and efficiently to the continent’s public health threats and outbreaks. Leadership principles of credibility, ownership, delegated authority, timely dissemination of information, transparency, accountability, and value addition guide Africa CDC.

The African Union has set a goal to increase vaccine manufacturing on the African continent to meet 60% of the demand by 2040 and mandated the Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM), under the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), to develop and implement a Framework for Action (FFA) to execute this mandate. In the FFA, 8 bold programs have been defined to support the vaccine manufacturing ecosystem enablers and continental strategy. One of these programs is the Market Design and Demand Intelligence bold program.

The recommendations from the communiqué from the Meeting of the Bureau of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government in May 2022 and from the communiqué from the First Manufacturer Marketplace in September 2023 underscore the importance of the Market Design and Demand Intelligence assurance for the strengthening and sustainability of the continental vaccine manufacturing ecosystem.

Subsequently, at its meeting [37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, 18th February 2024], the AU endorsed that a pooled procurement mechanism (PPM) be established and urged Africa CDC to immediately put in place the modalities for full implementation. Further, the Committee of the Heads of State on 13th February 2024 directed Africa CDC to upgrade PAVM to a Platform for Harmonized African Health Manufacturing (PHAHM) to respond to the call of the New Public Health Order for expansion of local manufacturing of all medical countermeasures (vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and others) towards building a self-sufficient healthcare manufacturing sector within Africa.

Africa CDC plays a lead role in developing and supporting regional and local manufacturing across the continent as part of its mandate and function. Its mandate on local manufacturing includes, among others, technology transfer, access to raw materials, regulatory strengthening, financing, market shaping and pool procurement. The Africa CDC’s Partnerships for African Vaccine Manufacturing (PAVM) Framework for Action sets an ambitious target of producing 60% of vaccines used on the continent. In May 2023, the WHA side-event recommended the expansion of the PAVM scope to include therapeutics and diagnostics.

In this context, Africa CDC is seeking to hire a Senior Supply Chain Partnership & Coordination Officer to join our dynamic Supply Chain Division.

Main Functions

• Partnership Development: Develop and maintain partnerships with suppliers, distributors, logistics providers, and other stakeholders involved in the supply chain. This includes identifying potential partners, negotiating agreements, and establishing collaborative relationships to enhance supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry associations, to build strategic alliances and facilitate collaboration on supply chain initiatives.
• Coordination of Supply Chain Activities: Coordinate and synchronize supply chain activities across various partners and stakeholders to ensure seamless integration and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Performance Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the performance of supply chain partnerships and collaborations to assess effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and drive continuous optimization.
• Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges associated with supply chain partnerships and collaborations, such as disruptions in supply, quality issues, or regulatory changes. Develop risk mitigation strategies and contingency plans to minimize the impact of risks on supply chain operations.
• Capacity Building and Training: Provide training and capacity building support to partners and stakeholders to enhance their capabilities and improve collaboration within the supply chain.
• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Drive innovation and continuous improvement initiatives within the supply chain ecosystem by fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and learning.
• Encourage partners to explore new technologies, processes, and approaches to enhance supply chain efficiency and resilience.
• Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies and regulations that support effective supply chain partnerships and collaborations, both internally within the organization and externally with government agencies and industry associations.
• Communication and Reporting: Communicate regularly with internal and external stakeholders to share updates, progress, and outcomes of supply chain partnerships and collaborations. Prepare reports, presentations, and other communication materials to effectively convey information and demonstrate the value of collaborative efforts.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments within the organization, such as procurement, logistics, and operations, to ensure alignment of supply chain partnerships with broader organizational goals and objectives.

Specific Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to build and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers.
• Coordinate and facilitate communication and collaboration between internal and external stakeholders involved in the supply chain, including but not limited to procurement, production, distribution, and logistics teams.
• Lead cross-functional teams and working groups to identify opportunities for process improvements, cost reductions, and supply chain optimization initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze supply chain performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends, issues, and areas for improvement.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with suppliers and other external partners to ensure alignment of goals, expectations, and strategies.
• Negotiate and manage contracts, agreements, and service level agreements (SLAs) with suppliers and partners to ensure compliance with quality, cost, and delivery requirements.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement supply chain risk management strategies, including contingency planning and mitigation measures.
• Provide guidance, support, and training to staff on supply chain partnership and coordinate best practices, processes, and tools.
• Represent the organization in external forums, meetings, and events related to supply chain partnership and coordination initiatives.
• Prepare and present reports, presentations, and recommendations to senior management on supply chain partnership and coordination activities and outcomes.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• A master’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, economics, or related discipline with 7 years of relevant experience.

