Director General of the African Medicines Agency

Organization Information

Reports to: Conference of the States Parties and Governing Board
Directorate/Department/Organ: African Medicines Agency
Number of Direct Reports: 6
Number of Indirect Reports: 18
Job Grade: SP3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular
Location: Kigali, Rwanda

Purpose of Job

The African Medicines Agency (AMA) was established through the Treaty for the Establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA Treaty) that was adopted by the 32nd Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly on 11 February 2019 (Assembly/AU/Dec.735(XXXII)). The AMA Treaty then came into force on 5 November 2021 following the deposit of the 15th instrument of ratification. The AMA is therefore established as a Specialized Agency of the African Union (AU) with the aim of enhancing the capacity of State Parties and Regional Economic Communities to regulate medical products in order to improve access to quality, safe and efficacious medical products on the continent.

The Agency has four (4) organs:

i) the Conference of the State Parties which is the highest policy making organ of the AMA; ii) the Governing Board; iii) the Secretariat which is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the decisions of the Conference of the States Parties, the Governing Board and the policy organs of the African Union; and iv) Technical Committees which shall be responsible for carrying out scientific assessments and scientific reviews of dossiers, inspection of manufacturing facilities and providing scientific opinion.

The AMA Secretariat is in charge of:

a) coordinating the implementation of activities and ensure effective performance of the AMA in fulfilment of its objectives and functions as per the AMA Treaty; b) ensuring effective implementation of the decisions of the Governing Board and the Conference of the State Parties; c) coordinating the programmes and work of all the technical committees and the Governing Board; d) establishing and maintaining capacity building and regulatory systems strengthening programmes for the benefit of Member States; e) preparing the strategic plan, work programmes, budget, financial statement and annual report on the activities of the AMA, for consideration and approval by the Governing Board and the Conference of the States Parties.

The AMA Secretariat is headed by the Director General (DG) who serves as the Agency’s Chief Executive Officer. He/She is responsible for the day-to-day management of the AMA as well as representing the AMA in all matters. The DG is appointed by the Conference of State Parties upon the recommendations of the AMA Governing Board. The DG reports to the AMA Governing Board, the Conference of the State Parties and the African Union, as appropriate. The DG is appointed for a term of four (4) years renewable once, in accordance with regional rotation.

Main Functions

• Provide strategic guidance on the development of administrative guidelines of the Secretariat, for approval by the Conference of the States Parties;
• Provide strategic guidance on the development of operating rules and regulations for adoption by the Conference of the States Parties.
• Oversee the preparation of the strategic plan, work programmes, budget, financial statement and annual report on the activities of the AMA, for consideration and approval by the Governing Board.
• As per the approved structure, ensure the recruitment and retention of adequate numbers of staff that is well-motivated, trained and developed to ensure that it achieves its mission.
• Lead the Agency and ensure effective management of personnel, budget, systems, employees’ relations matters and training in conformity with relevant applicable rules and procedures.
• Oversee performance management at individual and collective levels as per the performance management policy and system.
• Lead and direct the development and implementation of systems and best practices and promote an effective and efficient organizational culture.
• Manage risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Oversee the design and development of business continuity plan to address unforeseen circumstances.

• Act as Secretary of the Governing Board.
• Oversee the design of policies and guidelines consistent with the AMA’s goal and objectives in order to address the pertinent issues in the relevant area.
• Develop and maintain regular working relations with top level stakeholders in National Medicines Regulatory Authorities (NMRAs) of States Parties, AU recognized RECs and with partners.
• Initiate and take necessary actions to mobilize resources for the execution and sustainability of AMA’s activities.
• Oversee the collection of contributed funds to the Agency.
• Oversee the coordination of the programmes and work of all AMA Technical Committees.
• Provide leadership in establishing and maintaining capacity building and regulatory systems strengthening programmes for the benefit of States Parties.
• Promote and advocate for the adoption of the AU Model Law on medical products regulation in States Parties and RECs to facilitate regulatory and legal reforms at continental, regional and national levels.
• Promote AMA and advocate for the signing and ratification of the AMA Treaty by African Union Member States.
• Exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as are vested in, or assigned by the Governing Board or Conference of the States Parties.

