Technical Advisor (Vaccines / Health and Manufacturing / COVID-19) – Kigali, Rwanda

Reference Number: CDTTA2

Job Description:

An exciting global pharmaceutical client of ours is looking to hire a Technical Advisor who is an expert in vaccines and will be responsible for the implementation of technical assistance activities for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing and regulation. They will report to the in-country Chief of Party or their designee and will work under technical guidance and oversight from the HQ-based Vaccines Director. The Technical Advisor will provide support to local manufacturers of vaccines in Africa in technology transfer and will help build national regulatory capacity for vaccines as well as the workforce competency for biologics and vaccines quality assurance. The successful candidate will provide technical assistance on fill/finish and packaging processes for COVID-19 vaccines. They will serve as a subject matter expert using knowledge to ensure cGMP compliance, fulfillment of technical requirements and regulatory guidelines as they relate to fill/finish and packaging equipment, materials, facilities, and process development. In fulfillment of the role, the incumbent will collaborate with other staff of the organization, their Global Biologics Division, local manufacturers, and vaccine regulators.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the technical development and implementation of in-country COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing and regulatory work plan activities
• Provide technical assistance to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines manufacturers on development, commissioning, qualification and validation of vaccine fill/finish and packaging processes
• Partner with the organization’s technical team members, consultants, other countries, vendors, and local stakeholders to assure adequate manufacturing facility design and startup
• Provide support to strengthen the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) legal framework for vaccines manufacturing, supply, storage, distribution, and handling
• Support NMRA and national control labs in the development of lot release testing capacity and in the implementation of vaccine post-marketing surveillance
• Support the GMP inspectorate of the NMRA to strengthen its capacity for regulatory oversight of vaccine manufacturers 
• Liaise with HQ Vaccines Director to develop appropriate training materials and to organize the delivery of training programs targeted to local vaccine manufacturers, regulators, and quality laboratory staff
• Support manufacturers in addressing deviations and non-compliances, in conducting audits to assess compliance and the establishment of cGMPs
• Filing of vaccine dossiers for market authorization according to NMRA’s requirements
• Coordinate efforts aimed at the identification of needs for manufacturing and laboratory equipment, materials, and processes in support to successful local production and quality assurance of COVID-19 vaccines
• Support manufacturers to identify chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) risks and continuous improvement opportunities
• Gather programmatic data and develop progress reports as guided by the organizations HQ Vaccines Director
• Support the development of technical and communication materials related to local manufacturing and quality of vaccines

Requirements:

• Master of Science or PhD in pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, or science related field of study
• Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, or science related field of study required
• Understanding of GMP manufacturing of biologics, including vaccines
• Understanding of compatibility and stability studies
• Understanding of cold chain monitoring
• Understanding of fill/finish and packaging processes for mRNA vaccines
• Direct experience with and understanding of WHO vaccine pre-qualification and/or other regulatory authority registration processes
• 8+ years of experience in vaccines and biologics manufacturing or regulation
• Subject matter expert in vaccine/biopharmaceutical fill/finish and packaging processes
• Thorough understanding of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls and Good Manufacturing Practices for vaccines and medicines e.g., fill and finish
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to the development and manufacture of biologics
• Strong technical writing and oral communication skills

Contractual information:

• Willingness to travel up to 25% of the time

If you wish to apply for the position, please send your CV to Chalden Du Toit at [email protected]

Please visit www.caglobalint.com for more exciting opportunities.

Chalden du Toit

Recruitment Consultant

CA Global Finance

CA Global will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.

CA Global Headhunters is an international staffing company with a specific focus on recruitment in Africa. Our extensive, diverse candidate network built up over 10 years comprises the most skilled and experienced candidates. We recruit talent of the highest standards across African sectors, including Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Banking, Finance, Legal, Insurance, Commodities, and Agriculture. As African markets continue to grow and develop, so too does our skill and expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best service to both clients and candidates.

Thanks to our access to global networks and resources, we understand our clients’ cultures, operations, business strategies, and industries. We are always on par with the latest technologies and trends which assist us in sourcing the best talent for clients. Whatever stage of the project lifecycle, we can put forward the right candidates with the right skills.