Consultant in Public Health and Pharmaceutical Regulation

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established on April 7, 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. WHO's work encompasses a wide range of health issues, including communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, health systems, and emergency response.

Job Overview:
The WHO office in Senegal is seeking an experienced public health specialist or pharmacist with expertise in securing health products and supply chain management to work as a consultant for a period of six months, with the possibility of extension. The consultant will contribute to the implementation and coordination of the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM) project in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and WHO's regional and national offices. The role involves providing programmatic support for the project, ensuring accurate quantification and rational use of childhood cancer medicines. Candidates must have at least three years of experience in pharmaceutical regulation and health product supply chain management, including product registration, forecasting, stock management, quantification, and distribution at national and regional levels. The position requires the ability to meet deadlines, work rigorously, and produce tangible results, along with excellent communication skills in English and strong interpersonal and leadership abilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be supervised by the WHO country office in Dakar and will support the implementation and coordination of the GPACCM project. Responsibilities include serving as the WHO focal point for all GPACCM-related activities in Senegal, assisting the Ministry of Health in implementing the GPACCM initiative according to WHO standards, facilitating collaboration among GPACCM partners, coordinating activities with the administrative and operational unit of GPACCM based in Geneva, and collaborating with hospitals and the national supply pharmacy to monitor stocks of childhood cancer medicines. The consultant will also draft operational plans and funding requests, produce detailed reports on GPACCM activities, and ensure compliance with minimum standards until completion. Additional tasks may include coordinating activities related to the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) as it relates to GPACCM.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in pharmacy or a related field, with a desirable Master's degree in public health, pharmaceutical regulation, or supply chain management. A project management certificate is also desirable. Candidates must have at least two years of experience in regulation and supply chain management of health products, with hospital experience being a plus. Functional competencies include knowledge of securing health products and supply chain management, project planning and implementation, and strong organizational skills. Generic competencies include communication, teamwork, results orientation, and resource management.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in pharmacy or a related field as a minimum requirement. A Master's degree in public health, pharmaceutical regulation, or supply chain management is preferred. Additionally, a project management certification is desirable to enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience in pharmaceutical regulation and supply chain management of health products. Experience working in a hospital setting is considered an asset. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of health product security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and supply chain management principles, as well as experience in project planning and implementation.

Languages:
Fluency in French is essential for this position. Proficiency in English at an intermediate level is desirable, as it will facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders involved in the GPACCM initiative.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration is initially set for 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to 18 months. The consultant will be required to travel within Senegal and may also have missions outside the country, with all travel expenses covered by the organization. The position is open to Senegalese nationals, and applications from women are particularly encouraged. The WHO maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates will undergo background verification to ensure compliance with ethical standards.