e-PGD in Global Health PSM -second batch starts today

Dear friends,

Welcome to the second batch of our Online Post Graduate Diploma in Global Health Procurement and Supply Chain Management conducted by Empower School of Public Health.
We have our whatsapp group as a platform for discussions and trouble shooting. I would appreciate if I could get phone numbers for those who are ready to start.
If you managed to register for the course and you are yet to do the payment;Please do and get in touch with me. We can see what can be done as per your convenience.
Kindly note that apart from being accredited by several international organisations; the course has also been accredited by Kent University of the US.
Welcome on board. Enjoy it!

Evans Mwemezi
Student Counsellor
Mob: 0754 876688/ 0715 876688

Accountant - Tanzania Branch Samsung Electronics East Africa Ltd - Tanzania

Reporting to the Finance manager, the Job holder is responsible for Management of Company Assets mainly Cash, Fixed Assets, Samples and Staff Claims.

The job holder will Manage Treasury to ensure adequate cash flow and cash mix decisions, review and process staff claims and manage Fixed Assets & Sample Management to ensure Company assets are recorded correctly and accurately.

Summary of Roles &  Responsibilities:

Treasury Management & Bank Reconciliation

• To prepare weekly bank reconciliations.
• To ensure sound and adequate cash flow balance.
• To prepare Weekly cash flow projection.
• To prepare approval and payment for forex deals.

• To prepare cash flow reports and related documentation.

Asset Management

• To prepare annual asset planning and projection.
• To oversee the approval and procurement of company assets.
• To Maintain Asset register and Asset Master.
• To Maintain sample register and sample Master.
• To facilitate in ensuring the safeguarding of company assets.

General Ledger Expense Management

• To ensure that expenses are posted to the correct general ledgers.
• To check the accuracy and validity of all employee claims and reimbursements
• To Check and ensure that expenses are captured in the correct cost centres
• To Oversee timely posting of all expense and monitor and report any delayed expenses.

 Human Capital Development Training

• To orientate and training of new employees on finance policies and procedures.
• To train and offer adequate support to interns and other employees on finance processes.
• To offer support and training to all employees regarding finance and accounting processes.

Risk Management

• Ensure that appropriate financial regulations and controls are in place and in use at all times;
• Ensure that the company complies with the tax and reporting regulations of the various countries in which it is involved;
• Ensure the procurement of assets is done in a cost effective manner;
• Ensure responsible system GPPM utilization by self and the entire branch;
• Recommend process and systems improvement to enhance quality and efficiency within the business;
• Prepare periodic (weekly, monthly, quarterly etc.) management and ad hoc reports.

Reporting

• To ensure monthly and annual closing is completed on time
• To prepare monthly reports on posting and settlement of expense
• To prepare weekly reports on cash flow forecasting and management.
• To prepare reports on aging of overdue payments and other open items.

Finance Budgeting and Planning

• To Facilitate in preparation of financial budgeting and planning for the branch
• To Facilitate in the transfer of funds for the branch

This position is urgent and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us by 15th June 2015, consider yourself unsuccessful.

Desired Skills and Experience

Competencies required for this Role

• Business related degree
• 3 years’ experience in an accounting role
• Professional accounting qualification e.g. ACCA or CPA  T or its equivalent
• Knowledge of Tanzania tax laws and business environment affecting the business
• Drive for Results
• Creative intelligence
• Navigating organizations
• Building Best teams
• Inspiring others

This position is available to Tanzania Citizens only.

Health Economist-University of the Witwatersrand - Johannesburg,South Africa

Job description

VACANCY FOR POSITION IN HEALTH ECONOMICS 

Johannesburg, South Africa 

An opening exists for an energetic researcher for program on cost effectiveness and evidence-based approaches in setting health priorities and maximizing their impact in SA. The work will build on PRICELESS SA already established base of economic evaluation that is immediately relevant to health priorities in South Africa www.pricelesssa.ac.za . This position is located in the PRICELESS SA (Priority Cost Effective lessons for Systems Strengthening) secretariat at the MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), University of the Witwatersrand offices, School of Public Health in Johannesburg. The Wits School of Public Health is an attractive new building near the Faculty of Health Sciences. Johannesburg is a world class city with attractive residential suburbs and exciting cultural hubs.

Background: The main goals of PRICELESS-SA (Priority cost-effective lessons for systems strengthening-South Africa) are to:

• Provide policymakers with information on ‘Best Buys’ for public health

· Strengthen local capacity to develop economic evidence for setting priorities

In this era of fiscal restraint there is a need to understand better how to use resources. This established secretariat works with key stakeholders including the National Department of Health. We engage with top academics across the country and internationally with others including NICE International UK and the HITAP Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program in Thailand.

Brief Description

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Responsibilities: The current opening is for a versatile individual who can both provide statistical and economic analysis support to the team and take leadership on individual research studies. Work is expected to be in health technology assessment with opportunities for wider application of health economics.

Requirements: 

• Health economist, a Masters or PhD degree in economics or a related field, such as operational research, medical science decision making, actuary or epidemiologist.
• Strong quantitative skills and a broad technical competence.
• Enthusiasm for working in a multi-disciplinary environment and a team player.
• Experience in carrying out applied priority setting research in South Africa or other low or middle income settings.
• Strong communication skills and proven track record of peer-reviewed publications.
• A demonstrated ability to develop and implement research projects.
• Demonstrated leadership potential, resourcefulness, and intellectual creativity.
• Ability to prepare grant proposals would be an advantage

Remuneration: Highly competitive salary dependent on qualifications, experience and level of appointment. Package can include Medical Insurance (optional). Appointment Initially for three years, contract renewable.

