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. Strategical 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 of 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 MSF movement. We are also supporting the projects of MSF WACA.

With the transition from the Access Campaign to the new Access to Products for Healthcare (APH) structure, OCB and OCG will continue supporting key initiatives within the HIV and HCV portfolios that fall outside the ‘common priorities’ of the new model. In HIV, the focus will primarily be on expanding access to long-acting injectable antiretrovirals (ARV) for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Meanwhile, in the Hepatitis C portfolio, efforts will center on securing access to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) where operationally relevant.

This work aligns with MSF’s strategic objective of ensuring equitable access to essential medicines and diagnostics during a period of transition of the Access Campaign to the new APH structure. Given OCB’s leading role in HIV within MSF, a team will be set-up composed of an HIV & Hepatitis C Access Advocacy Manager, a pharmacist and a communication officer in SAMU (South African Medical Unit). This team will make the long-acting ARV’s (antiretroviral) and Hepatitis C commodities accessible to MSF patients and beyond.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

External

• Follow-up on the negotiations with Viiv on access to CAB-LA for middle-income countries
• Ensure advocacy and communication around issues is planned in consultation with SAMU and the HIV Working Group
• Alongside SAMU, monitor trial results for lenacapavir as well as timelines for regulatory application Monitor Gilead commercial strategies for lenacapavir, particularly with regards to voluntary licensing
• Monitor trial results for lenacapavir as well as timelines for regulatory application alongside SAMU
• Monitor Gilead commercial strategies for lenacapavir, particularly with regards to voluntary licensing
• Follow up on developments in the WHO (World health Organization) prequalification of lenacapavir (validation of products, advocacy on drugs to be included in expression of interest, etc.) and Global Fund ERP, in collaboration with international pharmacy coordinator
• Maintain contact and exchange with relevant external actors and stakeholders on HIV PrEP (WHO HIV Department, The Global Fund, and others)
• Monitor and influence access and pricing policies of Viiv and Gilead with regards to CAB-LA and lenacapavir, respectively, at a global level and their implementation in target countries
• Represent MSF in relevant external committees as required

Internal

• Prepare overviews on milestones achieved and challenges in access to long-acting PrEP and HCV DAAs for the pharmacist network and the MSF specific working groups (including presentations and briefing papers)
• Monitor and document the development and regulatory status of long-acting PrEP products and HCV DAAs in selected (low income, and low-middle-income) countries
• Participate and provide pharmaceutical input to the MSF HIV working group meetings, including presentations and updates from WHO or other technical/external meetings
• Support MSF projects in all pharmaceutical related issues for injectable PrEP
• Inform section and procurement centre pharmacists about relevant HIV PrEP issues, provide necessary support, and address their queries and requests
• Facilitate internal trainings and in regional symposia to promote access to quality assured HIV PrEP medicines
• Coordinate the data collection and analysis on injectable ARV medicines sources and prices required for MSF reports, as well as ‘ad hoc’ reports as needed
• Respond to requests on price and other access barriers for individual products; analyse barriers, propose strategies, and participate in the implementation of strategies
• Provide technical input and review for the communications team and other members of the medical and operational teams needing support on publications, presentations and press releases as related to medicines

REQUIREMENTS

Education and experience

• Degree in Pharmacy (or equivalent diploma according to the country of origin of the pharmacist)
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, including some experience in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) with MSF or another similar medical organization
• Experience with dossier assessment for quality assurance and procurement is a strong asset
• Knowledge of the WHO Prequalification Program and The Global Fund is an asset
• Knowledge and experience with HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C is a strong asset
• Advocacy experience is a strong asset

Competencies

• Strategic Vision
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Strong organizational skills, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Strong communication and networking skills
• Analytical skills, detail-oriented, task management and organizational skills
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to work autonomously and solution oriented
• Strong team player and collaborative attitude
• Cross-cultural Awareness
• Flexibility to carry out project visits in all MSF relevant contexts

Languages

• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken is mandatory
• Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or French is an asset

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: As soon as possible
• Location**: Brussels* (Belgium)

* Due to legal administrative constraints, given the duration of the contract, candidates must already have the permanent right as Belgian or EU national, and/or valid work permit with mention of "Unlimited access to the labor market" to work in Belgium

**Other location/s where there is an MSF entity could be discussed. The 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 and in compliance with the standard MSF function and salary grids

• Contract type: Fixed-term contract – Part-time (50%)
• Contract duration: 12 months
• Salary according to MSF-OCB HQ grid
• The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate and in compliance with the standard MSF function and salary grids
• Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – Meal vouchers – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs
• 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: 22nd of April 2025

How to Apply:

HOW TO APPLY?

• Submit your application via the ‘Apply here’ button onb the vacancy page
• 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 English ready to upload (preferably 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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