Specific Responsibilities

• Ensure that the vision, mission, and guiding values of the AMA are developed, communicated, and implemented at all levels.
• Develop strategic goals and objectives and provides leadership and guidance in the development of supporting policy and program planning for adoption by the Conference of the States Parties.
• Oversee the planning, development, and implementation of the Agency’s policy and program objectives, development of operating plans, and evaluation of progress.
• Ensure coordination of the Agency’s activities in collaboration with other multi-lateral agencies, national governments, RECs, and other partners.
• Ensure that the Agency has an annual work plan in place, along with the financial resources necessary to achieve its core purposes, outcome-oriented goals, and objectives; and submit the annual budget to the Governing Board for approval.
• Promote and foster an employment culture at the AMA that attracts and retains highly qualified staff, and ensures the appropriate mentoring and continuing education for staff’s professional growth and success.
• Provide leadership and direction in efforts to identify and secure donor and technical assistance support for the Agency’s programs and initiatives.
• Ensure overall accountability for the effective management of the Agency including financial control and budgeting, quality of work, personnel, performance management, discipline, and training in conformity with relevant policies and procedures.
• Serve as the chief spokesperson for the AMA and authorized to comment on any issues related to AMA, representing the Agency in all internal and external activities.
• Advocate on behalf of the Governing Board and the Agency at large to ensure that the positions and actions of the Agency are successfully presented to all interested parties.

• Facilitate effective dialogue on continental and global policy issues in various meetings related to medical products regulation.
• Represent the Agency at all meetings, conferences, or similar platforms where the Agency seeks to be recognized to advance its mission and strategic goals.
• Work closely with the Conference of the States Parties and Governing Board to effectively carry out their respective roles according to the AMA governance structure.
• Work closely with the Department of Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development of the African Union Commission.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders from a variety of national, regional and international public health institutions, and environmental organizations, other government agencies, academic and research institutions, and with other key partner organizations.
• Produce and submit periodic or ad hoc reports of activities as required.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

Candidates must hold a degree in Pharmacy (PharmD or B.Pharm), or a Degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) from a recognised institution or ‎university.

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences or equivalent from a recognised institution or ‎university is required OR an equivalent specialised degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences / ‎Regulations and/or Pharmaceutical Quality Management is required.

Progressive experience of 15 years in the pharmaceutical or medical field is required, including:

• Proven experience in the regulation of medical products and/or clinical research.
• At least 8 years’ proven experience in pharmaceutical regulatory bodies, out of which 6 years must be at director level.
• Experience in leading international programmes in collaboration with multilateral and bilateral organisations would be an asset.
• Proven experience as a manager and supervisor in a multicultural professional team.

Proven experience in the field of public health would be an additional asset.

Required Skills

• Ability to use strong managerial delegation, political tact and supervisory skills to achieve documented objectives.
• Ability to work effectively in a bilateral and multilateral system, and with people from various backgrounds and create an environment where diversity is respected.
• Ability to communicate and negotiate at international level, and collaborate effectively with top level stakeholders.
• Ability to identify key strategic opportunities and risks.
• Ability to actively seek, identify and apply appropriate technology to improve programme delivery.
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with proven ability to plan and organize work of the team while providing in-depth understanding of the strategic direction of the Agency.
• Effective leadership anchored on creativity, vision and decision making.
• Ability to make sound judgment and decisions as may be required and delegated.
• Integrity driven and self-motivated high performer.
• Good grounding on regional and international policy frameworks and strategies on the African developmental agenda and specifically Agenda 2063 and the SDGs
• Demonstrated in-depth technical knowledge and proven analytical skills in medical product regulation.
• Practical knowledge in medical products regulation, capacity building in the field of medical product regulation, policy research, formulation and implementation would be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili) is a must. Knowledge of one or all of the other working languages would be an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies

NOTE

 The requirements and responsibilities outlined in this job description do not constitute an employment contract and are not intended to be exhaustive. They may be modified during recruitment by the Conference of the States Parties to the Treaty establishing the AMA, as needed.

Upon the deposit of the 15th instrument of ratification, which marked its adoption during the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 11 February 2019, and its entry into force on 5 November 2021, the following countries are now eligible to apply: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Mali, Morocco, Mauritius, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Zimbabwe.

In accordance with Article 24(7) of the Treaty for the establishment of the African Medicines Agency (AMA), any national from a member state that has ratified it during the advertisement period will be eligible for consideration of his or her application.

Only candidates who have met all the requirements of the post and have been selected for an interview will be contacted.
Only applications registered online with a complete curriculum vitae (CV), valid passport of an african country from the States Parties, the required degrees, and a Manifesto attached will be considered. 

THE MANIFESTO IS MANDATORY AND SHALL NOT HAVE MORE THAN FIVE PAGES WITH FRONT SIZE 12.