Intersectional Coordinator of Pharmacist - Based in Nigeria W/M

Médecins Sans Frontières, international medical humanitarian association founded in 1971, provides medical assistance to populations whose lives are threatened: mainly in the event of armed conflict, but also epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters or exclusion from healthcare. The French section is present in around thirty countries.

This position is an intersectional position for all six sections (MSF OCA/OCBA/OCB/OCG/OCP-WACA mis-sions) operational in Nigeria and will be under the direct responsibility and supervision of the OCP Head of Mission and technically under the Medical Coordinator, both of whom are in direct link with the other MedCos/HoMs.

MISSION

The policy of National Agency for Food & Drug Administration (NAFDAC) requires a coherent and more efficient response from MSF. This person in collaboration with the deputy intersectional pharmacist will act as technical focal point, together with OCP Medco and HoM and Country Representative, in order to support proactively the negotiation with NAFDAC & Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) to clarify processes and legal responsibilities for MSF and support missions from the technical perspective. The ISP will also work in collaboration with the other relevant mission counterpart such us supply, transport and customs, and legal team, etc, on regarding topics such as New Single Window (NSW) import platform, IDEC follow-up, SONCAP certificate application, local procurement strategies etc. as these processes are closely linked between Pharmacy and Supply departments and where a coherent intersectional approach is required.

The intersectional pharmacist will work for MSF OCA/OCBA/OCB/OCG/OCP/WACA; acting as the technical focal person regarding support towards local authorities (primarily NAFDAC & FMoH), concerning medical product issues to assure intersectional coherence and cooperation. S/he is not assigned to replace or be the back-up of national or expatriate pharmacists during holidays; each section must manage this situation themselves.

The intersectional pharmacist will support the MSF missions in Nigeria, through teamwork with all concerned departments (medical, logistic/supply, finance), legal in solving specific supply issues related to the importation requirement implemented by the Nigerian authorities. This includes continuing the lobbying efforts to prioritize importation of medical products as well as provision of advice/ support to the missions and Section Pharmacists regarding any emergency local purchase requests. Also, to support technical coordination internally and re NAFDAC/FMoH on pharma issues.

Each section will continue to have their own stock and be responsible and accountable for their medical stock management including their own international order supply management (responsibility of the mission pharmacist and the pharmaceutical stock manager under supervision of medical coordinator, or Supply Log for certain sections).

Main responsibilities:

• To ensure that all medical coordinators, Section pharmacists, Int. Pharmacy Coordinator and MSF supply centers are aware of and updated on the national medicines regulations, guidelines and laws;
• To support the Country Pharmacists /MedCos and HoMs representing MSF to the authorities on l issues linked to medical products and others under NAFDAC regulation by means of lobbying and negotiation for a consistent and coordinated response, on behalf of all sections;
• To act as the lead for the annual NAFDAC Import Permit preparation, submission and follow-up including integration of permit approvals at MSF Supply center level. Liaison with ITCM and Supply teams regarding associated IDEC (tax/levy exemption) follow-up;
• To support all sections on the implementation of different aspects of the New single Entry Window (NSW), especially on NAFDAC related process.
• Participate in development of negotiation strategy/ risk analysis to secure the medical supply for MSF NG; as well as maintaining a local purchase database for these items with import constraints, if waiver not granted;
• To maintain the LoNO (letter of non-objection) repository (re annual renewal linked to NAFDAC waiver) and follow up on specific NAFDAC requirements for biological products and controlled drugs;
• To advise Pharma and Supply departments technically with the application of SONCAP (Standard Organization of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme) Import certificates or other import permits required (Chemical import permits, permit to import controlled medicines etc.)
• To ensure that all sections implement the same importation and supply rules in accordance with MSF Medical Procurement Policy;
• To collect data on the quality of the local market and help advising the Missions and Section Pharmacists on local purchase when importation is banned or in case of emergency;
• To be the focal point re pharmacovigilance, quality complaint & batch recall follow-up for medical products;
• To develop contacts and liaise with other NGOs, UN agencies and local organizations concerned with quality/availability of essential medicines (including WHO Country office) regarding pharmaceutical issues in a proactive manner.

Job requirements

Education: Pharmacy degree (or equivalent diploma according to the country of origin of the pharmacist) essential

Experience

• MSF field experience is mandatory
• Minimum 3 years professional experience, including 2 years of experience in developing countries with MSF
• Knowledge of MSF European Supply Centers highly recommended
• Experience with quality assurance and local market assessment is an asset

Knowledge and skills

• Strong interpersonal, planning and organizational skills
• Ability to work and report independently
• Excellent communication and diplomatic skills
• Sensitivity and knowledge of Nigeria cultural context important
• Good organization and management skills
• Professionalism, 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 & leadership
• People management & development
• Teamwork and cooperation

Languages: Fluency in English mandatory. French is an added advantage.

Employment conditions

Status:  Field-based position based in Nigeria. Full-time 12 months fixed term contract.

Remuneration: Salary level 13 according to MSF grid and experience.

Starting date: 15th of December 2026

To apply: Please submit your application (cover letter and CV) online by October 4th , 2026 here: Recruitment MSF

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Only selected candidates will be contacted.