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, logistics, business administration, economics, or related discipline with 10 years of relevant experience.

Relevant Experience

• Knowledge of supply chain management principles, logistics, procurement, and strategic sourcing can provide a foundational understanding of supply chain concepts
• Experience in executing supply chain strategy, conducting inventory management, and supplier relationship management.
• Partnership Development: Proven experience in developing and nurturing strategic partnerships within the supply chain ecosystem. This includes identifying potential partners, negotiating agreements, and establishing collaborative relationships to drive mutual value.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Demonstrated ability to engage with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, distributors, logistics providers, government agencies, and industry associations.
• Collaborative Leadership: Leadership experience in leading cross-functional teams and fostering a collaborative culture within the supply chain organization. This includes inspiring and motivating team members, setting clear objectives, and empowering team members to achieve results.
• Project Management: Track record of successfully planning, executing, and managing supply chain projects and initiatives. This includes defining project scope, establishing timelines and milestones, allocating resources, and monitoring project progress to ensure timely delivery.
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution: Strong negotiation skills and the ability to resolve conflicts effectively in supply chain partnerships. This involves understanding the interests of all parties, finding common ground, and reaching mutually beneficial agreements.
• Performance Monitoring and Optimization: Experience in monitoring and optimizing the performance of supply chain partnerships to achieve desired outcomes. This includes tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), analyzing performance data, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives to enhance supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
• Risk Management: Proficiency in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with supply chain partnerships and collaborations. This involves developing risk management strategies, implementing risk mitigation measures, and proactively addressing potential challenges to minimize disruptions.
• Change Management: Experience in driving change within the supply chain organization, including implementing new processes, technologies, or organizational structures. This involves effectively communicating change initiatives, managing resistance, and ensuring successful adoption and integration of changes.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to address complex supply chain challenges and opportunities. This includes analyzing root causes, developing innovative solutions, and making informed decisions to achieve desired outcomes.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation within the supply chain organization. This involves seeking out opportunities for optimization, embracing new technologies and best practices, and driving a culture of excellence and innovation.
• International Experience (Optional): Experience working in international supply chain environments and collaborating with global partners and stakeholders. This includes understanding international trade regulations, cultural differences, and logistical challenges associated with global supply chains

Required Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in any of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese Kiswahili and Spanish) and working knowledge in other AU Languages will be an added advantage.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically and align supply chain partnerships with organizational goals and objectives.
• Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with suppliers, distributors, logistics providers, and other stakeholders.
• Negotiation Skills: Proficiency in negotiation techniques to achieve mutually beneficial agreements and resolve conflicts effectively.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate ideas, negotiate terms, and convey information clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Project Management: Experience in project management methodologies to plan, execute, and monitor supply chain initiatives and collaborations effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to analyze data, assess supply chain performance, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Ability to identify issues, analyze root causes, and develop solutions to address supply chain challenges and opportunities.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including procurement, logistics, operations, and finance, to achieve supply chain objectives
• Risk Management: Knowledge of risk management principles and the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with supply chain partnerships and collaborations.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to navigate changes in the supply chain environment, such as market fluctuations, regulatory changes, or unforeseen disruptions.
• Leadership Skills: Leadership qualities to inspire and motivate team members, drive collaboration, and achieve supply chain goals and objectives.
• Decision-Making Skills: Sound judgment and decision-making abilities to evaluate options, assess trade-offs, and make informed decisions in complex supply chain scenarios.
• Innovative Thinking: Creative thinking and innovation mindset to explore new approaches, technologies, and partnerships to improve supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Awareness of cultural differences and the ability to navigate cultural nuances when collaborating with international partners and stakeholders.
• Ethical Conduct: Commitment to ethical conduct and integrity in all supply chain interactions, including adherence to compliance standards and industry regulations.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies

• Building Relationship
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The Appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables.

GENDER MAINSTREAMING:

Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

LANGUAGES:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

REMUNERATION:

The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$  96,921.34  (P3 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 78,461.08 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Applications must be submitted no later than April 28, 2025 11h59 p.m. EAT.

-Only candidates who meet all job requirements and are selected for interviews will be contacted.

-Consideration will be given only to those candidates who have submitted a fully completed online application with a curriculum vitae (CV), an African passport, and the required academic qualifications, such as Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees and any relevant certificate in line with the area of expertise.

-The African Union is an equal opportunity employer, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

-Candidates from less represented countries within the African Union are strongly encouraged to apply for positions that fit their profiles.

These countries include: Algeria, Angola, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Comoros, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Sahrawi D.R., Sao Tome and Principe., Seychelles, Somalia and Tunisia.