Intersectional Pharmacist

M decins Sans Fronti res

The general objective of the position is to support MSF programs and sections in medicines and medical devices supply, by guaranteeing that MSF quality standards are applied according to the evolving situation and available information in the MENA region and additional countries.

The focus of this position will be on Turkey/Syria, Lebanon and Palestine in the MENA region, in addition to Afghanistan and India. It may include, as needed, other countries in the MENA region or outside.

III. PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

• This position is hierarchically and technically linked to the International Pharmacist Coordinator.
• For administrative and security management, this position is under one of the MSF OCs (Operational Center) with mission in Jordan.
• This intersectional regional pharmacist position is functionally linked to the international pharmaceutical coordination: it will be the responsibility of the IPC to ensure that the regional pharmacist is given appropriate technical back-up, by:
• Considering him/her as a member of the international pool (including two participations per year in international pharmacists meetings)
• Identifying a regular technical back-up among the section pharmacists
• Sharing with him/her relevant updated information on sources and quality
• Providing him/her with any needed information on demand
• Ensuring the links with the pharmacists in the MSF Access team and in European Supply Centers (ESC).
• The priorities will be set by the IPC in agreement with the section pharmacists (SPs) based on the needs.
• The pharmacist is in close contact and collaboration with the pharmacist network and more especially with the Jordan based intersectional pharmacist, the section pharmacists, and with the International Medical Device Coordinator (IMDC).

IV. OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

The intersectional pharmacist supports the various sections present in the countries within scope where MSF work by solving specific supply issues with all concerned departments (medical, logistic, finance). This includes provision of advice/ support to the missions and Section Pharmacists.

• Gain a better knowledge on the pharmaceutical and medical device legal framework and market in the region (analysis of registered drugs, main pharmaceutical and medical device companies, etc.) as well as the regulatory frameworks.
• For countries where local procurement is a necessity: provide information on the local purchase possibilities (manufacturers and distributors to be assessed).
• Ensure that the procurement strategies approved by the Medical Department in the HQ (of each project s section), are followed and implemented by the teams in each country.
• Monitor and re-evaluate the relevance of the procurement strategies in a continuous way, taking into account MSF program developments in the countries, quality, legal and administrative issues.

The intersectional pharmacist is not supposed to replace or be the back-up of national pharmacist during holiday; each section must manage this situation by itself.

V. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

General Objectives:

• To ensure that all sections implement the same importation and supply rules in accordance with MSF International Qualification scheme and MSF procurement policy for medical items.
• To collect data to develop or maintain local purchase database with items and sources authorised for local purchase by section pharmacists in countries where importation is not possible.
• To develop contacts and liaise with other NGOs, UN agencies (UNICEF, etc.) and local organisations concerned with quality/availability of essential medicines (including WHO Country office) regarding pharmaceutical issues in a proactive manner, ensuring confidentiality of data generated by MSF regarding the quality of local suppliers.
• To visit distributors and report on their GDP compliance upon request and on behalf of the section pharmacists; final decision to accept or reject the distributors to be taken by the referent section pharmacist for that country.
• To ensure that all medical coordinators, mission pharmacists/copharmacists, section pharmacists are aware and updated on the national medicines and medical device regulations, guidelines and laws.
• To act as the focal person regarding contacts with local authorities (primarily NMRA), with MSF ESCs, with MSF regulatory affairs pharmacist concerning pharmaceutical issues, in order to assure intersectional coherence and cooperation.
• Support the missions in collaboration with MSF Access and the disease focused pharmacists in getting access to new or non-registered treatments for MSF projects.

VI. REPORTING

• Submit monthly activity reports to be shared with all section medical and logistic coordinators, section pharmacists and IPC.
• Attend MSF medical coordinator meetings held between all sections, when requested.
• Coordinate the monthly Pharmacy meetings.
• Participation in yearly SP/ISP in-person meeting.
• Participation in Section Pharmacist visit and assist in preparing this visit.
• Provide a final hand-over report for all the sections with recommendations.

[1] Including national guidelines on Pharmacovigilance and Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

VII. REQUIREMENTS

• Pharmacist with degree/diploma in pharmacy

Experience:

• Minimum 3 years professional experiences, including 6-12 months experience in developing countries with MSF or another organisation.
• Experience with quality assurance, Good Distribution and Storage Practices and manufacturing aspects of pharmaceutical products desirable.

Particularities:

• Fluency in English mandatory (French and Arabic would be an added advantage).
• Mature with strong interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Ability to work and report independently.
• Able to represent MSF with the capacity to negotiate positively and diplomatically with MoH officials and MSF national and expatriate staff.
• Excellent communication and diplomatic skills.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment.
• Good organisation and management skills.
• Professionalism, transparency and flexibility a must.
• Ability to work in a team.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Skilled in coaching, training and supporting pharmacist/medical supply personnel.