Intersectional Pharmacist (ISP)

Job Posting Organization:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization founded in 197

• It delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, and natural disasters. MSF operates in over 70 countries and has 24 sections, 28 associations, and 19 branch offices worldwide. The organization is registered in Switzerland and provides coordination, information, and support to the MSF Movement, implementing international projects and initiatives as needed. MSF's mission is to provide assistance based solely on need, regardless of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation.

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 evolving situations and available information. The ISP will focus primarily on operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Niger, Central African Republic (CAR), and Tanzania, with potential ad hoc support to Uganda, Burkina Faso, and Chad. The ISP is part of the Pharma Team of MSF International and is responsible for providing technical support and coordination among various MSF sections to ensure coherent and effective medical supply strategies. This position requires close collaboration with local authorities, section pharmacists, and other stakeholders to facilitate the importation and availability of quality medical products.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ISP's main responsibilities include ensuring that all MSF sections implement consistent importation and medical supply rules in line with MSF Quality Assurance and medical strategies. The ISP will support Country Pharmacists and Heads of Missions in lobbying and negotiating with authorities regarding medical products. They will collect data on the quality of the local market and advise on local purchases when importation is restricted or in emergencies. The ISP will develop local contacts with NGOs, UN agencies, and local organizations to ensure the availability of essential medicines and lead negotiations with governmental entities to prioritize access to quality medicines for MSF projects. The ISP will also ensure that all relevant personnel are updated on national medical product regulations and act as a focal point for quality complaints, recalls, and alerts.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in pharmacy or a related field, with a strong understanding of pharmaceutical regulations and quality assurance processes. Experience in humanitarian settings or with NGOs is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate excellent negotiation and communication skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. Strong analytical skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively are essential.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in pharmacy or a related field is required. Additional certifications or training in pharmaceutical quality assurance, regulatory affairs, or supply chain management would be advantageous. Candidates should have a solid understanding of medical product regulations and standards, particularly in the context of humanitarian aid.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in pharmacy, with a focus on medical supply chain management, quality assurance, or regulatory affairs. Experience working in humanitarian contexts or with international organizations is preferred. Familiarity with the healthcare landscape in the DRC and surrounding regions is a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in the DRC. Proficiency in English is also required, and knowledge of local languages would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, with the possibility of renewal. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to start as soon as possible. MSF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package in line with its policies, which vary by location. The ISP will be expected to travel within the region as needed to fulfill their responsibilities.