W/M – Intersectional Coordinator of Pharmacist at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Main Responsibilities:

Place in the organization:

• This position is an intersectional position for all six sections (MSF OCA/OCBA/OCB/OCG/OCP-WACA missions) operational in Nigeria and will be under the direct responsibility and supervision of the OCP Head of Mission and technically under the Medical Coordinator, both of whom are in direct link with the other MedCos/HoMs.
• In addition, there is a technical report to the Section Pharmacists (SP), particularly OCP SP who supports this position as OCP is the 2024 focal point for NAFDAC/IDEC intersection follow-up. OCP Section Pharmacist will provide a consolidated feedback from all Section Pharmacists in a timely fashion, in case of questions requiring response from all sections.
• The Intersectional Pharmacist will work in collaboration with all HoMs, MedCos, Pharmacy Coordinators / Mission Pharmacists, the Country Representative, as well as with the OCs and European Supply Centres concerning practical regulatory issues for importation and support for NG medical supply strategy. However, there is no hierarchical link between this person and either the Section Pharmacists or mission/country pharmacists/pharmacist coordinator.

Objectives of the position:

• The policy of National Agency for Food & Drug Administration (NAFDAC) requires a coherent and more efficient response from MSF. This person will act as technical focal point, together with OCP Medco and HoM and Country Representative, in order to support proactively the negotiation with NAFDAC & Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) to clarify processes and legal responsibilities for MSF and support missions from the technical perspective. The ISP will also work in collaboration with the intersectional Supply focal point and Intersectional Procurement Manager regarding topics such as IDEC follow-up, SONCAP certificate application, local procurement strategies etc. as these processes are closely linked between Pharmacy and Supply departments and where a coherent intersectional approach is required.
• The intersectional pharmacist will work for MSF OCA/OCBA/OCB/OCG/OCP/WACA; acting as the technical focal person regarding support towards local authorities (primarily NAFDAC & FMoH), concerning pharmaceutical issues to assure intersectional coherence and cooperation. S/he is not assigned to replace or be the back-up of national or expatriate pharmacists during holidays; each section must manage this situation themselves.
• The intersectional pharmacist will support the MSF missions in Nigeria, through teamwork with all concerned departments (medical, logistic/supply, finance), in solving specific supply issues related to the importation constraints implemented by the Nigerian authorities. This includes continuing the lobbying efforts to prioritize importation of medical products as well as provision of advice/ support to the missions and Section Pharmacists regarding any emergency local purchase requests. Also, to support technical coordination internally and re NAFDAC/FMoH on pharma issues.
• Each section will continue to have their own stock and be responsible and accountable for their medical stock management including their own international order supply management (responsibility of the mission pharmacist and the pharmaceutical stock manager under supervision of medical coordinator, or Supply Log for certain sections).

Main responsibilities:

• To ensure that all medical coordinators, Section pharmacists, Int. Pharmacy Coordinator and European supply centers are aware and updated on the national medicines’ regulations, guidelines and laws;
• To support the Country Pharmacists /MedCos and HoMs representing MSF to the authorities on pharmaceutical issues by means of lobbying and negotiation for a consistent and coordinated response, on behalf of all sections;
• To support the missions on NAFDAC Annual Import Waiver submission and associated IDEC (tax/levy exemption) follow-up;
• To support negotiations with NAFDAC regarding import waivers for items listed on the NCS (Nigeria Customs Service) import prohibition list and NAFDAC ceiling list; as well as maintaining a local purchase database for these items with import constraints, if waiver not granted;
• To maintain the LoNO (letter of non-objection) repository (re annual renewal linked to NAFDAC waiver) and follow up on specific NAFDAC requirements for biological products and controlled drugs;
• To advise Pharma and Supply departments technically with the application of SONCAP (Standard Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) certificates or other import certificates required (chemical permit, permit to import controlled medicines etc.)
• To ensure that all sections implement the same importation and supply rules in accordance with MSF Medical Procurement Policy;
• To collect data on the quality of the local market and help advising the Missions and Section Pharmacists on local purchase when importation is banned or in case of emergency;
• To be the focal point re pharmacovigilance, quality complaint & batch recall follow-up for medical products;
• To develop contacts and liaise with other NGOs, UN agencies and local organizations concerned with quality/availability of essential medicines (including WHO Country office) regarding pharmaceutical issues in a proactive manner.

Job requirements:

Education:

• Pharmacy degree (or equivalent diploma according to the country of origin of the pharmacist) essential

Experience:

• MSF field experience is mandatory
• Minimum 3 years professional experience, including 1 year of experience in developing countries with MSF
• Knowledge of MSF European Supply Centers highly recommended
• Experience with quality assurance and local market assessment is an asset

Knowledge and skills

• Strong interpersonal, planning and organizational skills
• Ability to work and report independently
• Excellent communication and diplomatic skills
• Sensitivity and knowledge of Nigeria cultural context important
• Good organization and management skills
• Professionalism, 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 & leadership
• People management & development
• Teamwork and cooperation