PROFIL ET CONTEXTE:
1. Context
MSF’s pharmacist network has as a key objective to assure the quality and
availability of drugs in MSF projects. An international qualification
scheme for drugs has been established and is being implemented under the
coordination of the International Pharmaceutical Coordination. The
efficiency of the qualification scheme depends largely on the time
capacities of the pharmacists involved in the assessments. The experience
with the short term position under the coordination has shown that a
dedicated person can increase the output substantially. This position will
aim to take a lead on product evaluations and in particular also to
support the updating of historical validations (i.e. validations of
products done before the international qualification scheme was put in
practice).
Malaria remains an important disease for MSF. The support on malaria
focuses on the identification and evaluation of new sources for the
products identified by the malaria working group as necessary for an
adequate malaria response in MSF programs as well as providing other
pharmaceutical support and input in regard to malaria treatments within
MSF or programmatic approaches.
2. Main purpose of the position
2.1. To work on product validations according to MSF qualifications
scheme
2.2. To work on all pharmaceutical aspects linked to selection,
procurement and use of malaria drugs
3. Place within the organisation
The pharmacist is under the direct responsibility of the International
Pharmacist Coordinator (Carine Werder).
The pharmacist will work in close collaboration with the section
pharmacists and the pharmacists involved in product evaluations as well as
with the members of the malaria working group.
4. Core responsibilities and tasks
4.1. Support for international product validation
· Be the MSF focal point for selected manufacturers on product evaluations
and manufacturing sites with particular focus on reviewing all historical
validations under the current qualification scheme.
· Support the Coordination and procurement centres in identifying
potential new sources for a list of priority products
· Collect and assess product information received from manufacturers
according to the requirements of the MSF qualification scheme. A priority
list of products will be established with the International Pharmacist
Coordinator and the responsible pharmacists at the procurement centres.
· Be responsible for information exchange with manufacturers on product
evaluations (questions to submitted information, information on final
decision and product specification sheet)
· Support validations of products as a second reviewer as needed
· Support the follow up on variations and updates for approved products
· Participate in the monitoring of products and manufacturing sites in
cooperation with the procurement centres and the Coordinator.
4.2. Malaria
· Revise regularly with the malaria working group the list of priority
products for which quality sources need to be identified for MSF
· Maintain an inventory of available products (internal validations,
validations recognised by MSF such as WHO Prequalification or
registrations by stringent regulatory authorities)
· Be the MSF focal point for manufacturers regarding anti-malarial drugs
· Collect and assess product information received from manufacturers for
new products according to the requirements of MSF’s qualification scheme.
· Keep an overview on latest developments in treatments, international
recommendations and initiatives for malaria
· Contribute and participate in the work of the malaria working group
· Cooperate with and support section pharmacists and procurement centres
on questions related to malaria products.
· Monitor availability and potential procurement problems with
anti-malarial drugs.
· Maintain collaboration with the Access Campaign on malaria related
issues (e.g. advocacy on use of injectable artemisinine derivatives)
· Provide regular updates on the relevant developments on malaria products
to the pharmacist network and the malaria working group
· Maintain contact and exchange with external actors on pharmaceutical
questions regarding malaria
5. Contract Duration and Job Location
The 100% position will be situated in one of MSF’s operational centres,
preferably in Paris. The position is initially approved for 1 year and
possible renewal of the mandate is subject to evaluation and approval by
the medical directors.
6. Requirements
Pharmacist with degree/diploma in pharmacy and a strong interest on
quality assurance for medicines and malaria.
Experience:
minimum 3 years professional experiences, including some experience in
developing countries with MSF or another organisation
knowledge or experience with malaria an advantage
experience with quality assurance and procurement is an asset
Particularities:
Fluency in English mandatory (French and Spanish would be added
advantages)
Mature with strong interpersonal and organisational skills
Ability to work and report independently
Willingness to travel regularly in Europe and developing countries
Able to represent MSF
7. Salary and working conditions
Equivalent to section pharmacist or expert according to the section where
the position will be based.
8. Practicalities
Applications, including CV and a motivation letter, should be submitted
until 6th April 2011 to:
Isabelle Saussereau,
MSF International Office
78 Rue de Lausanne, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
Fax: +41 22 849 8404
Email: isabelle.saussereau@msf.org
Information on the position can be obtained from the International
Pharmacist Coordinator:
Email: carine.werder@msf.org