Technical Officer (Pharmacovigilance)

Job Posting Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Established in 1948, WHO's mission is to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. With over 7,000 employees and operations in more than 150 countries, WHO works to ensure that all people can attain the highest possible level of health. The organization focuses on various health issues, including disease prevention, health systems strengthening, and emergency response, and plays a crucial role in coordinating international health efforts and setting health standards.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer (Pharmacovigilance) position is a consultancy role under the supervision of the Unit Head for Medical Products Regulation and the Pharmacovigilance Team Lead at WHO headquarters. The primary function of this role is to support Member States and regional networks, particularly the South-East Asia Regulatory Network (SEARN), in implementing the WHO Resolution and operationalizing the global smart pharmacovigilance strategy. This includes risk-based prioritization, reliance/work-sharing, integration into regulatory systems, and enhancing safety communication. The officer will engage with WHO country offices and collaborate closely with various stakeholders to ensure effective pharmacovigilance practices are adopted and adapted to regional contexts. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of pharmacovigilance principles and practices, as well as the ability to facilitate the uptake of global normative guidance and technical tools.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Technical Officer (Pharmacovigilance) include:

• Attending induction meetings and developing an activity plan within the first month in collaboration with the Unit Head and HQ counterpart.
• Facilitating regional uptake of global normative guidance and technical tools for smart pharmacovigilance, measuring the impact of the global smart PV strategy.
• Supporting pharmacovigilance system assessments and assisting countries in implementing PV components of Institutional Development Plans (IDPs).
• Establishing and maintaining activities of WHO Collaborating Centres in the region and SEARN Regional centres of excellence.
• Supporting the implementation of HQ-developed PV tools and protocols, ensuring relevant data sharing with HQ advisory committees.
• Providing feedback to HQ on the feasibility of global PV metrics and coordinating pilots in selected countries.
• Strengthening regional PV collaboration and information-sharing mechanisms.
• Advocating for the Vaccine Safety Net and promoting trustworthy communication channels.
• Contributing to regional PIDM forums and supporting the organization of regional PIDM activities. 1
• Providing technical assistance to countries for local signal detection and convening regional network meetings. 1
• Advancing the use of responsible AI in PV within the region. 1
• Conducting surveys and landscape analysis of the uptake of the Smart Strategy and SEARN workplan. 1
• Coordinating and managing related SEARN groups. 1
• Delivering comprehensive technical and administrative support across all budget centres, enhancing country office capacity through collaboration and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Technical Officer (Pharmacovigilance) position include:

• An advanced university degree in pharmacy, medicine, public health, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related discipline.
• Specialized training in pharmacovigilance, regulatory science, epidemiology/biostatistics, data science/AI ethics, or health informatics is desirable.
• Five to ten years of relevant experience in pharmacovigilance, medicines or vaccine safety, and regulatory science, including experience with signal detection and safety communication.
• Significant experience with national authorities and/or the medical products manufacturing sector, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
• Familiarity with WHO tools and significant experience in South-East Asia is desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as pharmacy, medicine, public health, pharmacoepidemiology, or pharmaceutical sciences. Specialized training in pharmacovigilance and related disciplines is considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should possess five to ten years of relevant experience in pharmacovigilance, including significant exposure to signal detection and safety communication. Experience working with national authorities and the medical products manufacturing sector, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is essential. Familiarity with WHO tools and significant experience in the South-East Asia region is also desirable.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirement for this position is expert knowledge of English. Additionally, expert knowledge of South-East Asian languages is desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration within the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is based on-site at SEARO in New Delhi and is expected to last for 11 months. The remuneration for this consultancy role is set at Pay Band Level B, amounting to USD 77,000, depending on experience and the nature of work. Travel expenses and per diem will be covered as per WHO rules applicable to consultants for approved official travel during the contract period. The WHO is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented Member States. Candidates under serious consideration will be contacted, and a written test may be used as part of the screening process. Candidates must provide scanned copies of their educational qualifications and adhere to WHO's ethical standards and vaccination requirements.