Procurement Unit Advisor , Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The HHISP is an Australian Government AusAID funded project that supports the implementation of the Health and HIV Programs on behalf of AusAID and GoPNG, with its overarching objectives being to improve maternal and child health outcomes and to deliver increased health and HIV services to the rural majority and high risk populations in support of the Partnership for Development Outcomes.

JTA International is currently seeking an experienced, culturally sensitive and motivated individual for the role of Procurement Unit Advisor for the HHISP. Working in the National Department of Health (NDoH), the Advisor will work as a senior team member within the Medical Supplies Procurement and Distribution Unit with responsibility to the Executive Manager Corporate Services. The advisor will work closely with the Executive Management Team within the NDoH; with all staff in the procurement unit as it transitions to a new model of procurement; and with broader internal and external stakeholders in procurement and distribution processes for push and pull drug distribution mechanisms.

The primary objective of the Procurement Unit Advisor will be to support institutional reform in the management of drug and medical supplies procurement and distribution within the NDoH. This will include supporting the transition from the current procurement system to a new procurement system currently being developed by the NDoH, as well as implementing the strategic procurement plan and reviewing the plan regularly to ensure medical supplies are sourced effectively and efficiently.

The Advisor will:

Support the development of systems for the governance of effective medical procurement and distribution systems including, through regular and minuted Medical Supplies Working Group Committee Meetings, documenting processes and implementing regular reporting systems.
Support the development of annual procurement plans, schedules and costing associated with managing the push and pull systems, including involvement in ensuring a rolling multi-year procurement plan is implemented and updated as required; and ensuring Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) costings and annual appropriations are developed for all national medical supply procurement.
Monthly monitoring of the expenditure of the annual medical supply vote, and identification and reporting of key issues to NDoH Senior Executive Management.
Contribute to the establishment of the new procurement model, including assessing the needs and developing appropriate documentation in justification and articulation of its functions, negotiating necessary stakeholder consultations, development of appropriate submissions and facilitating the approvals process.
Facilitate effective liaison and coordination amongst stakeholders in the NDoH such as human resources, payroll, internal audit, financing, M&E, including external stakeholders such as WHO, UNICEF, CHAI and CSTB.
Manage/oversee all medical supply tenders, including:
development and updating documentation of procurement processes
coordinating/supporting technical and financial evaluation of proposals
awarding contracts
monitoring fulfilment of contract conditions, including ensuring regular NDoH payment of invoices
Provide technical advice and support the implementation of the GoPNG medical supply reform agenda, particularly the intent to establish an independent health procurement authority and including reviewing potential for outsourcing of the management of the area medical stores (AMS) and warehouses.


The Procurement Unit Advisor will be required to develop a work plan to achieve the following key result areas:

Improved medical supply governance systems within the National Department of Health,
Improved coordination and management of stakeholder relationships,
Improving overall medical supply, storage and distribution tender processes,
Improved medical supply management systems,
Improved availability of essential drugs and medical supplies,
Provision of timely and relevant reports on procurement and supply chain management to all key stakeholders in the Health system, and
Progress in facilitating the new procurement model.


The successful applicant will have:

10+ years' experience in medical procurement, including at least 5 years’ experience in high-level supply management, preferably in the public sector.
Demonstrated understanding of the legal requirements and responsibilities associated with managing large-scale procurement and distribution activities, including of an effective Government medical supply system and associated public sector responsibilities and the roles of central agencies.
Demonstrated understanding of the responsibilities and procedures associated with managing effective relationships between a large health department and broader government agencies and other stakeholders.
Undergraduate degree in Pharmacy, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, or other relevant field is required. A Master’s degree in health administration and/or management is advantageous.
Significant experience working in cross-cultural environments is highly regarded, with a commitment to improving health care in PNG.
Exceptional leadership, management, administrative and communication skills.
Exceptional communication skills and a proven ability to work independently and as part of team and in building relationships with partners and clients.


The expected mobilisation date for this role will be April 2013.


For Further Information & Application:

For further information please access the Position Description document available from our website at www.jtai.com.au.

Applications for this position must include a current CV and a response to the Key Selection Criteria as specified within the Position Description document.  All applications must be submitted online via JTA International’s website at www.jtai.com.au.

Previous applicants for this role need not apply.

Contact:

If, after reading the Position Description, you have further queries about this position or the application process, please contact the Brisbane HR Team at humanresources@jtai.com.au.

The closing date for applications is Monday 18 February 2013, 5.00pm AEST.  Late applications will not be accepted.