Senior Technical Specialist

OVERVIEW

Under the leadership of the Head of Pooled Procurement Services, the Senior Technical Specialist, PPS is a professional technical expert who will support the strategic vision of the OECS PPS. The Senior Technical Specialist will develop and implement a comprehensive quality assurance programme for Pharmaceuticals, Medical, Laboratory, Diagnostic, Assistive and other Medical Commodities/Products and ensure commodity security in the Health Supply Chain. This includes pharmacovigilance and the conduct of Medicine Utilisation Reviews (MUR) in partnership with relevant stakeholders.

The role will be responsible for creating an environment of trust, open communication and innovative thinking in which teams can be developed and engaged.

KEY DUTIES

The Senior Technical Specialist, PPS is responsible for the following:

Quality Assurance:

• Manage the quality assurance programme ensuring commodity security of medicines and Laboratory Supplies within the supply chain, including technical review for prequalification of suppliers, submit samples to quality control labs and monitor product quality and complaints (pharmacovigilance) and liaise with the Caribbean Regulatory System.
• Lead in conducting annual MUR within a chosen Member State on a selected topic.
• Monitor and promote good pharmaceutical practice and care by taking the lead on the relevant assessments and reviews and providing relevant information and guidance to Member States to ensure health commodity security.
• Develop creative and practical solutions based on evaluation and integration of multiple factors to support quality assurance and all health commodity security within the Member States.
• Develop, implement, and monitor quality assurance and health commodity security policies and procedures for medicines and other health commodities to enable the work of PPS.
• Provide technical advice and present technical reports and documents at PPS Policy Board and Tenders Sub Committee/Technical Advisory Committee meetings.
• Lead contributor on key initiatives and projects related to quality assurance and commodity security of pharmaceuticals, medical, laboratory, diagnostic and assistive products.
• Facilitate, lead and act on reports from quarterly meetings with Central Medical Stores (CMS) managers, Lab Managers.
• Lead, report, and act on the technical meetings of the Formulary and Therapeutic Committee, Drugs Tender Committee, Laboratory Supplies Committee and other Technical Committees required to facilitate the work of the Unit.

Collaboration and Capacity Building:

• Partner with the Health Unit to lead the successful delivery of Health projects.
• Work across multiple critical health-related programmes to provide technical expertise and advisory on health-related aspects and commodity security.
• Develop functional information and knowledge products to contribute to the body of research on pharmaceuticals, medical products and other health commodities in the OECS.
• Develop strong internal and external networks with technical stakeholders to ensure quality assurance of pharmaceuticals, commodity security of medical products and other health commodities within the OECS.
• Identify and facilitate training, workshops, capacity building and continuous education sessions for Member States on emerging issues as required.

Communication and Advocacy:

• Partner with the Communications Unit to contribute towards the advocacy and communication relating to the work of PPS
• In collaboration with the Head of Procurement, Head of Health Unit and Procurement Manager, lead in preparation and publishing of a Bi-annual brief.
• Carry out such other related duties as may be required from time to time by the Head of PPS.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy with relevant Master’s degree (Health Administration, Business Administration).
• At least 5 years’ experience in relevant industry.
• Knowledge of pharmacology and pharmaceutical quality assurance mechanisms.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including strong presentation and reporting skills.
• Experience and skills in the Microsoft Suite of programmes (including Microsoft PowerPoint, Project, MS Excel, Word).
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Diplomacy skills and experience working with Ministers of Health and Senior Government Officials.
• Strong relationship management skills.
• Strong assessment and analysis skills applied to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Applies advanced knowledge of industry practice and standards.
• Applies project management skills/techniques.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• High attention to detail.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

JOB LOCATION

The OECS Commission is headquartered in Castries, Saint Lucia. The position of Senior Technical Specialist is stationed at the OECS Commission headquarters.

The OECS Commission values workforce diversity and is open to considering eligible applicants of all backgrounds, genders, religions, and sexual orientations.

Strong emphasis will be placed on recruiting nationals from all OECS Member States. The Commission is particularly underrepresented by nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Anguilla, The British Virgin Islands, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Candidates from these Member States are encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS

The position is on a fixed-term establishment. The OECS Commission offers a competitive compensation and benefits package which will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The incumbent will be eligible for membership in the Organisation’s non-contributory Group Health and Life Insurance Scheme. 

Only applications under consideration will be acknowledged.