Intersectional Pharmacist (ISP)

Job Posting Organization:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that was established to provide emergency aid to individuals affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, and natural disasters. MSF operates globally, with a presence in 24 sections, 28 associations, and 19 branch offices, and is registered in Switzerland. The organization is committed to delivering assistance based solely on need, without discrimination based on race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. MSF International serves as the legal entity that binds the various sections and provides coordination, information, and support for international projects and initiatives as required.

Job Overview:
The Intersectional Pharmacist (ISP) plays a crucial role in supporting MSF programs and sections by ensuring that MSF quality standards are applied to medical products in response to the evolving situations in various countries, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Niger, Central African Republic (CAR), and Tanzania. The ISP will also provide ad hoc support to Uganda, Burkina Faso, and Chad as needed. This position is integral to the Pharma Team of MSF International and involves close collaboration with the International Pharmacist Coordinator (IPC) and other pharmacists across different sections. The ISP is expected to act as a technical focal point for discussions and negotiations with local authorities regarding medical products, ensuring that all MSF sections implement consistent importation and medical supply rules in line with MSF's Quality Assurance and medical strategies. The role requires a proactive approach to developing local contacts and liaising with other NGOs and UN agencies to ensure the quality and availability of essential medicines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the Intersectional Pharmacist include ensuring that all MSF sections adhere to the same importation and medical supply rules, supporting Country Pharmacists and Medical Coordinators in lobbying and negotiating with authorities on medical product issues, collecting data on the quality of the local market, and advising on local purchases when importation is not feasible. The ISP will also lead negotiations with governmental entities to prioritize access to quality medicines for MSF projects, maintain updated knowledge of national medical product regulations, and act as the focal person for quality complaints, recalls, and pharmacovigilance. Specific objectives include regularly updating information on medical product legislation, ensuring timely communication of changes in importation procedures, supporting local medical procurement when necessary, and providing technical pharmacy support to medical managers. The ISP will also be responsible for submitting monthly activity reports and participating in relevant meetings and forums.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Intersectional Pharmacist position should possess a strong understanding of pharmaceutical regulations and quality assurance processes. They should have excellent negotiation and communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, and UN agencies. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to adapt to changing situations are essential. The ISP should also have a thorough understanding of medical product importation procedures and the ability to provide technical support to medical teams.

Educational Background:
A degree in pharmacy or a related field is required for this position. Additional certifications or training in pharmaceutical quality assurance, regulatory affairs, or public health would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid foundation in pharmacology and an understanding of the healthcare landscape in the regions where MSF operates.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have several years of experience working in a pharmacy or healthcare setting, preferably in a humanitarian context. Experience in negotiating with governmental entities and working with international organizations is highly desirable. Familiarity with the specific challenges of medical supply chains in conflict-affected or resource-limited settings will be beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in many of the countries where MSF operates. Proficiency in English is also highly desirable, as it facilitates communication with international teams and stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the DRC and surrounding regions would be an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a fixed-term contract at 100% for a duration of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. The starting date is as soon as possible, and the compensation and benefits package will be in line with MSF's practices for the entity establishing the contract. The role requires a commitment to MSF's humanitarian principles and a willingness to work in challenging environments.