Objective
The main objective of this consultancy is to support and guide the Therapeutic Information and Pharmacovigilance Centre (TIPC) team at NMRC in developing and implementing Institutional Development Plans (IDPs) based on the findings of the WHO GBT self-benchmarking exercise, and to support Namibia’s progression from Maturity Level 1 toward Maturity Level 3.
Scope of work
The consultant will undertake the following activities:
• Review the GBT self-benchmarking assessment report and identified gaps
• Prioritize the interventions in the Institutional Development Plans (IDPs) for relevant TIPC regulatory functions.
• Provide technical assistance, guidance including mentoring of staff to implement the prioritised interventions
• Compile monthly reports on progress made.
Other Tasks
• Participate in resource mobilization including proposal development
• Undertake additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor
Deliverables
1. Institutional Development Plans (IDPs) Refined and Prioritized
• A consolidated and prioritized set of interventions for TIPC Vigilance function, derived from the WHO GBT self-benchmarking findings.
• Updated IDPs that translate GBT Vigilance recommendations into clear, actionable activities with timelines, responsible persons, and measurable milestones.
2. Technical Guidance and Capacity Strengthening Delivered
• Technical guidance documents, tools, or SOPs developed or refined to support implementation of pharmacovigilance related IDP activities.
• Mentorship sessions conducted with TIPC staff, including agendas, materials, and documented outcomes.
• On the job coaching reports demonstrating strengthened capacity in implementing pharmacovigilance activities.
3. Implementation Support for IDP Activities
• Evidence of progress in implementing prioritized interventions (e.g., completed tasks, drafted procedures, improved workflows).
• Recommendations for addressing bottlenecks or risks affecting implementation.
4. Monitoring and Progress Tracking Mechanisms Established
• A monitoring framework or dashboard for tracking IDP milestones and maturity level progression.
5. Monthly Progress Reports
• Monthly written reports summarizing:
• Activities conducted
• Progress against IDP milestones
• Challenges encountered and mitigation actions
• Recommendations for the next period
6. Final Consultancy Report
• A comprehensive end of assignment report summarizing:
• Achievements against objectives
• Progress toward Maturity Level advancement
• Capacity built within the TIPC team
• Recommendations for sustaining and accelerating progress
1. Qualifications, experience, skills and languages
Educational Qualifications
Essentials
• Advanced degree (Masters level) in pharmacy, public health, regulatory science, or related field
Desirable
• PhD in pharmacy with a strong focus on pharmacovigilance
Experience
Essential
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in pharmacovigilance, medicine safety, regulatory systems strengthening, or related public health fields, including direct experience supporting national pharmacovigilance systems in low- and middle-income countries.
• Knowledge of Namibia's health sector context will be a distinct advantage.
• Proven experience working with the WHO Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT)
• Experience in mentoring staff
• Experience in strategic planning and institutional development
Desirable
• Experience in working on strengthening medicines regulation and pharmacovigilance in Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) countries.
• Experience working with Ministries of Health, medicines regulatory authorities, public health programs, development partners, and healthcare facilities.
Skills/Knowledge
Essential
• Advanced knowledge of pharmacovigilance systems, adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting, signal detection, risk management, and benefit-risk assessment.
• Demonstrated experience establishing or strengthening national pharmacovigilance systems.
• Strong understanding of WHO pharmacovigilance standards and guidelines.
• Experience with vaccine safety surveillance and post-marketing surveillance.
Desirable
• Experience supporting pharmacovigilance systems in Southern Africa or Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Familiarity with SADC regulatory harmonization initiatives and regional pharmacovigilance networks.
Languages and level required.
Very good command of written and spoken English.
Very good presentation and report writing skills.
