Aliza Pressman joined Crown Agents in November 2006 as a Country Program Coordinator on the Supply Chain Management Systems (SCMS) project. Funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), SCMS brings together 16 private sector, nongovernmental and faith based organizations that are among the most trusted names in supply chain management and international public health and development.
With offices in 17 countries and 350 dedicated staff members around the world, we are helping to improve the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS in some of the countries most severely impacted by the pandemic. SCMS procures essential medicines and supplies at affordable prices; helps strengthen and build reliable, secure and sustainable supply chains systems; and fosters coordination of key stakeholders.
1. Why did you decide on working in international public health?
I went to graduate school for International Relations and International Development at Georgetown. While there, I became very interested in the health field as health underpins many development issues. I pursued an internship in Public Health during grad school and I've been working in Public Health ever since. I had also worked on USAID projects before, which is very helpful. I never worked in procurement before, though, so all that was new to me.
2. How has your experience prepared you for your current role?
My courses on African Politics, Program Management and Design, Development Economics, and HIV/AIDS in grad school prepared me quite well. In my previous positions, I worked in HIV/AIDS and reproductive health. From my experience in the field, I gained a lot of technical knowledge about HIV/AIDS that helps me in my current position.
3. What is the highlight of your career so far?
My visit to Mozambique, where SCMS has a project office in Maputo, was definitely a highlight. We have a very strong team there and I learned so much from them in the short two weeks I was there working on the Country Operational Plan 2008 budget with the country director. The staff are exceptionally warm and really appreciate the close communications between the field and our headquarters. By the end of the trip, I became good friends with them, which has made our collaboration even better. I was able to accompany the deputy director to assess warehouses for pharmaceutical storage. Later, SCMS was asked to provide technical assistance to consolidate and update these warehouses to support Community-Based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM), the branch of the health ministry responsible for pharmaceutical management.
4. In which countries do you have experience?
Bangladesh, Mozambique, Sri Lanka and Zambia. I've also lived in Israel.
5. What do you like to do when you are off work?
I take voice lessons, eat out, watch movies, spend time with my husband, friends and family.
6. Why is this such an important project for the US Government?
SCMS is working to change the way HIV/AIDS commodities are procured and promote lasting change in the focus countries. It's a very ambitious goal.
7. Can you describe your "typical day?"
Come in at 8:30 am, check email first thing to see if there are any urgent information requests from the field. Often there are concurrence requests where I am verifying information for visits, to comply with USAID regulations. Typically I attend one or two meetings, primarily to discuss budgets and field office operations. I also participate in developing standard operating procedures.
8. How are you ensuring this project will be sustainable?
I have trained our in-country Zambia staff on the use of ORION, our procurement management information system, and familiarized them with the SCMS way of doing business and international pharmaceutical procurement. There are a lot of myths about procurement and I hope I've helped to dispel some. Training local staff is very important to me. In Mozambique, the USAID mission and our program are extremely committed to sustainability past the SCMS project. Our project's terms of reference are largely to support CMAM.
9. How does this compare to other projects you've worked on?
SCMS is a large project with many resources and strengths in a wide range of areas, from faith-based work to procurement to warehousing. This project is truly unique in that it addresses such a broad range of issues. As a Country Program Coordinator my work is varied and dynamic, which is really exciting. Specifically, I was involved in a report to the CDC and USAID on outstanding issues in supply chain in Mozambique. Now these issues are being addressed. The work environment is also very fast-paced and collaborative, which is different from my previous projects.