Consultant for Smart Pharmacovigilance Strategy Implementation

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 has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has a workforce of more than 7,000 employees. WHO's work encompasses a wide range of health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, with a focus on achieving universal health coverage and addressing health inequities.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will play a pivotal role in supporting Member States to implement the WHO Resolution on pharmacovigilance and operationalize the global smart pharmacovigilance strategy. This involves a comprehensive approach to enhancing national pharmacovigilance systems, improving regulatory coordination, and fostering regional collaboration. The consultant will be responsible for providing technical coordination and hands-on support to various stakeholders, including WHO Country Offices and Collaborating Centres. The position requires a strong focus on capacity building, regulatory risk management, and targeted pharmacovigilance studies, ensuring that safety communication related to medicines and vaccines is effectively strengthened. The consultant will also engage in the development and dissemination of normative tools and guidance to facilitate the implementation of the Smart Pharmacovigilance Strategy across the Western Pacific Region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant's duties will include conducting a landscape analysis to assess the uptake of the Smart Pharmacovigilance Strategy, facilitating the regional uptake of normative guidance and technical tools, and assisting countries in implementing the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool. The consultant will support the integration of pharmacovigilance within immunization and public health programs, conduct assessments of national pharmacovigilance systems, and assist in the roll-out of the WHO Model Risk Management Plan Assessment Tools. Additionally, the consultant will prepare for the implementation of a drug utilization study and support the planning of regional workshops and training activities on risk-based pharmacovigilance and regulatory risk communication.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in pharmacy, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, or a related health or life sciences field from a recognized university. Specialized training in pharmacovigilance, regulatory science, epidemiology, biostatistics, data science, or health informatics is desirable. Essential qualifications include at least five years of relevant experience in pharmacovigilance or regulatory science, particularly in signal detection and safety communication, as well as experience supporting national authorities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Familiarity with WHO tools and methodologies is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in a relevant field such as pharmacy, chemistry, biochemistry, or microbiology. Candidates with specialized training in pharmacovigilance or related disciplines will have an advantage. The educational qualifications must be from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED).

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in pharmacovigilance, regulatory science, or medicines safety. Candidates should have a proven track record in signal detection and assessment, as well as experience in safety communication. Experience working with national authorities or programs in LMICs is essential, and familiarity with WHO tools and methodologies is highly desirable. Candidates with experience in reliance/work-sharing and GBT benchmarking will be preferred.

Languages:
Expert knowledge of English is mandatory, with the ability to read, write, and speak fluently. Basic knowledge of other languages spoken within the Western Pacific Region is considered desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with regional stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for six months, with a remuneration of USD 8,000 per month and living expenses of USD 2,100 per month. The consultant may be required to travel to selected countries within the Western Pacific Region. This vacancy notice may also be used to identify candidates for other similar consultancies at the same level. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be part of the screening process. WHO emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must adhere to the highest ethical standards.