Background:

Here at Beyond Essential Systems (BES) we make awesome technology and put it to good use in the world. Our aim is to improve decision making in low-resource settings by providing meaningful data that results in well informed decisions, and better outcomes for individuals. Our services and products have impact across health, education, supply chain and disaster management, and we are proud to be able to provide innovative and collaborative solutions, while working closely with local partners in the Asia/Pacific region.

BES has a long history of supporting health supply chain strengthening in Solomon Islands, with multiple senior staff who have a deep and personal understanding of the context and system. This support is now expanding to a formal National Supply Chain Reform Project, including full-time in-country technical assistance and capacity-building at Solomon Islands’ National Medical Stores (NMS) until June 30th 2024.

Location:

This role will be based in Honiara and required to travel regularly within Solomon Islands.

Role Description:

Following an in-depth review of Solomon Islands’ health supply chain (currently in progress), the Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing and implementing the recommended reforms. This will include: the implementation of the mSupply Mobile vaccines module, cold chain module (with live fridge temperature monitoring at targeted sites), targeted warehousing and annual tender support for NMS, support for the continued re-introduction of mSupply Mobile in targeted facilities, ordering support for major facilities, and mSupply strengthening including refresher training, hardware maintenance and replacements, and support for incorporating ongoing costs into annual budgets.

The intended outcomes are to:

• Return to >90% availability of essential health commodities at NMS and health facilities;
• Provide far greater visibility of commodities;
• Improve the quality and visibility of the Solomon Islands cold chain and vaccines;
• Improve quantification and procurement practices;
• Better disseminate high-quality supply chain data; and
• Re-establish a resilient national supply chain managed independently by the local workforce.

The successful applicant will be based in Honiara and required to travel regularly within Solomon Islands until June 30th 2024. They are expected to work according to local conditions, as a full-time role. Leave and travel entitlements will be included according to local laws. All equipment required, including a laptop will be provided. Office space and utilities to support the position will be arranged in negotiation with the MOH.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of the Solomon Islands National Supply Chain Reform Project, including meeting contract milestones and budget commitments.
• Implement, support, and train on the use of digital systems for supply chain strengthening, including mSupply, Tupaia, and the mSupply ColdChain app.
• Report on project delivery progress to key stakeholders, including senior Solomon Islands MOH staff, funding partners, and the BES Supply Chain Program Manager (written reports, presentations, and meetings).
• Liaise and coordinate with other multilateral stakeholders providing supply chain strengthening in Solomon Islands (e.g. World Bank, UNFPA, WHO and JICA).
• Implement and track key monitoring and evaluation indicators to measure project impact, and identify/respond to bottlenecks.
• Where required, ensure technical issues are resolved by facilitating communication between IT teams at the Solomon Islands MOH, BES and the mSupply Foundation.
• Liaise with the BES team (local and international), Solomon Islands MOH, and funding partners to achieve outcomes.
• Support and manage 1 locally-engaged BES project officer, including running weekly 1:1 meetings.
• Attend and contribute to weekly BES Health Supply Chain team meetings.
• Other responsibilities as reasonably requested by supervisors.

Selection Criteria:

Qualifications:

• Degree in Pharmacy, Procurement, Public Health, Global Health, Clinical Health, Project Management, or related field. Postgraduate qualifications in one of these areas will be highly regarded.

Experience:

• Experience working in health system strengthening in low- to middle-income countries, especially the Pacific region, will be a strong advantage.
• Project and change management experience, particularly in health system reform and/or digital system implementation.
• Previous leadership and/or team management roles.
• Management of project milestones, deliverables, and budgets.
• Engagement of stakeholders, including senior MOH staff and funding partners.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of health systems in low- to middle-income countries, especially the Pacific region, with at least 2 years’ experience in a relevant field.
• Demonstrated leadership, management, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in digital system implementation and/or organisational change management.
• Clear report writing and strong presentation skills.

Personal Attributes:

• All BES staff must be ethical, professional, adhere to the organisation’s values, and are expected to report against misconduct, illegal and inappropriate behaviour.
• Confidence in public speaking and/or presenting to diverse audiences.
• Skills in analysis and planning work processes and in working towards targets.
• Well organised with a strong eye for detail; able to prioritise and process a variety of administrative tasks independently.
• Positive, hard-working attitude and ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Strong skills in IT or telecommunications, with computer skills and proficiency in using Windows-based applications and Microsoft Office.
• Good communication skills, and a good command of spoken and written English.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly (locally).

How to Apply:

Please click apply now and send the following with your application:

• Cover Letter
• CV/Resume
• Answer to the following question: What is your favourite software and why? It could be a video game, it could be social media, it could be good old Microsoft Word! Tell us your favourite and why in 50 words or less.