MSF Intersectional Pharmacist for MENA region

Location: Amman, Jordan

Contract: 100% permanent contract
Reporting to: International Pharmacist Coordinator (IPC) Starting date: January 2022

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 21 sections, 24 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 the 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 in the MENA region. The focus of this position will be on Jordan, Iraq and Yemen as well as overview of Syria, and others in the region.

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.

The pharmacist is in close contact and collaboration with the pharma network, particularly the Beirut-based flying intersectional pharmacist, the section pharmacists, regulatory affairs pharmacists and the International Medical Device Coordinator (IMDC).

IV. OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION
The intersectional pharmacist supports the various sections present in the MENA countries where MSF works by solving specific supply issues with all concerned departments (medical,
logistic, finance).

V. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
General Objectives:

• To ensure that all sections implement the same importation and supply rules in accordance with MSF International Qualification Scheme.
• To lead negotiations with the governmental entities, favouring importation and access to quality medicines by MSF projects.
• To collect data to develop or maintain local purchase databases with items and sources authorized by section pharmacists for local purchase in countries where importation is not possible.
• 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.
• To assess distributors for GSDP compliance in accordance with local market assessment guidelines, upon request and on behalf of the section pharmacists.
• Update MSF teams on the national medicines and medical devices regulations, guidelines, laws and/or changes to national EML, as required.
• To act as the focal person regarding contacts with local authorities (primarily NMRA),
• with MSF European Supply Centres (ESC) and with MSF regulatory affairs pharmacist concerning pharmaceutical issues, to assure intersectional coherence and cooperation.
• 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.
• Coordinate regular meetings with the mission pharmacists/medical coordinators/supply units to exchange information/problems and to find common solutions.
• 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.
• 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.

VII. 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 mandatory (French and/or Arabic would be an added advantage)
• 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 countries in the region as required
• Travel as required for any ad hoc visit requests.