Intersectional Pharmacist

Location: Nairobi
Contract: Permanent contract at 100%
Duration: open
Starting date: ASAP
Deadline to apply: 4th January 2023

I. MSF INTERNATIONAL
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 24 sections, 25 associations and other offices together. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International provides coordination, information and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.

II. POSITION BACKGROUND

The general objective of this position is to support MSF programs and sections in medicines and medical devices supply, by guaranteeing that MSF quality standards are applied according to the evolving situation and available information with a focus on Central-Eastern Africa, specifically: Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan and support on DRC.

III. PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

This intersectional pharmacist (ISP) position is hierarchically and technically linked to the international pharmacist coordinator (IPC), supported by the applicable section pharmacists for each country in scope, and in connection with the QA pharmacists at the European Supply Centre (ESC) level as needed.

Priorities are set by the IPC in agreement with the section pharmacists based on needs, and in close contact and collaboration with the pharma network, especially with the section pharmacists, International Quality Assurance Coordinator for Medical Devices and IVDs (IQACMD) and Quality Assurance Coordinator for NFOS.

For administrative and security management, this position is under Kenya MSF OCB mission.

IV. OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

The ISP supports the various sections present in the listed countries of the Central-Eastern Africa region by solving specific medical-supply issues with all concerned departments (medical, logistic, finance), with the objective of ensuring that all sections implement the same importation and quality standards in accordance with MSF International Qualification scheme.

V. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To lead negotiations with the governmental entities, favouring importation and access to quality medicines by MSF projects.
• To act as the focal person with local authorities, MSF ESCs, and MSF regulatory affairs pharmacists concerning pharmaceutical issues to ensure intersectional coherence and cooperation.
• To conduct Local Market Assessments (LMAs) to identify options as a back-up option for the region’s needs when importation is not possible. Includes maintainance of databases with the items and sources authorized by section pharmacists.
• To assess distributors for GSDP compliance upon request and on behalf of the section pharmacists.
• To assess GSDP compliance of key MSF warehouses in the countries within scope to ensure compliance with regulations and minimum standards are met.
• To develop contacts and liaise with other NGOs, UN agencies and local organizations proactively concerning quality/availability of essential medicines, while ensuring confidentiality of data generated by MSF with regards to the quality assessments of local suppliers.
• Update MSF teams on the national medicines and medical devices regulations (particularly related to importation and pharmacy warehouse registration), changes to national EML, as required.
• Coordinate regular meetings with the mission pharmacists/medical coordinators/supply units to exchange information/problems and to find common solutions.
• To support the missions in collaboration with the Access Campaign and the disease-focused pharmacists in getting access to new or non-registered treatments for MSF projects.
• To train other regional/intersectional pharmacists for LMA as needed.
• Update the country constraints sheets in the Regulatory Affairs SharePoint and update the Country Supply Profile tool Pharma tab, together with the different focal points per country.
• Support MSF Supply Centres (SN-EA, Kenya Office, SKID and SUKA) in the region to ensure that all pharma activities remain within the frame of the international medical procurement policy, providing technical support (including quality and importation issues) where relevant for these structures.
• Act as focal point for pharmacovigilence, quality complaints and issues linked to local purchases for implicated countries and projects.
• Provide technical support for MSF teams for pharmacy-related issues, including training and advice on various topics related to medicines and medical devices importation, as well as briefings for new Med/Log/Supply Coordinators and Country Pharmacists on the pharmaceutical situation, import constraints and the role of the ISP.

VI. PROFILE REQUIREMENTS
Education: Pharmacist with pharmacy degree/diploma
Experience:

• Minimum 3 years professional experience, including some experience in low- and middle-income countries with MSF or similar organizations in the humanitarian sector.
• Experience with Quality Assurance, Good Storage & Distribution Practices (GSDP) and manufacturing aspects of pharmaceutical products desirable.

Specific Requirements:

• Fluency in English and French mandatory.
• Mature with strong interpersonal, communication, management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work and report independently.
• Able to represent MSF with the capacity to negotiate positively and diplomatically with MoH officials and MSF staff.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to work professionally, transparently and flexibility within a team.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Skilled in coaching, training and supporting pharmacist/medical supply personnel
• Regular travel to Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda and sporadically to DRC is required.
• Travel as required for any ad hoc visit requests.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
At MSF, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.