Deputy Intersectional Pharmacist at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) - French

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an International Private non-governmental, non-profit, humanitarian organization created in 1971. We offer medical assistance to population in distress, victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflicts irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. Médecins Sans Frontières observes neutrality and impartiality in the name of universal medical ethics and the right to humanitarian assistance and demands full and unhindered freedom in the exercise of its functions. MSF works in over 70 countries globally and has been working continuously in Nigeria since 1996. Médecins Sans Frontières West and Central Africa -(MSF-WaCA) is currently operating in 5 countries of Africa. In Nigeria we are present in two states: Cross river (Southern part of the country) and Kano (Northern part of the country).

The French Section of Medecins Sans Frontieres is currently recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Deputy Intersectional Pharmacist

Location: Abuja
Contract type: Fixed Term - Contract
Contract: 208 working hours per month

Main Purpose

• The Deputy Intersectional Pharmacist will be working in collaboration with the MSF Intersectional Pharmacist (ISP) to support proactively all six MSF sections currently present in Nigeria with 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.
• The Intersection Pharma team will also work in collaboration with the intersectional transport & customs manager regarding topics such as IDEC follow-up, SONCAP certificate application etc. and with the intersectional procurement manager on local procurement strategies etc. as these processes are closely linked between Pharmacy and Supply departments and a coherent intersectional approach is required.
• The Intersectional Pharmacy team will work in collaboration with all HoMs, MedCos, Pharmacy Coordinators / Mission Pharmacists, intersectional transport & customs manager, Intersectional procurement manager, 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 the intersectional pharmacists and either the Section Pharmacists or mission/country pharmacists/pharmacist coordinator of any of the sections present in Nigeria.

Job Description

• The DISP will generally be involved in compiling and sharing of information, technical representation and support, importation, local procurement, quality/ pharmacovigilance issues and reporting.
• 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 (HoMs/MedCos) 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 MedCos.
• Support the ISP in representing MSF Nigeria missions (on behalf of all MSF sections) towards the authorities from the technical perspective on medical importation procedures among others, ensuring a coherent and consistent communication with authorities (in accordance to the “one MSF” approach).
• Ensure communication on pharma issues (meetings with NAFDAC, requests from NAFDAC, notifications/circulars, etc.) is shared between the different OCs including mission pharmacists and MedCos. Support the ISP to centralize the response on technical requests and notifications to NAFDAC.
• Support the ISP with daily/routine follow-up tasks with the sections & authorities on regular activities, to relieve the different pharmacy departments. In particular (but not limited to):
• Intersectional NAFDAC follow up of samples and lab results; maintenance of an Excel database 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 clearance on routine issues related to cargo clearance and communication with NAFDAC PID.
• Follow up at sub-director level (assistants etc.) e.g. on pending import waiver applications.
• Support the pharma teams in different sections with application for various permits (narcotics, chemical permits, etc.)
• Support in ensuring stability and continuity of activities by covering gaps in ISP absence and participating in briefings of new MSF personnel (MedCos, HoMs, SupplyCos, LogCos, Mission Pharmacists / PharmaCos).
• Support ISP to ensure compliance of all MSF sections with the import regulations of Nigeria 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.
• DepISP to follow up with the other pharmacists prior to the submission to NAFDAC, to ensure that the deadlines are respected by all sections. After submission, DepISP to follow up with the Assistant Directors in NAFDAC on the pending waiver approvals.
• 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.
• Whenever possible, support negotiations with NAFDAC regarding import waivers for items listed on the NCS (Nigeria Customs Service) import prohibition list and NAFDAC ceiling list.
• Where needed, support ISP to obtain/renew annual Letters of Non-objection (LoNOs) by following up with local importers and marketing authorization holders.
• Follow up on NAFDAC Quality Control Laboratory procedures, samplings, results, and feedbacks provided to MSF sections to promote an intersectional cooperation.
• During the preparation and screening of cargoes prior to their shipment DepISP to advise the pharmacists in different MSF sections regarding potential importation constraints (e.g. on packaging or language issues, additional import certificates needed, or if any items have to be unpacked etc.). To reduce of risk of cargo blockages and avoid the incurring of fines.
• The job description may be amended in line with the activities or evolution of the Mission.

Requirements
Education Essential:

• Candidates should possess a University Degree / B. Pharm

Experience:
Essential:

• 3 years’ professional experience including 2 years’ experience with NGOs
• Experience with pharmacy regulatory authorities in Nigeria.

Desirable:

• Working experience with NAFDAC or FMoH
• Experience with quality assurance and local assessment is a strong asset.
• MSF experience

Languages:

• Fluency in English is mandatory

Competencies:

• 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.

Remuneration
According to MSF salary scale plus 13th month allowance equivalent to 1 month of gross salary.

Application Closing Date
19th October, 2025.