Specialist, Quality Management System

This requisition is for employment at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)/Regional Office of the World Health Organization (WHO)

The primary objective of the Department of Health Systems and Services is to strengthen health systems based on Primary Health Care, supporting universal health coverage. Its work encompasses the following areas: strengthening of health systems governance for social protection in health; strengthening of regulatory frameworks and financial protection for progressive realization of the right to health; organizing people-centered, integrated health service delivery; promoting access to and rational use of quality, safe, and effective health technologies; strengthening national health research systems, and promoting the integration of scientific knowledge into health care, health policies, and technical cooperation; and developing human resources for health.

Under the general supervision of the Director, Health Systems and Services (HSS), and the direct supervision of the Unit Chief, Medicines and Health technologies (HSS/MT), the incumbent is responsible for, but not necessarily limited to, the following assigned duties:

1. Review and analyze technical information submitted by manufacturers for bid solicitations and request for quotes (RFQs) for both PAHO Revolving Funds (Revolving Fund and Strategic Fund);
2. Identify missing information from technical dossiers and follow-up with PAHO Procurement and Supply Management (PRO) Department, including information required to maintain supplier/product databases;
3. Analyze data of products procured by the PAHO Revolving Funds to determine product traceability and product performance in relation to its quality, safety and efficacy by reviewing and analyzing alerts related to product quality, issued by National Regulatory Authorities, WHO and pharmacovigilance networks, and statistical analysis when required;
4. Provide technical support to Member States on the eligibility and technical requirements compliance of vaccines, medicines and health-related supplies under Organization’s Revolving Fund mechanisms, and address concerns on quality assurance of products procured, including cold chain excursions occurred outside of recommended storage conditions;
5. Provide technical support for the overall management of the eligibility and technical requirements compliance of vaccines, medicines and health-related supplies under Organization’s Revolving Fund mechanisms;
6. Implement procedures to improve Quality Management System of the PAHO Revolving Funds, including those for the selection of products procured by PAHO Revolving Funds;
7. Liaison with technical counterparts in WHO on matters related to prequalification processes and pipeline products that could affect PAHO Revolving Funds;
8. Participate in the review, analysis and evaluation of products procured for modifications, improvements and streamlining of processes;
9. Participate in meetings with internal and/or external stakeholders, including national and regional meetings with PAHO Member States;
10. Support the evidence-based decisions/procedures to update the Strategic Fund Medicine List;
11. Participate in the implementation and development of the technical activities of the Revolving Funds as defined in the Biennial Work Plan (BWP);
12. Perform other duties, as assigned.

Essential: A bachelor’s degree in a pharmaceutical science or related field from a recognized university.

In the event that your candidature is retained for an interview, you will be required to provide, in advance, a scanned copy of the degree(s)/diploma(s)/certificate(s) required for this position. WHO, only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed through the link: http://www.whed.net/. PAHO will also use the databases of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation http://www.chea.org and College Navigator, found on the website of the National Centre for Educational Statistics, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator to support the validation process.

Essential: Five years of combined national and international experience in programs or activities related to global health, medicines management, regulatory systems, quality management systems or medicine quality assurance, or technical cooperation on medicines and other health technologies.

• Overall attitude at work: Maintains integrity and takes a clear ethical approach and stance; demonstrates commitment to the Organization’s mandate and promotes the values of the Organization in daily work and behavior; is accountable for work carried out in line with own role and responsibilities; is respectful towards, and trusted by, colleagues and counterparts.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings. Identifies conflicts in a timely manner and addresses them as necessary; understands issues from the perspective of others; does not interpret/ attribute conflicts to cultural, geographical or gender issues.
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences: Treats all people with dignity and respect. Relates well to people with different cultures, gender, orientations, backgrounds and/or positions; examines own behavior to avoid stereotypical responses; considers issues from the perspective of others and values their diversity.
• Communication: Quality and quantity of communication targeted at audience. Listens attentively and does not interrupt other speakers. Adapts communication style and written content to ensure they are appropriately and accurately understood by the audience (e.g., power-point presentations, communication strategies, implementation plans). Shares information openly with colleagues and transfers knowledge, as needed.
• Knowing and managing yourself: Remains productive even in an environment where information or direction is not available, and when facing challenges; recovers quickly from setbacks, where necessary. Manages stress positively; remains positive and productive even under pressure; does not transfer stress to others. Seeks feedback to improve knowledge and performance; shows self- awareness when seeking and receiving feedback; uses feedback to improve own performance. Seeks informal and/or formal learning opportunities for personal and professional development; systematically learns new competencies and skills useful for job; takes advantage of learning opportunities to fill competencies and skill gaps.
• Moving forward in a changing environment: Suggests and articulates effective and efficient proposals for change as needed when new circumstances arise. Quickly and effectively adapts own work approach in response to new demands and changing priorities. Is open to new ideas, approaches and working methods; adjusts own approach to embrace change initiatives.
• Producing Results: Prioritizes work and makes planning/Organizational adjustments as necessary; seeks clarification from supervisor on timelines, as needed. Uses feedback and inputs from supervisor to achieve results. Produces quality results and has frequent discussions with supervisor to achieve results. Is action-oriented and sees tasks through to completion. Shows understanding of own role and responsibilities in relation to expected results. Solicits and accepts direction and guidance from supervisor and team members and takes responsibility for own work and actions, as appropriate.

• Ability to integrate and apply good practices in pharmaceutical procurement; quality assurance standards and/or compliance with standard operational procedures and guidelines.
• Knowledge of tools and approaches for implementing a Quality Management Systems in a complex organizational environment.
• Strong analytical, planning and operational skills.
• Ability to use analytical tools, as well as quantitative and qualitative techniques.
• Mature judgment, strong technical, analytical, conceptual, inter-personal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to identify, assess, analyze, synthesize and provide recommendation on key political and technical issues.
• Ability to manage multiple issues and tasks in a complex organizational environment to re-prioritize actions on short notice.
• Strong professional oral and writing skills including the development of reports, oral presentations, and technical/persuasive documents for consideration at the highest levels of the Organization.

Very good knowledge of English or Spanish with a working knowledge of the other language. Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an asset.

Demonstrated ability to effectively use a computer and utilize software programs such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Other IT skills and knowledge of logistics management information systems and other software programs such as Visio, SharePoint, Access, SPC Explorer RT and/or Workday would be an asset.

Post Adjustment: 50.4% of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to PAHO Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and e-Manual.

PAHO/WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

PAHO/WHO offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary and post adjustment, which reflects the cost of living in a particular duty station and exchange rates (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance). Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave, dependency benefits, pension plan and health insurance scheme. Benefits for internationally recruited staff may include home leave, travel and removal expenses on appointment and separation, education grant for dependent children, assignment grant and rental subsidy.

Candidates appointed to an international post with PAHO are subject to mobility and may be assigned to any activity or duty station of the Organization throughout the world.

All applicants are required to complete an on-line profile to be considered for this post.

Candidates will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. A written test and/or interview will be held for this post. The post description is the official documentation for organization purposes.