Enquiries: Interested applicants may obtain more detailed information from Karen Hofman on Karen.Hofman@wits.ac.za and +27 11 717 2083/2624; or www.pricelesssa.ac.za 

ACT Coordinator (Local country nationals only) - Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation - Tanzania

Job description

Job Summary
Overview:
The ACT “Lead Implementing Partner (IP) Project” will support programmatic and financial grants management on the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF’s) behalf for recipients of CIFF funding under theAccelerating Children’s HIV/AIDS Treatment (ACT) Initiative. ACT is a $200 million joint public-private partnership between the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and CIFF to double the total number of children receiving ART in priority African countries over the next two years. As part of CIFF’s $50 million contribution to ACT, CIFF will directly fund 10 international and local NGOs to reach ACT targets in Kenya, Malawi and Tanzania. The “Lead IP” project implemented by EGPAF will provide CIFF with programmatic and financial monitoring support of these 10 partners across three countries.
This position is open to local country nationals only.

Job Responsibilities:
EGPAF’s ACT Coordinator, Lead IP Project in Tanzania will serve as the project’s main point of contact in country and will be responsible for the day-to-day in-country programmatic and operational/financial monitoring for a portfolio of 6 implementing partner organizations under the CIFF-funded ACT Initiative. The ACT Coordinator will provide support throughout the life of award to track progress of the CIFF-funded implementing partners’ activities and their ACT targets, to ensure implementing partners’ compliance with donor and legal requirements, and to flag issues and challenges as they arise. Key tasks will include the following:


Monitoring and Support of Implementing Partners (IPs)

• Organize and lead individual monthly calls with IPs (in collaboration with EGPAF’s Lead IP Global Management Team) to track implementation progress and discuss challenges. Prepare brief written summary of key issues/discussion points following the IP monthly calls
• Monitor deadlines and ensure programmatic and financial reports from IPs are submitted on-time in the correct format:

• Collect and review quarterly programmatic progress reports submitted by IPs. Write brief quarterly summaries of the key results, achievements and challenges across all IPs in-country for the Lead IP Global Management Team
• Collect and review quarterly financial reports submitted by IPs for cost reasonableness and compliance with donor terms, and flag any concerns to the Lead IP Global Management Team

• Conduct quarterly review of IPs’ PEPFAR MER indicators to analyze progress against ACT targets; flag areas of concern for Lead IP Global Management Team
• Organize and conduct scheduled quarterly visits to each IP country office for programmatic and operational monitoring:

• For programmatic monitoring, discuss/review IP progress against work plan objectives/activities, milestones and targets
• For quarterly operational monitoring, review financial documentation and sample transactions to assure that expenditures are proper and incompliance with donor and organizational policies and applicable laws
• Prepare clear and substantiated IP country office visit reports summarizing any programmatic, financial or operational issues identified
• Administer EGPAF short-term technical assistance (STTA) checklist during quarterly visits, identifying potential need for TA and working with Lead IP Global Management Team to request support for IPs with programmatic, financial or operational weaknesses

• Conduct limited visits to selected IP sites for supportive monitoring (including register spot checks for data quality). Prepare site visit reports for Lead IP Global Management Team summarizing any programmatic or M&E/data quality issues identified
• Work with CIFF Country POC, PEPFAR and IPs  to address challenges identified during routine monitoring as needed, in consultation with Lead IP Global Management Team
• If necessary, provide logistical support and coordination for CIFF’s external auditors for any expenditure audit required
• Provide support/input to Lead IP Senior Project Manager for development of mid- and final-project reports to CIFF
• Flag any potential breaches in sharing confidential/proprietary information to Lead IP Global Management Team
• File documentation in the required award files and Agreement Management System as directed by Lead IP Global Management Team

Other Responsibilities

• Understand project “firewall” to assure confidentiality of IPs’ programmatic and financial information  and behave in accordance with firewall requirements at all times, maintaining a strict separation of information between Lead IP work and conversations with EGPAF colleagues in the country office
• Maintain excellent working relationships with EGPAF colleagues, the CIFF Country Manager, PEPFAR team and implementing partners
• Other relevant duties as assigned by the Lead IP Global Management Team

Desired Skills and Experience

Qualifications

• At least 8 years’ program/project management experience in resource-limited settings working in the area of HIV (familiarity with pediatric care and treatment a plus)
• Past experience serving as a Senior Project Manager, Deputy Director or Project Director preferred
• Experience in managing sub-grantees including programmatic and financial/operations monitoring preferred
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems
• Ability to communicate clearly in written and spoken English
• Proficient computer/software skills, including a command of MS Word and Excel

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with others in a global team environment
• Strong skills in diplomacy and relationship building with a variety of partners and stakeholders
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information
• Excellent organizational skills, ability to work independently, assess priorities, and manage a variety of activities with attention to detail
• Strong project management skills
• Ability to travel domestically for IP monitoring up to 20% of the time

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Online Rational Medicine Use at UWC 29June- 3July 2015

A NEW Online Rational Medicines Use Module will be offered by
the University of the Western Cape Schools of Public Health and
Pharmacy, in collaboration with the SIAPS, Prof Richard Laing (BUSPH and
ex-WHO) and other partners.

