International Expert on Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)

Remote | Home Based - May require travel

Organization: UNIDO - United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Location: Remote | Home Based - May require travel
Grade: Volunteer - International Specialist - Internationally recruited Volunteer
Occupational Groups:
- Pharmacy
- Medical Doctor
Closing Date: Closed

Requisition ID: 4234
Grade: ISA-Specialist
Country: Home Based
Duty Station: Home Based
Category: International Consultant
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Non-staff WAE
Contract Duration: 55 working days over a period
Application Deadline: 08-Aug-2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)

Vacancy Announcement
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT OF PROJECT PERSONNEL
Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The Directorate of Technical Cooperation and Sustainable Industrial Development (TCS), headed by a Managing Director, oversees the Organization's development of capacities for industrial development as well as industrial policy advice, statistics and research activities and the Organization's normative contribution to Member States and global development community in achieving the SDGs. The Directorate also ensures the application of strategies and interventions for sustainable industrial development related to Environment, Energy, SMEs, Competitiveness and Job creation, as well as Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Through coordination in-house and with Member States and industry stakeholders, it ensures that the services provided in these areas contribute toward effective and appropriate technical, business and policy solutions and are focused on results and on realizing any potential for scaling up and positioning UNIDO as a leading platform for industrial development in developing countries and global fora.

The Division of SME Competitiveness, Quality and Job Creation (TCS/SME) works towards increasing the competitiveness of industries in developing countries and countries in transition, especially emphasizing business development of SMEs engaged in manufacturing and creating jobs therein. It aims at increasing competitiveness among SMEs in two interconnected ways: first, by modernizing businesses through the transfer of advanced technologies adapted to local conditions, product innovation, productivity improvement and upgrading, developing market and value chain readiness as well as improved access to finance; and second, by improving the quality of SME manufactured products and their compliance with market requirements through capacity building for the development of industrial production and trade-related quality infrastructure including for standardization, metrology, accreditation and of conformity assessment service institutions (testing, certification, inspection and calibration) and the strengthening of their capacities.

The incumbent works under the overall guidance of the Division Chief and the direct supervision of the Industrial Development Officer serving as Team Lead for Health Industries and managing the UNIDO project “Increasing African production of vaccines and essential medicines through business linkages and technology transfer” (ID: 220179), which is funding this position.

PROJECT CONTEXT

The aim of the project “Strengthening the production of vaccines and pharmaceuticals in Senegal” (UNIDO ID 230283) is to enhance the capacity of Senegalese manufacturing companies, including local pharmaceutical manufacturers and Institut Pasteur du Dakar, to produce quality-assured essential medicines and vaccines, reduce compliance on imports and improve access to regional population to pharmaceutical products.

UNIDO will bring its decades-long experience to bear in Senegal, initially in conducting comprehensive baseline ecosystem assessments of the national pharmaceutical industry, including the policy framework, incentives, infrastructure, regulatory and procurement systems, to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The assessments will help the country gain a better and more nuanced understanding of the sector's status, market dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and technological capabilities. UNIDO will specifically use its considerable convening power and proven ability to foster linkages between the various stakeholders from the public and private sector, global public health institutions, financing institutions, global regulatory bodies, mature industries in the developed world, and academia.

The main target groups for this project are public institutions such as the Delivery Unit and SMEs from Senegal associated with the pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem. UNIDO’s interventions are based on a systemic and holistic approach that involves all key stakeholders, from policymakers, regulators, industry, to market intelligence companies, multi-lateral organizations and technical partners, and donors. The project will aim to coordinate the activities of different players at national, regional, and continental levels. Specifically, UNIDO will support the DU in mobilizing and aligning inter-ministerial coordination between, for example, finance, health, trade, and industry as a crucial intervention in Senegal.

The main project counterparts are the Pharmaceutical Delivery Unit (DU) of MSAS, National Regulatory Agency (ARP), National Supply Pharmacy (SEN-PNA), National Association of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers.

FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the close supervision of the Project Manager and the project team, the International Expert shall fulfil the following duties:

Assess the readiness of companies for API production:

Evaluate the current capabilities and readiness of private sector companies in Senegal to start producing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs).

Assess the types of APIs that can be introduced: synthetic, semi-synthetic, herbal, and biotech., including market opportunities.

Develop a comprehensive guideline for future assessments:

Create a publication that can serve as a guideline for assessing company readiness and developing API production capabilities in other countries.

Training and Workshops: Conduct trainings and workshops for participants from private sector companies in Senegal.
Stakeholder Engagement: Actively participate in discussions and engage with public and private sector stakeholders in Senegal.

Main Duties	Concrete/ measurable Outputs to be achieved	Expected duration	Location
Review of existing UNIDO publications Review existing UNIDO publications and research to ensure the new guidebook aligns with previous work. Identify gaps and opportunities for further exploration within UNIDO’s existing body of knowledge related to API production.	Written overview of reviewed publications and identified gaps	3 w/days	Home- based, with missions as required
Research and analysis Conduct comprehensive research on current trends in API production, technology transfer, and potential business models, market opportunities. Research technical, commercial, and legal modalities specific to API production as well as market dynamics, regulatory environments, and best practices in these areas. Investigate regulatory frameworks and challenges specific to Senegal and other relevant countries.	Incorporation of insights into the guidebook	15 w/days
Case study compilation Collect and document local case studies from the project, focusing on practical examples of technology transfer in API production. Engage with project stakeholders to gather detailed information and insights for the case studies.	Compilation of documented case studies	10 w/days
Guidelines development Write and edit detailed guidelines with four chapters: 1. Regulatory frameworks and challenges in Senegal and other relevant countries. 2.Contract modalities for technology transfer in API production. 3. Market opportunities and investment promotion. 4. Local case studies from the project. Ensure that the guidelines are comprehensive, accurate, and align with UNIDO’s objectives and standards.	Guideline published	10 w/days
Trainings and Workshops Conduct trainings and workshops for private sector companies in Senegal, focusing on best practices in pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory compliance. Provide comprehensive training materials and presentations.	Training materials and workshop reports	15w/days
Stakeholders' engagement Actively engage with public and private sector stakeholders in Senegal through meetings, discussions, and collaboration.	Meeting and engagement reports	Ongoing
Final report As per UNIDO standards, prepare a final report on the activities undertaken during the assignment period	Final report submitted	2 w/days
TOTAL	55 w/days

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core Values

WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key Competencies

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity. WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

MINIMUM ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Education: Advanced academic degree in pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical engineering, public health, or a related discipline is required.
University-level training in industrial economics, business administration, finance, or similar fields is preferred.

Experience, technical and functional expertise

A minimum of 7 years of professional experience, including international experience, in managing technology transfer processes specific to API production and negotiating successful licensing agreements is required.
In-depth understanding of commercialization strategies in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly related to API production is required.
Experience working with various stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, including companies, government agencies, and international organizations, with knowledge of their operational models, market dynamics, and regulatory environments specific to API production. Required
Demonstrated ability to author publications and research reports on technology transfer, investment promotion, and market data analysis specific to APIs, with experience in preparing strategic documents for international organizations, companies, and government agencies. Required

Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English and French is required.

This appointment is limited to the specified project(s) only and does not carry any expectation of renewal.
Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO website for details on how to apply: www.unido.org

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: recruitment@unido.org

This vacancy is now closed.