Senior Technical Advisor (STA), Systems Strengthening and Demand Planning

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and has a diverse workforce of over 4,000 employees. The organization focuses on various sectors including health, education, and economic development, and aims to create a positive impact through evidence-based programs and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Advisor (STA) for Systems Strengthening and Demand Planning is responsible for providing both technical and operational leadership in the realm of supply chain activities. This role is crucial for enhancing national demand planning, forecasting, and supply planning systems across various health sectors including HIV/AIDS, TB, MNCH, NTDs, and essential medicines. The STA will oversee technical staff and project implementation, ensuring that all activities align with established work plans, budgets, and donor requirements. This position also involves leading the development of best practices in supply chain management, supporting project reporting, and facilitating knowledge dissemination. A significant aspect of the role includes collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to build sustainable capacity and institutionalize evidence-based practices in forecasting and supply planning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The STA will be tasked with a comprehensive set of responsibilities including: leading the development of national demand creation, forecasting, and supply planning activities; overseeing daily technical and operational elements of demand planning and quantification activities; coordinating with technical and programmatic staff to ensure compliance with award requirements; providing technical support to various health programs and government units; overseeing the annual work planning and budgeting process; mentoring Ministry of Health staff in pipeline analysis; contributing to project planning and recommendations; developing strategies and tools for supply chain components; and ensuring technical implementation aligns with industry best practices. Additionally, the STA will engage with stakeholders, maintain donor relationships, and contribute to business development efforts by providing technical inputs and data.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced technical expertise in supply chain management, demand planning, and health systems strengthening. They should demonstrate strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex data and develop evidence-based solutions. Excellent communication skills are essential for effectively presenting findings and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. The ability to influence decision-making and build consensus among diverse stakeholders is also critical. Furthermore, candidates should have a proven ability to lead and manage complex technical projects, establish strategic priorities, and ensure successful implementation within agreed timelines and budgets.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, supply chain management, logistics, or related fields is required. A Master’s degree or international equivalent in Public Health, Pharmacy, Laboratory Sciences, or Supply Chain Management is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in health systems and supply chain management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 14 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public health supply chain management, demand planning, quantification, and forecasting. Demonstrated experience leading national quantifications for health programs such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and maternal and child health is essential. Experience working with the Government of Tanzania and other NGOs is preferred, as is familiarity with USG-funded projects. The ability to work independently and travel within the country to support technical activities is also required.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in the context of engaging with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may require travel of 10% to 25%. The expected hiring salary range for this role is between TZS 90,000,000 and TZS 130,000,000 annually, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. FHI 360 offers a competitive compensation package and is committed to equal opportunity employment, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered without discrimination. The organization emphasizes safeguarding and has policies in place to prevent abuse and exploitation in its programs.