Technical Officer, Essential Medicines
Organizational Context
The WHO African Region's Medicines and Health Products Division (MDI Programme) aims to enhance Member States' access to quality-assured, affordable medicines, health products, and technologies. This role supports the development and implementation of evidence-based policies and strategies to strengthen pharmaceutical systems, regulatory capacities, and supply chain management, ultimately contributing to Universal Health Coverage.
Job Purpose
This role provides crucial technical guidance to WHO's efforts in the African region, focusing on improving access to essential medicines and health products, particularly for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The incumbent will guide countries and regional bodies in generating data, coordinating joint activities like pooled procurement, and implementing WHO essential packages. The purpose is to build capacity and transform pharmaceutical systems to ensure universal access to essential medicines, aligning with WHO resolutions and plans. This involves supporting national strategies, fostering partnerships, promoting donor coordination, and conducting monitoring and evaluation to inform policy and decision-making for better health outcomes.
Responsibilities
Provide technical guidance on access to essential medicines and health products in the African region, with an NCD focus. Guide countries and regional bodies on R&D, selection, pricing, financing, procurement, supply management, quality assurance, and availability/affordability of medicines. Coordinate platforms and support joint activities, including pooled procurement and harmonization of pharmaceutical practices. Define and implement WHO essential packages to build capacity and transform pharmaceutical systems for universal access. Offer technical support for planning, implementing, and monitoring national strategies. Promote internal and external communication and partnerships with stakeholders. Support harmonization initiatives and convergence of pharmaceutical practices at regional and continental levels. Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships, including resource mobilization and advocacy. Promote donor coordination and provide guidance on advocacy strategies. Conduct monitoring and evaluation, disseminating evidence-based results to support policy and decision-making. Collaborate with and support countries in implementing best practices. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Work Experience
Essential: Minimum of seven years of relevant experience in essential medicines management, analysis, costing, and procurement at national and international levels, with at least five years in resource-limited countries. Experience in capacity building or advising national health authorities on essential medicines is required. Desirable: Experience in developing procurement protocols and guidelines for essential medicines.
Skills
Knowledge of policies, strategies, guidelines, and protocols for essential medicines development and management. Skills in identifying clinical and pharmaceutical best practices, particularly for NCDs. Experience in analyzing and managing procurement, storage, and distribution systems for medicines and medical products. Ability to develop and implement norms and standards. Documented participation in resource mobilization and advocacy. Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to write scientific documents and provide technical advice. Proven interpersonal skills for consensus-building and proactive issue resolution. Diplomacy, tact, and courtesy.