Background
The purpose of the USAID | Global Health Supply Chain – Procurement and Supply Management Project (GHSC-PSM) is to ensure uninterrupted supplies of health commodities in support of U.S. government-funded public health initiatives around the world. The Program aims to build a cadre of supply chain professionals in Pakistan at the federal and provincial levels, in order to improve the overall performance of the public health sector and create an environment, that flourishes growth for supply chain professionals. During the first and second year, the program undertook several activities under the umbrella of Human Resource capacity building, including the evaluation of human resources in strategic provinces to articulate supply chain personnel needs at the provincial level while also expanding supply chain coursework options through increasing the number of supply chain classes offered at the university level. In this backdrop, the Program intends to continue providing technical assistance under this area in Year 3 of the project workplan.
Objective of the Consultancy
The objective of this consultancy is to provide support in updating and modifying the SCM 3-credit hour/certificate course curriculum for in-service and pre-service supply chain professionals to reflect recent developments and advancements in the public health supply chain field according to best practices. The consultant will also map current SC competencies for targeted districts. and propose required competencies for an optimal district-and-below supply chain, in addition to devising a strategy for task shifting within the existing system to perform and progress optimally.
Background Reading/ Interviews Related to Understanding the Work and its Context
The Consultant will review the existing Supply Chain 3-Credit Hour and Certificate Course Curriculum and identify any areas to be updated in line with current public health supply chain best practices, in consultation with the GHSC-PSM team. The consultant will also carry out an in-depth assessment of the existing supply chain workforce in 12 GHSC-PSM focused districts[1] and propose required competencies for an optimal district-and-below supply chain, along with a strategy for task shifting accordingly.
Specific Tasks of the Consultant(s)
Under direct supervision and guidance of the Deputy Country Director - M&E, HRCD & Field Operations, in collaboration with relevant staff members, and other pertinent stakeholders, the Consultant will perform the following tasks:
SCM Curriculum Revision:
- Review the existing Supply Chain 3-Credit Hour and Certificate Course Curriculum. Conduct a literature review of new trends and current best practices in international public health supply chain curriculum, along with case studies/examples. Identify any areas to be updated in the existing curricula in line with current public health supply chain best practices and new trends.
- Hold a series of consultations with GHSC-PSM technical teams to understand the scope and extent of areas to be revised/updated in the SCM curriculum.
- Consult with relevant government and University of Health Sciences officials for additional feedback and input on the SCM curriculum regarding areas for improvement.
- Incorporate required changes into the curriculum in coordination with GHSC-PSM technical teams and other stakeholders
Mapping of SC Competencies for Target Districts:
- Review the developed Punjab and KP HRCD Strategy & Professionalization Plans
- Conduct meetings and consultations with provincial/district executives and other government staff to:
- Map existing SC competency levels at provincial, district, and SDP levels for each stakeholder
- Assess the number of existing SC positions at the provincial, district, and SDP levels for each stakeholder
- Assess the training requirements for each SC resource at the provincial, district, and SDP levels for each stakeholder, along with the number of resources to be trained
- Collect and review job descriptions/TORs for existing SC staff.
- Assess the difference between required and existing SC competencies at provincial, district, and SDP levels for each stakeholder
- Analyse the collected data in light of existing job requirements and current functionality with required competency levels. Update job descriptions to reflect required competency levels.
- Develop strategy and recommendations for task shifting and switching of employees within the department/districts/SDPs
Eligibility Criteria
- Education: Advanced University degree in Public Health, Supply Chain Management, HR Management or related field.
- Work experience: A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience of medium to large sized public health projects, within preferably the public and private sectors; clarity of current HR structures and human management practices at various levels of provincial and district administrations, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Capacity Building or related field.
- Demonstrate knowledge and experience in data collection techniques, analysis methods, and reporting
Deliverable(s)
- Updated SCM 3-credit hour and certificate course curricula in light of current best practices and provided feedback
- Data collection for mapping existing and required SC competencies
- SC training needs assessment for district staff
- District supply chain workforce assessment strategy and recommendations for task shifting
Period of Performance and LOE
The expected duration of the assignment is from February 26, 2019 till September 30, 2019, with a total LOE (Level of Effort)/ 78 working days.