This 15-credit online masters-level module will run from July-November
2015 and may be taken as a single continuing education module or as an
elective in the existing MPH at UWC. (Attendance at one week RMU Winter
School short course 29 June-3 July 2015 recommended but not compulsory).

For information on module and application details see: _
http://www.uwc.ac.za/Faculties/CHS/soph/News/Pages/NEW-Online-Rational-Medicines-Use-Module.aspx_

Applications close: 7 June 2015

Further information from Dr Hazel Bradley:
hbradley@uwc.ac.za
 +27 21 9592630/2809

This module is specifically developed to equip healthcare professionals
such as pharmacists, doctors and nurses with the necessary skills to
improve rational medicines use.It will be of value to members of
Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees, MPH students and staff working in
pharmacy and health departments in South Africa and other African
countries. The module builds on the one-week Rational Medicines Use
Winter School short-course which will be held 29 June - 3 July 2015
(attendance recommended but not compulsory).

The 15-credit, online masters-level module (NQF9) may be taken as a
single continuing education accredited module or as an elective module
in the existing MPH programme at UWC. Additional online modules focusing
on Pharmaceutical Public Health will be available in 2016.

Module Content

- Rational medicines use and problems associated with irrational medicine use;

- Medicines use problems using several quantitative methods such as, prescribing indicator studies, application of defined daily dose (DDD) and ABC

- Qualitative methods to investigate prescribing behaviour and medicine use;

- Promotion of rational medicine use including educational, managerial, economic and regulatory interventions;

- Medicines Use Evaluation (MUE) and its application to programmes

- Essential Medicines Concept and the development of Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs) and Essential Medicines Lists (EMLs) using evidence-based decision making principles;

- Infection Control and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) concepts with respect to global and local situations and multifaceted strategies required

- Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees (PTCs) and stewardship of RMU;

- Development of a plan for a defined medicine use problem to quantify, investigate and intervene, with evaluation.

Method of Teaching and Assessment
Students will be provided with all materials in an electronic format over the web and by electronic storage
media. Key reading materials will be provided. There will be short weekly tasks, several web-based discussion forums and two written assignments. Official language: English

Admission requirements:
Honours-level degree (NQF8), or equivalent, in a relevant discipline.

Module Cost: R8 000 (South African citizens) and US$1,300 (Other)

[Note: RMU Short-course Winter School fees waived for registered RMU Online Module participants]

First Training Workshop and Symposium MURIA Group 27 - 29 July 2015 University of Botswana, Gaborone

The Medicines Utilisation Research in Africa (MURIA) Group  (see
http://muria.nmmu.ac.za/)
is holding its first training and workshop
and symposium in Gaborone, Botswana on 27-29 July 2015. The flyer and
registration form can also be downloaded from

http://muria.nmmu.ac.za/Botswana-Workshop-and-Symposium-27-29-July-2015

Please direct all queries regarding these scholarships - which are
restricted to medically-qualified applicants - to email:

Muria.Group@mopipi.ub.bw

Regards

Andy

~~

Criteria for sponsorship by IUPHAR to the Medicines Utilization  Research in Africa (MURIA) workshop and symposium in Botswana 26-29 July 2015.

The MURIA workshop and symposium organizing committee reaches out to
clinical pharmacologists and MD/ MBBS doctors with a pharmacology
background in the African region who can make significant
contributions to learning and exchange of research ideas and be able
to actively participate in discussions on the rational use of
medicines in Africa in the English language.  The MURIA organizing
committee also seeks to ensure a balanced gender representation among
potential participants.

The MURIA organizing committee has therefore identified four main
criteria for selecting IUPHAR candidates to award sponsorship for
attending and presenting at the MURIA workshop/symposium in July 2015.
These are:

1.   Applicants must be MD/MBBS physicians from academia
(mainly from Universities) with a clinical pharmacology/ pharmacology
qualification

2.    Alternatively, applicants can be representatives from
think tanks such as those from research institutions based in the
African region with an MD/MBBS qualification with a clinical
pharmacology/ pharmacology background

3.   Applicants can also be critical thinkers from the
African region that generate policy-oriented research, analysis and
advice to inform medicine policy development with an MD/MBBS and
pharmacology/ clinical pharmacology qualification. Applicants can be
from Ministries of Health, medical AID schemes, and private medical
practitioners dealing with medicines use

4.  IUPHAR sponsorship will only be given to those who
submit an abstract that is accepted by the organizing committee
(submission deadline end May 2015). Preference will be given to
applicants whose abstract has been selected for an oral presentation.
Please indicate in your abstract submission that you are eligible for
the IUPHAR sponsorship
 (Abstract forms and details can be found on
http://muria.nmmu.ac.za/).
The successful applicant will be notified
by June 3 2015. The MURIA Group's decision will be final.

Additional information about the IUPHAR sponsorship:

Sponsorship will be limited to the following items:

• Return airfare (up to a maximum of US$500 – greater in
exceptional circumstances upon request up to a maximum of US$750 per
person).

