Bangladesh: National Consultant (SSA) – Essential Drugs and Medicines

The purpose of this activity is to provide technical support to the Government of Bangladesh in its efforts to 1) improve national policies, strategies and plans on Essential Drugs and Medicines and 2) to strengthen the capacity of theNational Regulatory Authority (NRA) and affiliated entities as well as relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh.

Objectives:

To provide technical support to the Government of Bangladesh in the design, revision, implementation and monitoring of Essential Drugs and Medicines related policies, strategies and plans; and to strengthen the capacity of the government entities involved in the field of Essential Drugs and Medicines (e.g. Directorate General of Drug Administration; National Control Laboratory).

Roles and Responsibilities:

The Signatory will be assigned to the country National Regulatory Authority Focal Point, Directorate General Drug Administration, Dhaka; and the WHO Country Office and will have the following job responsibilities:

****1)****Provide technical support to the Government of Bangladesh in the development/improvement; implementation and evaluation of its national policies, strategies and plans as related to Essential Drugs and Medicines; other medical products & technologies;

****2)****Provide technical support to the Government of Bangladesh and relevant authorities on strengthening the rational use of drugs and medicines and anti-microbial resistance;

****3)****Provide technical support towards the strengthening of the Directorate General of Drug Administration in regard to its regulatory functions of drugs and medicines (including vaccines);

****4)****Support the generation of evidence and increased demand for the use of information in the policy process as related to Essential Drugs and Medicines (e.g. on pharmaceutical pricing, quality, availability, supply, use of treatment guidelines, formularies, drug regulation), in both public and private sector;

****5)****Support the implementation of the WHO related work plan activities in regard to Essential Drugs and Medicines, anti-microbial resistance, regulatory functions of the national drug authority, and medical technology;

****6)****To familiarize the related Government officials with WHO publication for Essential Medicines and provide relevant information for activities to the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, as well as other interested parties;

****7)****To facilitate the collaboration with relevant stakeholders (development partners, non-governmental organizations, academia, private sector etc.) in relation to access, quality and rational use of Essential Drugs and Medicines;

****8)****To prepare progress reports on programme implementation and recommend actions for improvements;

****9)****To perform any other relevant tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Education:

Essential:University degree in pharmacy with post graduate degree (master level) in public health or health management related area; or university degree in medicine with postgraduate degree (master level) in pharmacology or pharmaceutical related management disciplines.

Desirable:

Additional training in pharmacovigilance and or drug supply management.

Experience:

Essential

· At least 10 years of professional experience in the field of pharmacology /pharmacy / Essential Drugs and Medicines / quality assurance of medicines and drugs / procurement of medicines and drugs / supply chain management of medicines and drugs / research in any of the above areas.

Desirable

· Track record in supporting the process of formulating, planning and implementing policies related to Essential Drugs and Medicines;

· Experience in providing technical assistance on rational drug use principles (selection, prescribing and dispensing);

· Experience in supporting efforts to control antimicrobial resistance;

· Experience in assisting pharmaceutical regulation and quality control (medicines and health legislation, surveillance system);

Functional Knowledge and Skills

· Ability to interact with and advise government counterparts on technical areas related to Essential Drugs and Medicines;

· Ability to design and implement national policies, strategies and plans;

· Ability to establish harmonious working relationships as part of a team;

· Ability to maintain a high standard of personal conduct;

· Strong analytical aptitude.

Competencies:

· Teamwork

· Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences

· Communication

· Building and promoting partnerships across the organization and beyond

· Moving forward in a changing environment.

Languages:

· Excellent writing/reporting and editing skills, communication and presentation skills in English and Bengali.

Computer Literacy:

· Essential: Proficient in using computer software applications: MS – Office

Desirable: statistical package (e.g. SPSS or STATA)

Applicants should submit a brief resume of their relevant experience and other qualifications together with 2 sets of completed Personal History Form (PHF), Screening Questions, copies of educational certificate and give reasons for being suitable of the post.

A Personal History Form and detailed vacancy notice can be downloaded from http://www.searo.who.int/bangladesh/about/employment/en/.

Applicants are advised to send their applications by courier/registered mail to:

The WHO Representative, House No. CWN (A) 16, Road No.48, Gulshan # 2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh. Please send a soft copy of PHF to sebanregistry@who.int.

A written test using computer and an interview will be held only for qualifying candidates.

*"WHO is committed to workforce diversity and \*qualified female candidates are highly encouraged to apply***"**.*We regret that due to large volume of applications normally received, applications cannot be acknowledged individually.**This vacancy is open to Bangladeshi Nationals only*.*“Any attempt to unduly influence on WHO’s selection process will lead to automatic disqualification of the applicant.”