MSF Access Regional Pharmacist America Hub

Job Posting Organization:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical assistance to individuals affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Founded in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries and is known for its commitment to delivering aid based solely on need, without regard to race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. MSF International serves as the legal entity that unites MSF's 24 sections, 27 associations, and 18 branch offices, providing coordination, information, and support to the MSF Movement. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International also implements international projects and initiatives as requested, ensuring that the organization can respond effectively to humanitarian crises worldwide.

Job Overview:
The MSF Access Regional Pharmacist for the America Hub is a pivotal role aimed at enhancing MSF's understanding of local and regional production of health products in the Americas. This position focuses on analyzing regulatory frameworks, harmonization initiatives, and policies that affect the importation, exportation, and circulation of health products. The Regional Pharmacist will work closely with the Americas regional advisors and the Analysis Department of the MSF Access team, which comprises a multidisciplinary group of experts addressing medical, pharmaceutical, legal, and policy issues related to access to health products. The overarching goal is to ensure equitable access to quality-assured medicines, diagnostics, and vaccines, thereby improving public health outcomes in the region. The role requires a strategic approach to navigate the complexities of regulatory landscapes and their implications for MSF operations and advocacy efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Understand existing production, innovation, and regulatory landscapes: Monitor and analyze national and regional production and innovation initiatives related to medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics. This includes technology transfer and licensing initiatives, public and regional manufacturing capacity, regional collaboration platforms, funding mechanisms, and industrial policy instruments. Assess regulatory approval pathways, market authorization processes, and procurement mechanisms, and their interaction with market structures to evaluate their impact on equitable access to health products.
• Identify barriers, risks, and opportunities from an access perspective: Assess how regulatory frameworks and procurement approaches influence equitable access to quality-assured medical products. Analyze the feasibility and sustainability of local and regional production and identify systemic barriers affecting access, affordability, and availability of essential health technologies.
• Translate analysis into access-oriented frameworks and MSF positioning: Develop and maintain an access-oriented policy and analytical framework for public and local/regional production and innovation. Collaborate with the MSF Access team to produce analytical updates, technical notes, and internal briefs to inform strategic discussions and decision-making. Provide technical pharmaceutical input to MSF positions and advocacy strategies, ensuring they are grounded in evidence and address how regulatory dynamics affect access to essential medical products.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, regulatory affairs, and public health principles. A demonstrated ability to analyze complex regulatory frameworks and their implications for access to health products is essential. Strong analytical skills, along with the ability to communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences, are required. Candidates should also have experience in advocacy and policy development related to health access issues, as well as a commitment to MSF's humanitarian principles and values.

Educational Background:
A degree in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees (Master's or PhD) in public health, health policy, or a related discipline are highly desirable. Additional training or certifications in regulatory affairs or access to medicines will be considered an asset.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in the pharmaceutical sector, public health, or a related field is required. Experience working with regulatory agencies, health product procurement, or access to medicines initiatives is highly desirable. Familiarity with the healthcare landscape in the Americas and experience in humanitarian settings will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Portuguese is mandatory. Proficiency in Spanish is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication across the Americas region. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region will be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role on a short-term contract basis, with a duration of 12 months. The starting date is as soon as possible, and the application deadline is July 03, 202

• The role is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the region. MSF offers a competitive compensation and benefits package in line with its policies, and is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that values diversity.