•  Registration fee (equivalent to US$125.00 – this will be
paid for by the MURIA group)

•  Accommodation for 3 nights in the Oasis Hotel, Gaborone,
Botswana (this will be organised and paid for by the MURIA Group)

The cost of the airfare (up to US$500 or more in exceptional
circumstances) will be refunded after the MURIA meeting in July on
receipt of the invoice documenting the details (this can be given
together with bank details to the MURIA organisers in Botswana).
--
Andy Gray BPharm MSc(Pharm) FPS FFIP
Senior Lecturer
Division of Pharmacology
Discipline of Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Health Sciences
Consultant Pharmacist (Research Associate)
Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA)
University of KwaZulu-Natal
PBag 7 Congella 4013
South Africa
Tel: +27-31-2604298 Fax: +27-31-2604338
email: graya1@ukzn.ac.za or andy@gray.za.net

HOSPITALI YA TAIFA MUHIMBILI TAARIFA YA DHARURA KWA UMMA KUHUSU KUCHANGIA DAMU HOSPITALI YA TAIFA MUHIMBILI

Menejimenti ya Hospitali ya Taifa Muhimbili inawaomba Watanzania, mashirika ya umma, mashirika yasiyo ya kiserikali, mashule, taasisi za kidini, na vyuo mbalimbali kujitokeza kusaidia kuchangia damu Hospitalini hapa ili kuokoa maisha ya wagonjwa. Hospitali inahitaji chupa za damu kwa wastani wa chupa 70 hadi 100 kwa siku.

Matumizi ya Damu:

Damu inatumika sana kwa wagonjwa wa dharura, akina mama wajawazito, wagonjwa waliofanyiwa upasuaji, watoto pamoja na wagonjwa wa saratani.

Upasuaji wa Moyo:

Kila mgonjwa wa upasuaji wa moyo anahitaji kiasi cha chupa tano mpaka sita za damu. Matumizi haya yanafanyika kabla, wakati na baada ya kufanyiwa upasuaji.

Katika juma hili kuna kambi maalum za madaktari Bingwa wa Moyo kutoka nchi mbalimbali ambao wanashirikiana na madaktari wetu kufanya upasuaji wa moyo kati ya wagonjwa watano hadi sita kwa siku na kufanya wagonjwa wa moyo pekee kuhitaji chupa 30 hadi 36 kwa siku sawa na akiba ndogo ya damu tuliyo nayo kwa siku. Kambi hizi zimeanza mapema Aprili mwaka huu na tunatarajia kuwa nazo katika kipindi cha miezi mitatu ijayo. Ili madaktari hawa waendelee kuja na kufanya upasuaji wa moyo kwa ufanisi wanahitaji uwepo wa damu.

Vyanzo vya Damu kwa MNH

Hospitali inategemea kupata damu kutoka vyanzo vikuu viwili ambavyo ni ndani ya Hospitali na kutoka Mpango wa Taifa wa Damu Salama (NBTS).

Hali Halisi ya Upatikanaji Damu kwa Sasa:

Makusanyo ya damu kutoka vyanzo vya ndani ni kati ya chupa 20 hadi 40 kwa siku zinazoweza kutumika kwa wagonjwa.

Aidha, upatikanaji wa damu kutoka Mpango wa Taifa wa Damu Salama (NBTS) ambao kisheria ndiyo wenye mamlaka ya kukusanya damu na kusambaza nchini umekuwa wa kiwango cha chini na hata wakati mwingine tumeshindwa kupata damu kutoka NBTS. Mathalani kuanzia Aprili 17, 2015 hatukuweza kupata damu hata chupa moja kutoka NBTS hali iliyopelekea upungufu mkubwa wa damu Hospitalini hapa kulingana na mahitaji.

Hospitali imejipanga kupitia Kitengo chake cha Uchangiaji Damu kilichopo Maabara Kuu ya Hospitali ya Taifa Muhimbili kuwapokea watu watakaojitokeza kuchangia damu.


Imetolewa na;

Aminiel Aligaesha

Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Mawasiliano ya Umma na Huduma kwa Wateja

Hospitali ya Taifa Muhimbili

Mei 11, 2015

Quality Assurance in Supply Chain Management of Medicines 1 June- 29 June, 450 euros

Dear all, we are pleased to announce that registration is open for the following courses.
Please find detailed course programmes and registration instructions on
www.iplusacademy.org .

- Quality Assurance in Supply Chain Management of Medicines
1 June- 29 June, 450 euros,
http://www.iplusacademy.org/enrol/iplus/cmp.php?courseid=66

Ensuring the quality of medicines is a major public health concern.
The emergence of substandard and counterfeit medicines, coupled with inefficient supply chain systems, not only poses a risk of negative health outcomes but also leads to economic losses and lack of trust in the health system.

To address these issues and develop evidence-based strategies,
it is important that people at all levels, from policy makers to primary healthcare workers appreciate
and comprehend the need for effective QA systems.

This course will introduce you to the concepts and main principles of quality assurance,
and will develop further skills and knowledge in different aspects of quality assurance
 such as pharmaceutical regulation, pharmacovigilance and quality control of medicines.

After having successfully completed the module, students will be able to:
   Define the key concepts and principles of quality assurance.
   Comprehend the importance of quality assurance systems for medicines.
   Describe how different functions of supply chain management affect the quality of medicines.
   Explain the significance of shelf life and differentiate between types of stability studies.
   Underline the key issues and challenges surrounding quality assurance systems especially in low and middle income countries.

- Basic principles of SCM in for health systems ( MBA level)

15 June-27 July, 450 euros,
http://www.iplusacademy.org/course/view.php?id=69

Many of the issues of healthcare quality and safety are consequences of poor management of pharmaceuticals.
Globally it is estimated that an average 25% of the total health expenditure is on medicines,
with poorer countries spending as much as 30%.

