Deputy Intersectional Pharmacist at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Contract: 208 working hours per month

Main Purpose

• The Deputy Intersectional Pharmacist is working in collaboration with the MSF Intersectional Pharmacist (ISP) in order to support proactively all six MSF sections currently present in Nigeria with the negotiations with local authorities (primarily NAFDAC & Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH)).
• The intersectional pharmacy team is acting as technical focal point concerning pharmaceutical issues, in particular to clarify processes and legal responsibilities for MSF for importation of medical products, and to assure intersectional coherence and cooperation.

Job Description
Compiling and Sharing of Information:

• Regularly update information on pharmaceutical legislation, in particular on importation and legal requirements that can impact MSF operations in the country. Inform the Intersectional Pharmacist, the Mission Pharmacists of the different sections and other coordinators (Head of Missions/Medical Coordinators) accordingly.
• Actively participate in meetings with the Mission Pharmacists/PharmaCos where pharmaceutical information is exchanged, and problems are shared in order to find common solutions; participate in other cross-departmental meetings whenever necessary to share updates on ongoing pharmaceutical issues.
• Follow up the National Essential Medicines List updates and discuss therapeutic specificities if necessary, in collaboration with the Intersectional Pharmacist and Medical Coordinators.

Technical Representation / Internal and External Coordination on Pharmacy Related Issues:

• Participate/ provide direct input to all meetings related to pharmacy regulations organized by NAFDAC and other related stakeholders. Support the Intersectional Pharmacist with regular networking and maintenance of relationships with relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure communication on pharma issues (meetings with NAFDAC, requests from NAFDAC, notifications/circulars, etc.) is shared between the different OCs including mission pharmacists and Medical Coordinators. Centralize response on technical requests and notifications to NAFDAC.
• Support the Intersectional Pharmacist to identify, analyze and map relevant stakeholders related to pharmaceutical importation and medical supply (government agencies, local suppliers, other NGOs).
• Together with the Intersectional Pharmacist, the Deputy Intersectional Pharmacist should be able to represent MSF with the capacity to negotiate positively and diplomatically with external actors (MoH/NAFDAC officials).

Technical Support:

• Support the ISP with daily/routine follow-up tasks with the sections & authorities on regular activities, to relieve the different pharmacy departments,
• Intersectional NAFDAC follow up of samples and lab results; maintenance of Excel DB for sampling and regularly sharing with the sections
• Follow up on cargo release issues & weekly communication with PID officers. Link with Supply departments & Focal point for customs on routine issues related to cargo clearance and communication with NAFDAC PID.
• Follow up at sub-director level (assistants etc.) e.g. on pending waiver applications.
• Support the pharma teams in different sections with application for various permits (narcotics, chemical permits, etc.)
• Support ISP to set up & update intersectional SOPs for medical supply processes.
• Support in ensuring stability and continuity of activities by covering gaps in ISP absence and participating in briefings of MSF personnel.

Importation:

• Support ISP to ensure compliance with the import regulations of Nigeria by all the sections through direct involvement with the different pharmacy teams, in particular ensuring that NAFDAC requirements are met and that NAFDAC feedback (such as rejected items) is followed up consistently & in a timely manner for all sections.
• Support the coordination of the application for annual FMoH letter of support required for application for tax exemption certificates (IDEC); maintain relationship with the DFDS (Department of Food and Drugs Services) and PSD (Pharmaceutical Services Division) of Ministry of Health.
• Follow up on NAFDAC Quality Control Laboratory procedures, samplings, results, and feedbacks provided to MSF sections to promote an intersectional cooperation.

Local Procurement:

• Continuously update the Intersectional Pharmacist and other Mission pharmacists with new findings about local importers and suppliers for products with import restrictions or of potential interest to MSF.
• Ensure quality / pharmacovigilance issues
• Support with follow up on quality issues related to imported products via international order, as well as locally procured products.
• Keep track of local purchases done by the different sections.

Reporting:

• Participation in monthly intersectional pharma report.

Requirements
Education:

• Pharmacy Degree (B.Pharm).

Experience:
Essential:

• 3 years professional experience including 2 years experience with NGOs
• Experience with quality assurance and local assessment.
• Experience with pharmacy regulatory authorities in Nigeria.

Desirable:

• Working experience with NAFDAC or FMoH
• MSF experience.

Languages:
Essential:

• Fluency in English.

Desirable:

• Local Language.

Skills and Competences:

• Strong interpersonal, planning, management, and organizational skills
• Ability to work and report independently
• Excellent communication and diplomatic skills
• Excellent networking skills and professional appearance in order to represent MSF towards local authorities
• Sensitivity and knowledge of Nigeria cultural context important
• Professionalism, trustworthiness, reliability, transparency, and flexibility a must
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
• Skilled in coaching, training, and supporting pharmacist/medical supply personnel
• Knowledge of MSF Pharmacy Stock Management tools is a bonus
• Strategic vision
• People management & development
• Teamwork and cooperation.