UN/E ADMINISTRATEUR/TRICE TECHNIQUE NATIONAL/E EN CHARGE DES MEDICAMENTS ET AUTRES PRODUITS MEDICAUX (EDM)

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, the WHO has a mission to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve vulnerable populations. The organization operates in over 150 countries and has more than 7,000 employees worldwide. The WHO aims to achieve universal health coverage, address health emergencies, and promote healthier populations through various initiatives and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The position of Technical Advisor for Essential Medicines and Health Products is crucial in supporting the Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) efforts to improve health systems and ensure access to safe, effective, and quality medicines. This role is part of the WHO's commitment to universal health coverage (UHC) and involves working closely with national health authorities to develop and implement pharmaceutical policies and strategies. The advisor will focus on enhancing the management of essential medicines, vaccines, and health technologies, ensuring that they are available and accessible to all populations. The position requires a deep understanding of the pharmaceutical landscape in DRC and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments to facilitate the implementation of health policies that align with WHO's strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support for the development and implementation of the national pharmaceutical policy in DRC, ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and efficacy standards for health products.
• Assist in the reform agenda of the pharmaceutical sector, focusing on regulation, quality control, pricing regulations, and the development of essential medicines supply systems.
• Facilitate the optimal functioning of coordination mechanisms for medicines and health products at both national and intermediate levels.
• Strengthen the capacity of national counterparts to improve the management of essential medicines, vaccines, and health technologies at national and sub-national levels.
• Oversee the quality assurance system for medicines, medical devices, vaccines, and other specific inputs supplied by WHO and other UN agencies in DRC.
• Support national policies promoting local pharmaceutical production.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Team Lead for Health Systems Strengthening.

Required Qualifications:
Essential: A university degree in pharmacy or an equivalent qualification. Desirable: A Master's degree in Public Health, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields, with specialized training in pharmaceutical regulation, supply chain management, quality assurance, and pharmacovigilance. Knowledge of health policy development and implementation is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a university degree in pharmacy or an equivalent qualification. A Master's degree in Public Health, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields is desirable, along with specialized training in areas such as pharmaceutical regulation, supply chain management, quality assurance, and pharmacovigilance. Training in health policy development and implementation is also advantageous.

Experience:
Essential: At least 5 years of relevant experience at the national level in DRC, focusing on pharmaceutical policy and regulation, as well as supply chain management for medicines and health products. A strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative analysis tools for assessing access to health products is required. Desirable: Experience and skills in providing technical assistance and strengthening health systems related to the procurement, regulation, and management of medicines and health products at both national and international levels.

Languages:
Essential: Proficient knowledge of French is required. Practical knowledge of English is also necessary to facilitate communication and collaboration with international partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a Special Service Agreement (SSA) for a duration of 6 months. The role is based in Kinshasa, DRC, and is subject to local recruitment. The WHO is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities, and nationals of underrepresented member states. The organization offers a range of benefits, including parental leave and flexible work arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance. Candidates must confirm their vaccination status as required by WHO before undertaking assignments.