Knowledge of the full supply chain cycle of pharmaceuticals and practical skills to enhance its performance are important,
not only for managers in leadership positions but for all health workers.
Supply chain management activities are fundamental to any health programme's performance and all personnel involved,
whether it's an inventory manager in a warehouse, a doctor in a health facility or a procurement officer at the central medical store,
must have a good understanding of the basic principles of managing health commodities.

This course is designed to introduce you to the basic concepts of supply chain management
with specific focus on pharmaceuticals and health commodities in a developing country context.
Whilst covering a broad range of topics, the course delivery will emphasize the importance of integrating supply chain activities for overall health system strengthening.

After having successfully completed the module, students will be able to:

 Define the essential medicines concept and rational use of medicines.
 Describe the different steps and processes in the supply chain management of health commodities.
 Interpret and discuss the roles of managers and different stakeholders in supply chain management, within the overall health system.
 Be familiar with underlying principles of good storage and distribution practices of medicines.
 Underline the key issues surrounding monitoring and evaluation of supply chain management.
 Appreciate the importance and need for quality assurance of medicines along the supply chain.
 Understand and critically analyse supply chain systems in different countries to identify practical approaches and intervention strategies.

-  Good Manufacturing Practices and GMP Inspections for Medicines and Healthcare Products
1 June- 13 July, 450 euros, http://www.iplusacademy.org/enrol/iplus/cmp.php?courseid=68

The lack of a qualified human resources base in the manufacturing sector of medicines and other healthcare productst is a big challenge, especially in low and middle income countries.

In particular, there is need for skilled personnel for quality units (quality assurance, quality control) and other GMP relevant areas.
Costs for bringing in experts from abroad are high.

Combined with other challenges, local manufacturers often struggle to compete and even survive.
Not being in line with international quality standards, they are prevented from passing WHO prequalification, participating in international tenders, and entering international markets.

Moreover, the national medicines regulatory agencies (NMRAs) of these countries experience a shortage too of qualified staff in GMP, GMP inspection and dossier evaluation. This creates difficulties for the NMRAs to enforce internationally acceptable regulatory requirements (including GMP standards) thereby preventing the availability of affordable quality generics for the majority of their low income population groups.

This e-learning course introduces Good Manufacturing Practices and GMP inspections for medicines and healthcare products, focusing on WHO GMP standards and requirements as one of the major GMPs. Course participants will develop an understanding of the importance of implementing GMP in their daily working routine, starting from personnel hygiene to quality documentation and many other GMP requirements.

While the main focus in on medicines, an extra session of the course introduces the requirements for healthcare products, specifically female condoms. In the end, these capacity building measures in the area of GMP and GMP inspection will make the local manufacturing sector and the national regulatory authorities better equipped for production and regulation of quality assured essential medicines and healthcare products, in line with national and international standards.

After having successfully completed the course, participants will be able to:

  Appreciate the importance and need for good manufacturing practices.
  Be familiar with the development of medicines regulation.
  Understand the main requirements in GMP, including procedural, organizational and infrastructural aspects.
  Have gained basic information on requirements for healthcare products such as female condoms, as a special focus.
  Critically analyse and implement basic GMP requirements in their daily working routine in the manufacturing and regulatory environment.
  Understand the need for, and the benefit of GMP inspections.
  Be familiar with different types of GMP inspections.
  Interpret and discuss the role of GMP inspectors.
  Understand the inspection process and structure of an inspection report.

Carole Piriou
Senior training coordinator
i+solutions
Universal Access to Essential Medicines
phone: +31 0348 748 722
address: Polanerbaan 11, 3447 GN, Woerden, The Netherlands
email: cpiriou@iplussolutions.org
website: www.iplusacademy.org
Carole Piriou <CPiriou@iplussolutions.org

Beware of Dietary weight loss products - Warns NABP

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has posted warnings regarding four products marketed as dietary supplements for weight loss that contain hidden drug ingredients. Three of the recalled products, “Slim Forte,” “Li Da Dai Dai Hua Slimming Capsule, ” and “Superior,” contain sibutramine, a controlled substance that was removed from the market in October 2010 for patient safety reasons. The product poses a threat to consumers because sibutramine is known to substantially increase blood pressure and/or pulse rate in some patients and may present a significant risk for patients with a history of coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, or stroke. A fourth product, “Fatloss Slimming Beauty, ” contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved prescription medication Viagra®. This undeclared ingredient may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease often take nitrates.

The products included in the warnings are sold via the Internet and some retail stores. FDA advises consumers to stop using these products and to properly dispose of them. FDA also advises consumers to use caution before purchasing any supplements marketed for sexual enhancement, weight loss, or body building. Consumers and health care providers are encouraged to report any adverse events or quality problems experienced with these products to FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

Source: NABP Newsletter

RESEARCH ASSISTANTS Urgently Needed - Ministry of Health & Social Welfare

Post Title: Research Assistant

Background

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) and the Drug Control Commission in collaboration with, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Muhimbili National Hospital, Mwananyamala Municipal Hospital and Temeke Municipal Hospital is implementing a program aimed at increasing coverage of people who use drugs (PWUDs) into medically assisted treatment (MAT) of opioid dependence with an ultimate goal of minimizing HIV infection among PWUDs.  The program intends to achieve this goal through execution of innovative Key Population Implementation Science (KPIS) on Optimized Methadone Delivery with Take away Doses of Methadone.

The MOHSW is currently seeking research assistants for a research study aimed at exploring barriers and facilitators of enrolment and retention in methadone treatment in order to develop a take-away methadone delivery model for clients attending methadone clinics in Dar es Salaam.

