Researcher and Policy Advisor in equitable access to quality health products
Department of Public Health
Apply before 15 July 2023
The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) is internationally recognized as a center of excellence for education, research and service in the field of tropical medicine and international health. Within a multi-annual (5y) program funded through the Belgian Development Cooperation (DGD), ITM works on these domains with multiple research and academic partner institutes in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In addition ITM provides policy support to the Belgian public services – in particular DGD in the field of public health.
Access to quality health products, with focus on LMICs, is a policy priority of the Belgian Development Cooperation - DGD. The new Pharmaceutical Public Health Unit, located in the Health Systems & Health Policy group, provides tailored policy support to Belgian policy makers, based on research conducted by international experts.
ITM looks for a researcher and policy advisor on access to quality assured medical products to join the Pharmaceutical Public Health Unit at the Public Health Department.
What do we expect from you?
You work within a team lead by the head of the unit, in close collaboration with the ITM International Health Policy advisor seconded to DGD, and with ITM research partners in LMICs. In your role as Reseacher and Policy Advisor on equitable access to quality health products you:
Provide policy support upon request from the DGD, and tailored to the needs of DGD and related Belgian policy makers and stakeholders including ENABEL, Federal Ministry of Health and other Belgian or Flemish policy-makers working on access to medicines, quality of medicines and other subjects related to pharmaceutical policies in health systems.
Co-design and co-lead research in the field of access to medicines, quality of medicines and other subjects related to pharmaceutical policies in health systems, with focus on LMICs.
Represent the ITM at national and international events with a focus on, or related to, equitable access to quality health products, as well as in existing and forthcoming networks in this field.
Chair the Medicines Working Group of the Belgian platform Because Health (https://www.be-causehealth.be/en/bchgroups/access-to-quality-medicines/)
Facilitate regular dissemination of latest research and policy updates and pharmaceutical ‘alerts’ through an existing mailing list
Coordinate a French-speaking online platform on pharmaceutical policies, and organize its yearly workshop.
Contribute to educational and teaching activities related to access to medicines, quality of medicines and other subjects related to pharmaceutical policies in health systems.
What have you got to offer?
You are a pharmacist, a health economist, a medical doctor or you have another relevant background related to medical or life sciences or public health.
You have a proven minimum of 5 years experience in the areas related to access to medicines, quality of medicines and other subjects related to pharmaceutical policies in health systems, and have at least a 2-year experience working in programs in resource-low contexts, or equivalent experience.
You have the ability to communicate science and complexity to a lay audience, bridging scientific excellence with policy needs, relying on analytical (synthesis) skills.
You are flexible and able to address unplanned requests for policy support, depending on emerging themes in global health and pharmaceutical public health.
You are a team-player and an enthusiastic networker, who can animate networks and identify and secure new opportunities.
You communicate fluently in English and French.
Research experience and knowledge of Dutch are assets.
You are available for short travels in Europe and in low-income settings – mainly in Africa.
What do we offer you?
The ITM is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive institute. We strive for excellence and relevance, integrity, sustainability and persistence and fairness. Your assignment contributes to the socially relevant mission of the ITM. We value human dignity and diversity, academic creativity and a critical spirit, solidarity and cooperation, and the well-being of employees, students, patients and clients. We offer you:
A full time contract based on DGD funding (assured at least till end of 2026)
Expected starting date: 1/10/2023
A collegial working environment with attention to work-life balance and individual growth and development.
A workplace in the middle of the vibrant city of Antwerp, easily accessible by public transport
A salary package depending on your profile and professional experience, and supplementary benefits, such as private pension scheme, meal voucher subscription and reimbursement of transport.