Digital Supply Chain Officer - Tonga

Background

The Indo-Pacific Health & Supply Chain Data & Technical Assistance Centre (DTAC) supports member countries in setting, meeting and surpassing minimum regional standards in essential medicines access, health supply chains and digital health systems.

DTAC is overseen and staffed by the leading supply chain and digital health system experts in the Pacific region. Working in close collaboration with partner countries (represented by an Advisory Panel), DTAC provides a defined set of activities and services focused on supply chain, essential medicines and related health systems across the Pacific region. DTAC also aims to set relevant regional performance indicators and assist countries in meeting and surpassing those standards.

DTAC is a donor-funded facility of the mSupply Foundation and services are free for member countries.

Role Description

The Digital Supply Chain Officer provides technical support during the implementation and ongoing use of mSupply, Tupaia and other digital health systems supported by DTAC in the Pacific region.

The successful candidate will be based in Nuku’alofa, Tonga and will be additionally required to travel within the Pacific region (with an initial focus on Polynesia) regularly to provide training and support to local health staff.

The officer based in Tonga will primarily travel within Tonga, Niue and Cook Islands. There will be another officer based in Samoa who will primarily travel within Samoa, Tokelau and Tuvalu. Additional periodic travel to other countries, including the DTAC head office in Auckland, New Zealand, may also be required.

The successful applicant will be expected to work according to local conditions, with 40 hours’ work each week. Leave and travel entitlements will be included according to local laws. All equipment required, including a laptop computer will be provided. Office space and utilities to support the position will be arranged in negotiation with partner governments. 

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and support health staff across the Pacific in using mSupply, Tupaia and other systems supported by DTAC.
• Provide training to users in mSupply, Tupaia and other systems supported by DTAC.
• Lead deployments to new facilities, assist local staff with technical setup, software installation and support facility staff to implement new procedures in their workplaces.
• Monitor mSupply data entry at health facilities and produce reports to monitor supply chain performance.
• Provide general IT support, technical assistance and troubleshooting within partner Ministries of Health.
• Liaise with international DTAC management and local staff to achieve outcomes.
• Travel overseas to provide in-country support services as necessary.
• Other responsibilities as reasonably requested by supervisors.

Selection Criteria

1. Degree (or equivalent formal qualifications) in Procurement & Supply Chain or Public Health or Pharmacy or Computer Science/Information Systems/Software Engineering or similar field. Demonstrated experience in any of these fields of more than 5 years without formal qualifications may suffice.
2. Demonstrated technical knowledge and understanding of health systems in the Pacific region, including at least 2 years’ relevant work experience.
3. Demonstrated ability to train individuals and groups on new digital programs.
4. Demonstrated proficiency in computer systems and Android tablets, including basic troubleshooting.
5. Demonstrated ability to manage own work and time.
6. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, develop good professional relationships and contribute to team goals.
7. Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft and Windows based applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and email systems.
8. Demonstrated fluency in English and Tongan languages.
9. Willingness and ability to travel regularly (locally and internationally).
10. Experience with mSupply or Tupaia is an advantage.
11. Experience working with pharmacy or pharmaceutical supply chain is an advantage.

Attributes

All DTAC staff must be ethical, professional, adhere to the organization’s values, and are expected to report against misconduct, illegal and inappropriate behaviour.

To be successful in this role, you must display the following attributes:

• Self-management
• Resilience
• Service orientation
• Punctuality
• Clean, tidy appearance
• Integrity and accountability
• Communication skills
• Teamwork and negotiation skills
• Project management skills
• Reform and change management skills