Operational Pharmacist Mobile Implementation Officer – Nairobi or Brussels

CONTEXT

The medical department of MSF Belgium (OCB - Operational Center Brussels) plays a strategic role by defining the modalities of implementation of MSF’s medical strategy so that both coherence and quality can be safeguarded. Strategic support is given along the phases of the project cycle. It has a normative role and technical support function regarding implementation and follow-up of the projects. The medical department ensures knowledge transfer to the medical workforce and stimulates research and innovation by challenging current medical practices and scanning for new approaches. 

It is composed of multiple specialists based across a network of units worldwide (Belgium, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and South Africa) and works in close collaboration with Operations, other OCB departments and the MSF movement. We also support the projects of MSF Western & Central Africa (WaCa).  

Access to essential medicines is one of the main concerns of the medical and operational departments at MSF OCB. Thanks to their expertise and in collaboration with other departments, pharmacists are responsible for policies related to the supply, management, and use of medicines, therapeutic foods, and medical devices in MSF projects. The main activities covered by HQ pharmacists range from assessing the quality of pharmaceutical products to establishing good storage and distribution standards, good pharmaceutical practices, and promoting effective, safe, rational, and cost-effective use, applying WHO standards throughout the life cycle of pharmaceutical products.

Pharmacy management is a highly cross-functional area involving different departments. As Operational Pharmacist Mobile Implementation Officer (MIO), you have the crucial role of ensuring regular cross-functional communication and information sharing with all stakeholders.

You are part of the pharmaceutical unit, you report to the Pharma Unit Coordinator and functionally to the medical responsible person in the cell, and you work closely with other members of the pharmaceutical unit according to their respective responsibilities. You will also work closely with other members of the Medical Department, Operations (through the cells) and other departments (i.e., Supply Chain Department, etc.).

The Operational Pharmacist Mobile Implementation Officer plays a key role in operational support by acting as the pharmacy focal point for two cells, covering the following countries: South Sudan, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Chad, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Ukraine, Belgium, Poland, Serbia. In this capacity, you cover a range of topics, including stock management, Good Pharmacy Practice (GPP), and Good Distribution Practice (GDP).

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational support

• Responsible for supporting Operations (two cells) in all activities related to the pharmacy, in close collaboration with MEDOPs, SCOs, and HROs, with approximately 70% of your time spent in countries of operations and projects
• Provide frontline support to the countries within the cell, offering technical guidance. Clarify issues related to pharmaceutical activities (stock management, GPP and GDP) and propose practical solutions to resolve them
• Assist project teams in ensuring high-quality standards in good pharmacy practice in end-user units (including good dispensing practices, safe medication practices, and pharmacovigilance) as well as in the management of end-user pharmacies (structural management and planning in terms of space, layout, and storage conditions, administrative management in terms of tracking movements and stock levels, and data collection in terms of consumption)
• Ensure continuity of the pharmaceutical strategy in the country. For example: setting up storage, type of supply, managing constraints, limiting expiries…
• Adhere to and promote the international “Quality assurance policy” and the OCB’s “Management of Medical Items policy” and “the end-to-end supply chain policy” while ensuring pharmacy activities are under a pharmaceutical supervision
• Evaluate existing pharmacy management tools and implement the necessary tools to improve pharmacy management activities in projects
• Support the teams in drafting, uploading and validating a rational Medical Standard List and support in the implementation maintenance, and adherence in all projects
• Verify and streamline the use of non-standard items (NSI)
• Provide support for the preparation of medical orders, the annual review of operations (ARO), and the development of forecasts
• Collect the monthly Pharma SITREP and liaise with the Med cell, the Pharma unit, and relevant stakeholders, as needed, providing adequate support
• Collect CAPA reports from GSDP and GPP projects, follow up on them (in collaboration with the relevant contacts), and record them by context
• Help the pharmaceutical unit monitor compliance with and implementation of OCB standard policies, procedures, and tools (i.e., GPP, GSDP, etc.) for all pharmacy-related activities
• Perform gap-filling based on context and operational needs

Coaching country and project Pharmacist

• Coach and support country and project pharmacists, especially in complex contexts or when requested by the Section Pharmacist, Pool Manager, or Operations Manager, covering medical stocks and pharmacy management standards
• Ensure pharmacists in the relevant cell understand OCB expectations and responsibilities: technical expertise, rollout of new tools/technologies, people management, strategic analysis, and HR management
• Promote and monitor adherence to MSF procedures and policies

Pharma HR, briefings, and training

• Deliver on-the-job training during project visits, as needed, and ensure knowledge transfer on new policies, protocols, guidelines, and tools
• Provide clear guidance on pharmacy tools, procedures, and documentation to all staff involved in medical stock and pharmacy management (e.g. Project Medical Managers, Nursing Directors, and Project Pharmacists)
• Contribute to other pharmacy-related training when required
• Participate actively in Medical Department and Pharmaceutical Unit meetings, contribute to the Annual Review of Operations (ARO) when requested, and engage in cross-functional, multidisciplinary collaboration platforms as needed

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Pharmacy degree (or equivalent, depending on the country where the qualification was obtained)
• Registered pharmacist with a minimum of three years’ MSF project experience 
• Minimum 6 months of international MSF experience across several projects and contexts
• Experience implementing good storage and distribution practices and good pharmaceutical practices
• Hospital pharmacy experience is an asset
• Clinical pharmacist experience is an asset

Competencies

• Knowledge of MSF tools (Isystock, DART and MedOrder)
• Work and report independently
• Communicate well and act as an adviser and trainer
• Strong teamwork, organisation and problem-solving skills
• Ethical and professional attitude
• Good command of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and ability to analyse information
• Adaptability & Behavioural Flexibility
• Cross-cultural awareness

Languages

• Proficiency in English, both written & spoken is mandatory
• French is a strong asset
• Spanish or Arabic is an asset 

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: September 2026
• Location: Nairobi (Kenya) or Brussels (Belgium)**

*Other location/s where there is an MSF entity in a 2 hours' time zone difference could be exceptionally discussed. The final outcome depends on the residency of the candidate, the local legal limitations (residency, work permit, etc.) and on agreement with the hosting MSF entity of these locations 

** Due to legal administrative constraints, given the duration of the contract, candidates must already have a valid work permit with mention of "Unlimited access to the labor market" to work in Belgium

• Contract Type: Fixed-term contract - 2 years – full-time 
• Mobility: up to 70% in MSF projects
• Salary according to MSF-OCB mobile staff grid  
• Medical Insurance 100% covered as per international package; 45 leave days
• Contractual and salary conditions will be established according to the station, administrative/legal constraints (residence, visa or work permit, etc.) and in accordance with MSF's job scales and salary policies 
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment  
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments  

Deadline for applications: 9th of August 2026

How to apply? 

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button  

➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position  

➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter in French or English ready to upload  (in pdf format)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.  

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