International Pharmacist Coordinator (IPC)

Job Posting Organization:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, and natural disasters. Founded in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries and has a workforce of more than 45,000 employees. The organization is committed to providing assistance based solely on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. MSF International serves as the legal entity that binds MSF's 24 sections, 27 associations, and 18 branch offices together, providing coordination, information, and support to the MSF Movement while implementing international projects and initiatives as requested.

Job Overview:
The International Pharmacist Coordinator (IPC) position is crucial for ensuring the quality and accessibility of medicines used in MSF projects, particularly focusing on Tuberculosis (TB) and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The IPC will oversee the pharmacist network, which includes pharmacists from various operational directorates and supply centers, ensuring coherence and collaboration across the organization. This role involves strategic guidance and the implementation of international guidelines and procedures, with a significant emphasis on facilitating access to treatments and providing pharmaceutical support to both headquarters and field operations. The IPC will also engage in advocacy efforts related to TB and NTDs, working closely with MSF Access to promote the availability of essential medicines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The main responsibilities of the IPC include maintaining an overview of the latest developments in treatments and international recommendations for TB and NTDs, providing input into MSF guidelines and protocols, and regularly revising the list of priority products for procurement. The IPC will prepare briefing papers on needed TB/NTD drugs, maintain updated information on validated product/manufacturer pairs, and identify potential new manufacturers for products. Additionally, the IPC will monitor procurement processes, co-manage pool procurement for DR TB medicines, and actively participate in negotiations with manufacturers to promote affordability and access. The IPC will also support the platforms in pharmaceutical-related issues for compassionate use of TB drugs, provide pharmaceutical support to the ArcTB project, and facilitate internal training and regional symposia. Furthermore, the IPC will represent MSF in relevant external committees and initiatives related to access to TB and NTD drugs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a degree in pharmacy or a related field, with a strong understanding of pharmaceutical practices and regulations. Experience in international health, particularly in the context of humanitarian aid, is highly desirable. The ideal candidate should have excellent communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment. A strong commitment to MSF's principles and values is essential, along with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and challenges in the field.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, specifically a degree in pharmacy or a closely related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in public health, international health, or pharmaceutical sciences will be considered an asset. Continuous professional development and training in areas related to TB and NTDs will also be beneficial for candidates.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in pharmacy, with at least 2 years in a humanitarian or international health context. Experience working with TB and NTDs is particularly valuable, as is familiarity with procurement processes and pharmaceutical supply chains in low-resource settings. Previous experience in advocacy or policy development related to access to medicines will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French is highly desirable. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those relevant to MSF's operational contexts, will be considered a plus. Strong written and verbal communication skills in the required languages are essential for effective collaboration and advocacy efforts.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a permanent contract at 100% workload, with a starting date in May 202

• The successful candidate will be based in the MSF office of their country of residence at the time of application. Compensation and benefits will be aligned with MSF's practices and the specific entity establishing the contract. The role may involve travel to various MSF operational sites and participation in international meetings and conferences.