Supply Chain Specialist (System Strengthening Focus) 12mos. Fixed-Term Maternity Cover

Application Closing Date

30th October 2026 - interviews commence 16th November **must be available to start 05th January 2027)

Context of Role

IPPF is in the fourth year of implementing its renewed 6-year Strategy (2023-2028), which is focused around 4 pillars (Centre care on people, Move the sexuality agenda, Solidarity for change and Nurture the federation). This strategy will ensure the Federation is well-positioned to respond with agility to the needs of women, girls, and all the people it serves. The supply chain team is an internal service delivery provider to MA’s and projects in the Federation focusing on delivering against the 1st pillar of the strategy, thus ensuring that IPPF MA’s timely receive their commodities to be able to execute their SRH services under different routes to market.

The supply chain team is continuously developing its framework of standardised processes, resulting in the internal dissemination of supply chain best practices to contribute to the target of widened access under the first pillar of the 6-year strategy. The supply chain specialist will lead the planning, budgeting and implementation of a broadened supply chain strengthening initiative, in close collaboration with both internal and external technical stakeholders, , with the goal to set priorities in targeting improved supply chain processes which are well defined and measured.

Role Purpose

To support the effective management and supply of Sexual and Reproductive Health Commodities on behalf of IPPF Member Association (MA); to contribute to and provide oversight of operational execution of supply chain management operations where and when required. To maintain and continuously improve relevant SCM guidance, tools, processes and operational documentation, ensuring these remain accurate, practical and up to date. To own the process of supply chain system strengthening within the Federation, inclusive of planning, budgeting, implementation and continuous improvement.

Deliverables

• Maintain and continuously improve the relevant supply chain quality management system and processes, guidance, tools and operational documentation.
• Provide supply chain input into WISH and wider quality-of-care, pharmaceutical due diligence and other relevant quality-related initiatives, working with appropriate technical colleagues where required.
• Collaborate with MAs on the development and implementation of multi-year supply chain system strengthening activity plans and budgets.
• Develop, implement and continuously improve practical supply chain tools, frameworks, guidance and resources to support MAs needs across different operating contexts.
• Assess MA supply chain capabilities, capacity and maturity, and develop appropriate strengthening-approaches, including forecasting, data use, training and technical assistance.
• Lead the development and implementation of digital supply stock management and supply chain systems strengthening across MAs, supporting appropriate tiered progression from manual to digital and the integrations of systems in line with MA needs, capacity and operating context.
• Work with relevant internal and external stakeholders to ensure supply chain requirements are integrated into wider Federation digital systems, data and transformation initiatives.
• Take lead on the WISH operational requirements, whilst supporting oversight and continuous improvement of outsourced supply chain operations, including MEG service delivery, and maintain relevant operational processes, quality standards, SOPs, templates and supporting documentation.
• Fulfill any other reasonable duties assigned from time to time, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in responding to organisational needs.

Essential Skills

• Solid understanding of supply chain system strengthening processes, especially those related to sexual and reproductive health, gender issues, and population dynamics is required.
• Professional written and spoken presentation skills, including for the development of reports, presentations, and the ability to synthesize complex technical documents for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and capability to develop and maintain broad diversified partnerships is required.
• Experience using Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is required.
• Experience working within a matrix organizational structure is an asset.
• Up to date knowledge of Good Distribution Practices.

Desirable Skills

• Qualification in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Economics, International Commerce, Logistics or equivalent.
• Significant work experience in supply chain management of public health programs, covering areas such as supply management, quality assurance of medical products in the supply chain, particularly involving storage and distribution, supply chain monitoring and evaluation and logistics information systems.
• Advanced knowledge of ERP and digital supply chain systems, Microsoft Office, and data analysis and visualisation tools, with experience working with and/or implementing digital health, inventory management or logistic management information systems (LMIS).
• Experience with implementation of applicable standards in medical health supply chains such as GDP and ISO.
• Experience in developing and delivering in-person and remote training sessions on supply chain elements.

About Us

IPPF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, volunteers, contractors and partners to share this commitment. Anyone employed with IPPF agrees to sign and adhere to IPPF’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding (Children and Vulnerable Adults) Policy.

IPPF is a global movement delivering sexual and reproductive health services and rights. We are a diverse, feminist, and values-driven workplace - multi-national, multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-lingual, and intergenerational.

We are an equal opportunities employer and appoint on merit through open competition. We actively encourage applications from people with lived experience and from the communities we serve, especially those from marginalised groups.

WHY JOIN IPPF?

• IPPF offers meaningful work, an inspiring environment, professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and communities around the world. Working for IPPF offers a compelling value proposition:
• Mission-Driven Organization: IPPF is a globally recognized leader. By joining IPPF, you become part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to empowering individuals and communities, advancing gender equality, and improving access to comprehensive healthcare services.
• Bringing Positive Change: IPPF brings positive change to the lives of millions of people worldwide. Reducing maternal mortality, preventing unintended pregnancies, combating gender-based violence, promoting comprehensive sexuality education, and advocating for the realization of sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice for all, and especially marginalized people.
• Global Reach and Influence: IPPF works across all continents, providing a unique opportunity to work on a global scale to shape change and implement innovative approaches to combat racism.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: IPPF is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of its work. You will play a crucial role in building an inclusive and equitable organization that respects and values individuals’ backgrounds, experiences, and identities.

At IPPF, our values guide how we work, how we lead and how we partner. We:

• Uphold dignity by championing bodily autonomy and the full realisation of sexual and reproductive rights for all.
• Champion equality through feminist, anti-racist, anti-ableist and intersectional practice.
• Demand justice for all by challenging structural inequalities and standing alongside social movements for change.
• Celebrate pleasure, recognising sexual and reproductive health as a positive state of wellbeing, joy and fulfilment.
• Build global and local community, led by those most affected and powered by youth, volunteers and partners.
• Act with integrity, holding ourselves accountable to people, partners, donors and each other.
• Foster resilience by learning, adapting and persevering in complex and changing contexts.

YOUR ETHOS

• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to safeguarding in a local and international context.
• Demonstrates ability and willingness to work in a diverse, multicultural, multilingual and intergenerational environment that is anti-racist and respectful of others.
• An intersectional (pro) feminist passionate about sexual reproductive health care rights + justice, including safe abortion.
• Supportive of people’s rights regardless of sexuality or gender identity/expression and supportive of workers’ rights and access to health care in sex work.