Forecast Accuracy Consultant

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Position Title: Forecast Accuracy Consultant
Location: Ethiopia
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is the lead UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights. Established in 1969, UNFPA operates in over 150 countries and has a mission to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The organization emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making and aims to improve health outcomes through effective supply chain management and forecasting accuracy in public health.

Job Overview:
The position of Forecast Accuracy Consultant involves ensuring the alignment between forecasted values for sexual and reproductive health commodities and actual consumption. This role is critical for maintaining adequate supplies of commodities to meet the needs of end-users. The consultant will conduct a situation analysis, develop methodologies for measuring and reporting forecast accuracy, facilitate stakeholder consultations, provide capacity building, and implement a national forecasting accuracy measurement system. The ultimate goal is to enhance the forecasting capabilities of Ministries of Health, leading to better resource allocation and improved public health outcomes. The consultant will work closely with UNFPA country offices and other stakeholders to ensure the methodology is effective and widely accepted.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct a situation analysis to review existing data sources and forecasting practices.
• Develop a comprehensive methodology for measuring, tracking, and reporting forecast accuracy, including defining types of forecast errors and establishing data collection procedures.
• Facilitate stakeholder consultations to gather input and ensure buy-in for the methodology.
• Provide capacity building by training relevant staff in the Ministry of Health and partner organizations.
• Develop and implement a national forecasting accuracy measurement system, including templates and dashboards for reporting.
• Ensure data governance by adhering to UNFPA's data privacy policies.
• Conduct regular progress reporting and submit quarterly interim reports for feedback and approval.

Required Qualifications:
An advanced degree in Supply Chain Management, Public Health, Statistics, Data Analytics, or related fields is required. Additional qualifications in health economics, policy and administration, or health systems management are considered an asset. A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience in supply chain management or related roles is required, along with proven expertise in forecasting methodologies and supply chain management in the public health sector. Familiarity with Forecasting Accuracy metrics and analytical tools is an asset. Strong written and spoken presentation skills are essential, as well as the ability to synthesize complex documents for diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as Supply Chain Management, Public Health, Statistics, or Data Analytics. Additional qualifications in health economics or health systems management are advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in supply chain management or related roles. Candidates should have proven expertise in forecasting methodologies and experience in developing and implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks within the public health sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages is considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The primary duty station for this position is Ethiopia, with expected travel to Zambia for stakeholder consultations and assessments. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Ethiopia country office Deputy Representative and will collaborate closely with various teams. Regular progress reporting is required, with a minimum of weekly updates to the supervisor. The consultant will also be expected to submit quarterly interim reports for feedback. UNFPA promotes a work environment that values gender equality, diversity, and integrity, and encourages applications from underrepresented groups.