Study Description:

This research study will use in-depth interviews with methadone clinic providers, methadone clients (current and former), community outreach workers, and family/friends of methadone clients. The research will be conducted at three methadone clinics in Dar es Salaam: Muhimbili National Hospital, Mwananyamala Regional Hospital and Temeke Regional Hospital.

  

Duration: 3 months (June 2015 to August 2015).

Number of positions: 8

Duty Station: Dar es Salaam

Report to: Research Director.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Attend training on qualitative research and research ethics.

Assist in the recruitment of study participants through methadone clinics and community outreach workers affiliated with the methadone clinics.

Conduct in-depth interviews with participants, including audio record interview and take interview notes.

Write debriefing field notes after each interview.

Attend weekly debriefing meetings with study investigators.

Transcribe interviews word-for-word in Swahili.

Translate Swahili interview transcripts into English.

Assist in preliminary data analysis, as needed.

Qualifications:

Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Excellent listening skills.

Ability to ask questions and learn about others without passing judgment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, specifically Microsoft Word.

Fluency in English and Swahili.

Strong typing skills.

Experience with community outreach and/or conducting in-depth interviews preferred.

Previous experience in transcription and translation preferred.

Ability to complete tasks within specified deadlines.

Ability and openness to quickly learn new skills.

University degree in the social and/or behavioral sciences or related field preferred.

Those with previous experience working with people who use or previously used drugs are encouraged to apply.

Application Procedures:

Qualified candidates meeting the above requirements should submit a motivation letter together with updated curriculum vitae.

The deadline for receipt of all applications is 3:30pm on Monday, May 11, 2015. Applications can be delivered at the address given below and/or sent by e-mail/postal mail:

Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Health and Social Welfare
6 Samora Machel Avenue
11478 Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
Phone: +255-22-2342000/5
Fax: +255-22-2137951

Website: www.moh.go.tz

E-mail: ayoub_magimba@yahoo.com, amsami@yahoo.com

Trainings at USP Ghana- Centre for Pharmaceutical Advancement & Training (CePAT)

USP-Ghana, the Center for Pharmaceutical Advancement and Training (CePAT) is pleased to provide details below on upcoming trainings.   CePAT provides a comprehensive platform of training, testing, and consulting services that support and strengthen pharmaceutical quality assurance systems in countries within Sub-Saharan Africa.

Trainings
Pharmaceutical Quality Control Techniques This comprehensive module combines theoretical lectures and hands-on laboratory training and exercises to educate participants on the scientific approach and basic quality control techniques used in analytical laboratories.
Upcoming Dates

-          Session 1: November 2-13, 2015

-          Session 2: May 2-13, 2016

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
This training module is designed to help participants gain an understanding of the fundamentals of medicines regulation and GMP for pharmaceutical products.
Upcoming Dates

-          Session 1: July 6-17, 2015
-          Session 2: January 4-15, 2016

Dossier Assessment and Registration of Medicines Through this module, CePAT offers hands-on training and analysis of real dossiers to help build the necessary knowledge and skills in dossier assessment and registration of medicines.
Upcoming Dates

-          Session 1: September 7-18, 2015
-          Session 2: March 7-18, 2016

Field-based Counterfeit Detection Technologies This module identifies some of the most well-known counterfeit medicine detection technologies and trains participants on the use of these technologies [Trainings are provided by request].

ISO Accreditation and WHO Prequalification As well as identifying and discussing the steps and work associated with obtaining accreditation or prequalification, this module provides information on how to identify accredited ISO providers, ISO/IEC calibration organizations, and accrediting bodies recognized by the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation [Trainings are provided by request].

Preventive Maintenance and Qualification of Laboratory Equipment This module teaches Official Medicines Control Laboratories staff how to perform basic servicing and qualification of laboratory equipment, reducing reliance on external providers [Trainings are provided by request].

Testing
CePAT's ISO 17025 accredited quality control laboratory can conduct physicochemical testing for monographs, testing of medicines for donor agencies, procurement organizations, and medicines regulatory authorities.

Consulting
We offer expert advice in laboratory operations, medicines regulation, supply chain integrity, and design of quality control laboratories to comply with ISO 17025 requirements.

Who We are
The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a scientific nonprofit organization that sets standards for the identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements manufactured, distributed and consumed worldwide. Our mission is to improve global health through public standards and related programs that help ensure the quality, safety, and benefit of medicines and foods.

Many countries in Africa face a wide-ranging burden of disease that takes an enormous toll on social and economic development, and shortens life expectancy.  To perpetuate U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention's core mission to improve global health, the Center for Pharmaceutical Advancement and Training (CePAT) was launched in May, 2013 in Accra, Ghana. To date, over 100 local industry professionals from 21 African nations have benefited  from CePAT facilitated trainings focused on GMP, dossier evaluation and quality assurance, and now serve as technical experts in their respective fields.

Who We Serve
Staff of national regulatory authorities, quality and medicine control laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers, and other allied chemical industries; as well as procurement agencies involved in product quality assessment; medical representatives involved in product dossier evaluation; and pharmacy students.

For further information please visit
http://www.usp.org/global-health-programs/center-pharmaceutical-advancement-and-training-cepat
or contact
CePAT@USP.org or Kwasi Boateng kpb@usp.org

Senior Finance Officer (1 position)

Job Description

Vacancy announcement number:

1364

Date of issue:

04/22/2015

Deadline for applications:

05/13/2015

Controller's & Fin. Serv. Div.

