The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the world’s largest humanitarian network, is seeking to fill a critical position within its Nairobi office: Senior Officer, Pharmacist Quality Assurance and Compliance Medical Procurement.
This opportunity is designed for a committed and qualified professional with experience in pharmaceutical quality assurance within the humanitarian or commercial sectors. The selected candidate will join a global team at the forefront of humanitarian aid and supply chain excellence, ensuring safe, effective, and compliant delivery of medical supplies.
The position offers a two-year contract and plays a vital role in supporting IFRC’s supply chain operations worldwide, particularly in relation to quality management of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
About IFRC
IFRC is composed of 191 member National Societies, operating through a robust structure of headquarters in Geneva, five regional offices (Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, and the Americas), and country cluster delegations. IFRC works to improve the lives of vulnerable people before, during, and after crises. Guided by principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality, the organization commits to zero tolerance for misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse.
The Supply Chain Department is an integral function in IFRC’s humanitarian mission. With a network of global hubs, regional units, and logistics centers, the department ensures timely and quality-assured delivery of goods and services needed in field operations.
Vacancy Details
- Job Title: Senior Officer, Pharmacist Quality Assurance and Compliance Medical Procurement
- Vacancy No.: S13926
- Contract Type: National
- Application Deadline: 14 April 2025
- Job Posted On: 31 March 2025
- Country: Kenya
- Duty Station: Nairobi
- Duration: 24 Months
- Grade: National Staff
Organizational Context
This role is situated within IFRC’s global supply chain network and reports to the Global Lead, Procurement. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with regional procurement teams, the health department, and field operations. A core responsibility will be ensuring alignment with WHO MQAS, Good Distribution Practices (GDP), and the IFRC Procurement Manual’s quality protocols for medical supplies.
Job Purpose
To ensure effective quality assurance (QA) and regulatory compliance of pharmaceuticals and medical devices procured by the IFRC. The incumbent will contribute to the development and implementation of procurement QA procedures in line with global standards and support IFRC’s localization strategy for medical procurement.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
1. Quality Assurance and Compliance
- Implement updated procurement and QA procedures for medical supplies in line with IFRC quality requirements and GDP.
- Ensure all medical products procured comply with national and international standards, such as the WHO Model Essential Medicines List (EML).
- Oversee technical and regulatory evaluation of pharmaceutical offers from vendors across regional offices.
- Maintain a QA database for medical supplies and ensure data accuracy and currency.
2. Supplier Management
- Assist in the prequalification process for suppliers (both local and international) in line with IFRC standards.
- Maintain the Approved Vendor List to ensure access to compliant suppliers.
- Evaluate vendor performance and ensure only certified, quality-compliant suppliers are engaged.
3. Training and Development
- Develop training materials on QA for pharmaceutical and medical products.
- Ensure effective organization-wide dissemination and adoption of training content.
- Provide ongoing technical support to National Societies and requesters on quality-related issues.
4. Coordination and Representation
- Work closely with the IFRC Health units and regional procurement teams.
- Represent IFRC in external workshops and seminars in the field of humanitarian pharmacy.
- Proactively contribute to inter-agency cooperation with stakeholders like UNICEF, WHO, and MSF.
5. Regulatory Oversight
- Support the enforcement of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), GDP, and related pharmaceutical regulations across IFRC operations.
- Monitor and manage complaint files related to pharmaceutical supplies.
- Ensure the proper handling and reporting of medical donations to meet quality and regulatory standards.
Duties Applicable to All IFRC Staff
- Actively work towards achieving the goals of the IFRC Secretariat.
- Uphold the principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in all activities.
- Perform other duties as may be assigned by the line manager within the scope of the role.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Note: Qualifications provided here are directly as listed and must not be altered.
- Education: Degree in pharmacy, health science, or related field. Master’s degree in drug regulatory affairs or pharmaceutical quality assurance is required.
- Experience:
- 5–8 years in pharmaceutical operations in the humanitarian or commercial sector.
- Prior experience in pharmaceutical markets within low-to-middle income countries is preferred.
- Prior Red Cross/Red Crescent knowledge and experience is considered a strong asset.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Languages
- Strong understanding of pharmacology and pharmaceutical regulations.
- Deep knowledge of humanitarian pharmacy operations and global pharmaceutical market dynamics.
- Familiarity with GDP, GMP, and Regulatory Affairs is essential.
- Proven ability to analyze complex data and manage quality compliance systems.
- Excellent communication in English; French is desirable. Spanish or Arabic is a plus.
Core Competencies and Values
- Core Values: Respect for diversity, integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
- Core Competencies:
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Sound judgment and decision-making
- Creativity and innovation
- Building trust with National Societies and stakeholders
How to Apply
Qualified and interested individuals are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a globally recognized humanitarian organization and contribute to delivering high-quality medical aid where it’s needed most.
Application Deadline: 14 April 2025
Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya
Contract Duration: 24 months
Apply Now
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