Background
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian organization, with 192 member National Societies. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, our work is guided by seven fundamental principles; humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.
Organizational Context
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC or “the Federation”) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network. The Federation is a membership organisation established by and comprised of its member National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Along with National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Federation is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The overall aim of the IFRC is “to inspire, encourage, facilitate, and promote at all times all forms of humanitarian activities by National Societies with a view to preventing and alleviating human suffering and thereby contributing to the maintenance and promotion of human dignity and peace in the world.” It works to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during and after disasters, health emergencies and other crises. The Federation is served by a Secretariat based in Geneva, with regional and country offices throughout the world. The Secretariat is led by the IFRC Secretary General and provides the central capacity of the International Federation to serve, connect, and represent National Societies. The Secretariat’s focus includes providing support to the IFRC governance mechanisms; setting norms and standards; providing guidance; ensuring consistency, coordination, and accountability for performance; knowledge sharing; promoting collaboration within and respect for the RCRC Movement; and expanding engagement with partners. The Secretariat’s headquarters is organized in three main business groups: (i) Partnerships, including Movement and Membership; (ii) Programmes and Operations; and (iii) Management Services. The IFRC’s Supply Chain Department is a core function supporting the IFRC humanitarian action. The Department has a global network including: - a headquarters-based Supply Chain Management Department in Geneva - a Logistics Hub and Global Fleet office in Dubai - Five regional operational supply chain units located in Panama, Kuala Lumpur, Nairobi, Beirut and Budapest - logistics hubs - country-based logistics set-up Supply Chain Management is a function dedicated to: • Provide the goods and services as needed by IFRC to deliver to the most vulnerable; • Provide services to deliver visible value to the members, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain and strengthening its control; • Developing talents & future leaders.
Job Purpose
Working under the Global Advisor, Logistic Procurement and Supply Chain Compliance, the Senior Officer Global Pharmacist shall ensure effective Quality Assurance, the application of Good Distribution Practices, procedures in compliance with the quality requirements of health products
The incumbent will master the pharmaceutical strategy for the product quality within IFRC.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Key areas of influence and key internal relationships include:
Support the operations on the pharmaceuticals topics. Be accountable to effective implantation of the policies related to pharmaceuticals products. Work in close coordination with the global sourcing team, the health department and the operations. This role carries accountability for ensuing compliance with IFRC supply chain standards globally related to pharmaceuticals products.
Ensuring that global and local policies and procedures are conveyed to end users in the procurement of pharmaceuticals products.
Key Accountabilities
- Develop procedures for the QAQM procedures for pharmaceutical and medical products in close coordination with IFRC Health Department in Geneva and ensure the application of Good Distribution Practices, procedures in compliance with the quality requirements of medical products.
- Develop SOPs related to management of pharmaceutical and medical products, as well as the required forms such as a complaint and recall forms and ensure its proper implementation.
- Develop a process for the proper inspection of pharmaceuticals received and ensure it a proper implementation of QAQM requirements.
- Develop and implement a plan of regular inspections of its main wholesale suppliers and ensure that pre-qualification process of suppliers and medical products are strictly followed and duly documented as per QAQM requirements.
- Develop training materials related to quality assurance on pharmaceutical and medical products and ensure its proper dissemination organisation wide.
- Collaborate with the LPSCM global team for design and development of IFRC sourcing strategy for human, veterinary medicinal and laboratory products.
- Provide technical expert advice and support technically regions, delegations, health units and country programmes concerning legislative and regulatory matters and during the project’s inception on their medical needs to support an effective Supply Chain of pharmaceutical (including requirements for best storage practices for health products) and medical products.
- Ensure compliance of medical donations.
- Ensure proactive contribution within the with the movement and other organizations such as UNICEF, WHO, MSF in the field of pharmaceutical and medical products.
- Manage complaint file related to pharmaceutical products and produce regular reports as required.
- Represent the IFRC externally at seminars, workshops, presentations in the pharmaceutical field.
Education
Required:
- Pharmacist diploma or Master in medicines regulatory affairs or Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance
Experience
Required:
- Minimum of 5-8 years of relevant experience in managing pharmaceutical operations in Humanitarian sector
- Experience of pharmaceutical markets, in low-medium income
Preferred:
- Red Cross/Red Crescent knowledge and experience
Knowledge, skills and languages
Required:
- In-depth grasp of pharmacology
- Broad knowledge of humanitarian pharmacy issues
- Very good understanding of the pharmaceutical industry
- Good knowledge of the state of the world in pharmaceutical regulations and pharmaceutical markets Knowledge of Good Distribution Practices
- Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices
- Knowledge of Regulatory Affairs
- Knowledge of drugs
- Ability to synthesise and analyse complex data
Preferred:
- Knowledge of the hospital environment
- A broad understanding of humanitarian issues, disaster recovery and related organization
Competencies and values
Required:
- Fluently spoken and written English
Preferred:
- Good command of another IFRC official language (French, Spanish or Arabic)