PROJECT: USAID Zambia Program for Advancing Supply Chain Outcomes (PASCO) Activity

General Summary and Background:

• The USAID Zambia Program for Advancing Supply Chain Outcomes (PASCO) project is implemented by Chemonics International Inc and its subsidiary, Connexi, under contract with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
• In collaboration with the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) and the Zambian Ministry of Health (MOH), USAID PASCO is a commodity distribution project.
• The goal of PASCO is to create sustainable access to health commodities at the last mile by enhancing the use of private sector, third-party logistics (3PL) providers in Zambia’s national health supply chain.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• The 3PL Specialist will execute activities within PASCO’s Logistics Directorate, working under the supervision of the 3PL Manager.
• The Logistics Directorate is responsible for:
  • Coordination with ZAMMSA on distribution planning activities (i.e., distribution loading plan development and dispatch optimization).
  • Management and monitoring of 3PL vendors against established KPIs.
  • Reconciliation of proof of delivery documentation against prescribed loading plans and delivery orders.
  • Scale-up/implementation of last-mile distribution activities according to contractual targets and work plan activities.

The following will be the principal activities of the 3PL Specialist:

1. 3PL Distribution plan development
2. 3PL Purchase order preparation
3. 3PL Journey management planning and compliance
4. 3PL POD (Proof of Delivery) review and validation for accuracy and truthfulness

Specific Tasks:

• Work with ZAMMSA staff (e.g., warehouse managers, outbound managers) to plan and execute PASCO-related distribution activities.
• Support ZAMMSA in the development of loading plans and the use of the Dispatch Route Optimization tool to inform purchase order development for 3PL distribution.
• Prepare and circulate 3PL purchase orders for review and approval within 3 hours of receiving a distribution/loading plan.
• Supervise 3PL vehicle inspections as per standard operating procedures (directly execute this task in ZAMMSA’s absence) and review all records of inspections before uploading them to the database.
• Ensure that ZAMMSA provides the appropriate advance shipment notifications (ASNs) for all PASCO-supported deliveries.
• Conduct journey management planning with 3PL vendors before any dispatch, especially for last-mile delivery to hard-to-reach facilities that require unconventional transportation (e.g., boat, bicycle).
• Actively track the compliance of journey management plans for in-transit vehicles to manage the On-Time-Delivery (OTD) KPIs and escalate any issues for appropriate action.
• Work closely with ZAMMSA to ensure that all orders to be loaded have been reviewed by PASCO.
• Monitor the completion of deliveries and the timely submission of proof of delivery documentation in line with subcontract requirements.
• Closely review and validate proof of delivery documentation prior to submission to the supervisor and performance monitoring team, as per documented processes between internal PASCO directorates.
• Support the day-to-day implementation of the DeliveryExpert ePOD module.
• Manage the day-to-day implementation of centralized GPS tracking systems for 3PL vehicles and actively use the system for monitoring and validating logistics and distribution.
• In coordination with PASCO’s Commodity Security and Risk Management team, submit and review incidents related to 3PL performance for continual improvement.
• Maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity by living Chemonics’ values.
• Carry out additional responsibilities as assigned in consultation with the 3PL Manager or Logistics Director.

Minimum Education Qualifications, Experience, and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required (Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, Management, or other related field).
• Minimum of four (4) years of experience, with direct experience in supply chain logistics required.
• Experience directly working in logistics and distribution is highly preferred. Experience in the private sector is also highly preferred.
• High level of attention to detail, particularly on administrative aspects related to logistics management.
• Familiarity with international-funded/USAID projects, contractual, financial, and reporting requirements is a plus but not required.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PPT, Teams, etc.).
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Written and spoken English proficiency.

Location of Assignment:

• The location of the assignment is Mongu and Mansa, Zambia, with intermittent travel throughout the country.

Supervision:

• The 3PL Specialist will report directly to the 3PL Manager or his/her designee.