Organizational unit:

Level:

P-4

ROME

Duty Station:

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT 2 years renewable I. ORGANISATIONAL CONTEXT The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is an international financial institution and a specialized United Nations agency dedicated to eradicating poverty and hunger in rural areas in developing countries. It does so by financing projects and programmes that increase agricultural productivity and raise rural incomes, and by advocating at the local, national and international level for policies that enable poor rural people to overcome poverty. II. DIVISIONAL CONTEXT The Controller's and Financial Services Division (CFS) is located in the Financial Operations Department. CFS supports the mission of IFAD by providing sound financial management practices, effective financial accounting, payments and reporting that supports decision making, and developing innovative solutions to assist the Fund in achieving its strategic goals. A Regional Team within CFS has the overall responsibility for the financial management arrangements in Fund projects, and the timely and efficient delivery of loan and grant administration services for the portfolio within the assigned cluster of countries, in line with the CFS work plan. The Senior Finance Officer is a Team Leader, Loans and Grants (for Latin America and the Caribbean region) and works under direct supervision of the Manager, Loans and Grants on an assigned group of countries within the assigned Region. S/he will be highly committed to the delivery of objectives and activities assigned; and keep abreast of the financial management developments and skills required to respond to the divisional work plans and results. S/he is accountable for the regional team work plan establishment and supervision of a team of Finance Officers, Associates and/or Assistants of the assigned cluster. III. POST'S ORGANISATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY Senior Finance Officers at this level manage a complete financial operation, encompassing a wide variety of funding sources, a large volume of transactions and extensive dispersed activities. The accountabilities / key results include: Finance Practice Leader Finance Business Partner Financial Management Agent of Change  Key responsibilities for the Senior Finance Officer, Loans & Grants, include management of a complex portfolio and some challenging fiduciary issues that require careful handling. S/he will proactively undertake early identification of financial or fiduciary risks in the Fund's lending program and the development of mitigation strategies thereon to ensure improved results of the financial management of IFAD projects and programmes in line with the Fund's objectives and divisional work plans and in compliance with Fund's Financial Management Strategy and Guidelines. IV. KEY RESULTS EXPECTED/MAJOR FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES 1. FINANCE PRACTICE LEADER: The Senior Finance Officer at this level is accountable for technical leadership in his/her operational area at the corporate level and/or responsibility for leadership of other Professional and/or General Service staff ensuring compliance with financial principles and concepts, policies, regulations and rules as well as for soundness of judgement and conclusions.  S/He directly supervises a finance unit with responsibility for work planning and organization, supervision of the work of the unit/section assigned and establishing and monitoring performance management indicators of success. The Senior Officer develops, implements and monitors the interpretation and application of new financial policies, regulations, rules, practices, procedures and systems to meet the evolving needs of the Fund. His/Her authoritative knowledge of the Fund¿s governing structure, mandate, long-term business strategy, financial rules and regulations as well as of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The Senior Officer ensures accuracy and enhances accountability in the preparation of IFAD's financial statements, policies and procedures. 2. FINANCE BUSINESS PARTNER: The Senior Finance Officer is a credible, trusted partner to the client offices served and the Department/Division/Unit where assigned. S/He contributes directly to the development of the Fund's financial strategy and plans as well as models a commitment to financial integrity by acting as a responsive and constructive service provider with a focus on results. In all interactions s/he promotes the concept of results based management and accountability for the financial resources entrusted to IFAD. 3. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT: At this level the Senior Finance Officer is a team leader with the capacity to develop as well as authoritatively interpret and apply a broad range of international and IFAD financial policies, rules and regulations as well as systems, standards and techniques. Activities performed by all finance occupations include (a) contributing to the development and continuous evolution of strategic frameworks; (b) adapting rules and establishing financial procedures relating to the assigned operation; (c) creating effective monitoring systems including operational oversight to ensure effective management of assigned operations, including ensuring due regard to segregation of financial tasks as required; (d) financial reporting and preparing responses for management on queries raised and views expressed by IFAD's Governing Council and other relevant shareholders/partners; (e) reviewing audit reports and providing guidance lo IFAD staff and projects on sound financial management practices; (f) leading the preparation of timely, substantive replies to internal and external audit observations concerning the assigned financial operation; and (g) analysing IFAD experience with other IFIs and development organizations to adopt best financial management practices in administering IFAD's financial resources. Representative occupational activities include: Senior Finance Officer (Loans and Grants)posts are responsible for providing leadership to Regional loan and grant activities, including formally supervising Finance Officers who in turn are responsible for managing the full range of complex loans and grants portfolio(s). Representative activities include approving Borrowers applications for withdrawal of funds from loan and grant accounts; participating in loan negotiations to articulate the Fund 's lending policies and operational procedures; coordinating financial management dialogue and actions on Loans and Grants involving Fund operational staff, cooperating institutions, borrowers, co-financiers and projects; and maintaining operational links with borrowers and project staff and cooperating institutions during implementation. 4. AGENT OF CHANGE: The Senior Finance Officer understands and applies the principles of change management and proactively serves as a role model for transformation and capacity for acceptance of change. S/He uses a seasoned knowledge of results based management and budgeting, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and other information technology to develop, analyze and promote acceptance of new methods of work and automated work flows. At this level the Officer manages change through consultations with inter-organizational and internal finance colleagues and outreach to client offices to build understanding of and to ensure open and regular communications pertaining to current and planned changes in the Fund's financial standards, regulations and rules. 5. MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS: The Senior Finance Officer is typically a team leader with accountability for integrity, transparency, and equity in the management of IFAD resources. This may include: (a) People Management through work plan development, recruitment, performance and career management of P and GS staff as well as learning management establishing learning plans and ensuring staff supervised meet their development needs while meeting the needs of IFAD; (b) Resource Management by providing strategic and data inputs into the divisional budget preparation exercises; (c) Knowledge and Content Management by ensuring (i) knowledge content within functional area is continuously updated and available to colleagues and clients (ii) best practices are continuously identified, documented and distributed and (iii) appropriate and up-to-date information and learning tools are available to the Fund's managers, supervisors and staff; and Information Technology Management through leveraging ERP functionality for improved business results, simplification of transaction and reporting processes and improved client services. V. IMPACT OF KEY RESULTS/KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Senior Officers at this level are accountable for authoritative advice and guidance in regard to the Fund's financial policies, regulations and practices and authoritative interpretation to resolve difficult and unusual cases. They make recommendations to senior management on questions of financial policy, including those that may be the subject of inter-organizational consultations.Senior Finance Officers are also accountable for leading and ensuring the accuracy of a complete, complex financial operation identified by the variety and number of funding sources, diversity of currencies, and the requirement for producing various reports to legislative bodies, member governments, and others interested in the activities of the Fund. S/He achieves finance programme goals and objectives through innovative program design or redesign.  The work requires the development of new and/or modifications of existing policies, practices and techniques as well as the revision of finance Officer and analyst work performed at lower levels, taking corrective and adaptive actions. The key performance indicators for Senior Finance Officers at this level include leadership, both technical and team. VI. REPRESENTATION / WORK RELATIONSHIPS Internally Senior Finance Officers are authoritative technical advisers to the Fund's managers, other budget holders and staff in their area of assignment and advocate for accountability and integrity in the allocation and management of the Fund's financial resources. Contacts extend throughout the organization and include Country Office management, internal auditors and evaluation Officers. Externally work relationships require collaboration and coordination to ensure the effective implementation of financial rules and procedures, with particular reference to the use of donor funding through contacts with Borrowers and Contributing institutions. S/He will also be in direct contact with external auditors and counterparts in other IFI and UN organizations and with senior representatives of key financial service providers and counterparties. VII. COMPETENCIES Organizational Strategic thinking and organizational development: Personal influence Demonstrating Leadership: Leads by example; initiates and supports change Learning, sharing knowledge and innovating: Challenges, innovates and contributes to a learning culture Focusing on clients: Contributes to a client-focused Problem solving and decision making: Solves complex problems and makes decisions that have wider corporate impact Managing time, resources and information: Coordinates wider use of time, information and/or resources Team Work: Fosters a cohesive team environment Communicating and negotiating: Acquires and uses a wide range of communication styles and skills Building relationships and partnerships: Builds and maintains strategic partnerships internally and externally Managing performance and developing staff: Manages staff and teams effectively  Technical/ Functional Authoritative knowledge of the principles and concepts of financial management including IFRS. Ability to provide technical and administrative leadership to staff supervised and to develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Capacity to develop and adapt policies, approaches and models to meet emerging system needs and to enhance the continuing accuracy, integrity and accountability of the Fund's financial resources. Ability to identify and analyze systemic issues, formulate opinions and make conclusions and recommendations to resolve same. Analytical, organizational and supervisory skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a diverse organization tailoring language, tone, style and format to match audience. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equitable consideration of women and men in all assigned HR activities. Excellent knowledge of information technology systems and tools as they pertain to financial systems. VIII. MINIMUM RECRUITMENT QUALIFICATIONS Education           Advanced university degree from an accredited institution in accounting, finance, business administration or other job related field. Relevant professional accounting qualification (Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, Chartered Accountant or equivalent would be an asset. Experience At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in accounting, financial management and accountability funds, budget analysis or management analysis, including relevant work in a leading audit firm. In lieu of an advanced university degree, a Bachelor's degree in any of the above named areas and at least twelve (12) years' of relevant post-qualification experience. Relevant experience in any of these sectors would be an advantage: bi/multi-lateral international aid organizations, development, financial and/or public sector institutions. Languages and other skills: Full command of English and Spanish language is required. Strong communication skills, including the ability to speak persuasively and explain portfolio and procedural guidelines effectively, in writing and orally; ability to deal with a wide variety of clients and stakeholders at all levels.  IX. OTHER INFORMATION Applicants should note that IFAD staff members are international civil servants subject to the authority of the President of IFAD, and they may be assigned by him/her to any of the activities of IFAD, including field assignments and/or rotation within IFAD. Interested candidates are requested to apply by completing IFAD's Personal History Form (PHF) in English. A separate CV may be attached if you so desire, only as a supplement and NOT a substitute to the PHF. The application should be made through the online system only. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY the instructions in 'How to Apply' before you start. In the interest of making most cost effective use of funds and resources, we are only able to respond to applicants who are short-listed for interview. Candidates who do not receive any feedback within three months should consider their application unsuccessful. Candidates may be required to take a written test and to deliver a presentation as well as participate in interviews Credit to https://job.ifad.org/index.html?Page=HRS_CE_JOB_DTL&Action=A&SiteId=1000&JobOpeningId=1364