Options is a leading global health consultancy established in 1992 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Marie Stopes International. We manage health programmes that ensure vulnerable women and children can access the high quality health services they need. We work with partners to co-create and implement locally informed solutions to complex health problems. This includes governments, development partners, NGOs, civil society and health workers. Our programming is flexible, evidence-based and politically informed. This means we adapt to changing contexts, use data to inform our decisions and ensure our approach is appropriate. Our focus is always on building local skills and systems that last.

Nepal Health Sector Support Programme (NHSSP) is a technical assistance programme to the Government of Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), funded with UK Aid, designed to support the goals of Nepal Health Sector Strategy (2015/16 - 2020/21) and contribute to the MoHP’s efforts to provide quality health services leaving no-one behind. It is implemented by a consortium led by Options, with HERD International and Oxford Policy Management.

Options seeks a Pharmacist to provide technical assistance (TA) under the Leadership and Governance Thematic Area. The aim of this thematic area is to provide effective technical inputs to the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) /DoHS to enable them to deliver against the objectives of NHSP 3, especially policy performance improved through better formulated and implemented policies across the spheres, with governance functions carried out efficiently, effectively, equitably and in a responsive manner.

The main responsibility of the Pharmacist is to build the technical capacities within the Management Division/Logistics Management Section of the MoHP, and provincial & local procurement entities to establish/strengthen procurement processes for pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical goods and services; ensure that these comply with the procedures of the Public Procurement Act and Regulations of Nepal and of other relevant regulatory authorities; and aim to make processes transparent and duty-bearers accountable.

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• Minimum 8 - 10 years’ professional experience in procurement issues with a special focus on health products and pharmaceuticals
• Specific experience in the policy development, procurement, project management of health related products (including preparing technical specifications of medicines, processes, market knowledge, etc.)
• Good understanding of pharmaceutical and drug related laws and policies in Nepal and of the regional market
• Knowledge and experience on GMP and quality assurance of pharmaceutical items
• Knowledge of supply chain management
• Skills and attributes
• Strong leadership skills
• Self-starter, able to work independently or as part of a team
• Critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Excellent planning and organising skills
• Ability to make and articulate clear decisions
• Strong internal and external communication and facilitation skills
• Ability to collaborate and be a team worker
• Excellent negotiation abilities
• Willingness to travel within Nepal
• Commitment to equal opportunities
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• The right to work in Nepal

Application process

• Closing date for applications: 19 March 2020
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.
• Please note that this role will be subject to full pre-employment background checks including criminal record check, identification check, employment references and right to work verification (where appropriate).

Other information

• Options is an equal opportunities employer
• Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment.
• We seek people who are pro-choice, energetic and enthusiastic about Options’ vision
• UK Aid / NHSSP is an equal opportunities employer and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply, including under-represented groups, specifically women and people with disabilities.