Head, Drug Release Section

Ministry of Public Health - Qatar; Doha; On-site; QAR 250,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Public Health - Qatar seeks an experienced professional to lead the Drug Release Section, ensuring safe, compliant release of medicines imported into Qatar. You will validate authenticity, efficacy, and regulatory adherence while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities include guiding a team, maintaining quality standards, and driving efficiency in drug release processes, including narcotics handling and regulatory liaison.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Pharmacy from a recognized university.
• Master’s in related field preferred.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in relevant role, with at least 4 years in managerial or supervisory capacity.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to the Drug Release Section team.
• Mentor staff and foster excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with national pharmaceutical regulations and guidelines for drug release.
• Oversee release of medicines imported to the State, ensuring validity and regulatory adherence.
• Implement inspection protocols to verify quality and safety before release.
• Confiscate medicines violating regulations and coordinate their destruction per legal requirements.
• Stay updated on regulatory changes and adapt procedures accordingly.
• Develop robust quality assurance to guarantee product integrity and safety.
• Oversee sending samples to the drug quality laboratory for analysis.
• Ensure samples are tested for actual ingredients and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct audits and inspections to verify quality standards.
• Oversee timely and accurate release of pharmaceutical products for distribution.
• Establish efficient release procedures in line with protocols.
• Collaborate with authorities on narcotic seizures and related procedures.
• Ensure prompt handling of narcotic seizures per procedures and laws.
• Liaise with regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and quality control for coordination.
• Serve as a point of contact for external stakeholders, including pharma companies and regulators.
• Identify opportunities to optimize processes and improve efficiency in drug release.
• Drive initiatives to reduce turnaround times and enhance service quality.

Skills

Leadership

Staff Management

Regulatory Compliance

Drug Release

Quality Assurance

Audits

Stakeholder Liaison

Process Improvement

Education

Bachelor's in Pharmaceutical Sciences/Pharmacy

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The incumbent will play a pivotal role in overseeing the meticulous drug screening process, ensuring the safe, high-quality, and fully compliant release of medicines and pharmaceuticals imported into the State of Qatar. Operating in accordance with the stringent standards outlined in Pharmacy Act no. (3) of 1983, they will bear the crucial responsibility of validating the authenticity, efficacy, and regulatory adherence of pharmaceutical products. This multifaceted role demands unwavering dedication and precision to safeguard public health and uphold pharmaceutical integrity within the nation.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

1. 1. Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Drug Release Section team.
2. 2. Manage and mentor staff, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
3. 3. Ensure compliance with national pharmaceutical regulations, standards, and guidelines governing drug release processes.
4. 4. Oversee the release of all medicines and pharmaceuticals imported to the State, ensuring their validity, effectiveness, and compliance with regulatory laws and guidelines.
5. 5. Implement rigorous inspection protocols to verify the quality and safety of imported pharmaceutical products before their release for distribution
6. 6. Confiscate any medicines found to be in violation of regulations, coordinating their destruction as per legal requirements.
7. 7. Stay abreast of changes in regulatory requirements and update procedures accordingly.
8. 8. Develop and implement robust quality assurance processes to guarantee the integrity, safety, and efficacy of released pharmaceutical products.
9. 9. Oversee the sending of samples of incoming medicines to the drug quality laboratory for analysis.
10. 10. Ensure that samples undergo comprehensive testing to verify their actual ingredients and compliance with regulatory laws before final release.
11. 11. Conduct regular audits and inspections to assess compliance with quality standards.
12. 12. Oversee the timely and accurate release of pharmaceutical products for distribution.
13. 13. Establish and maintain efficient release procedures while adhering to established protocols.
14. 14. Collaborate with competent authorities in the seizure of narcotic drugs that violate organizational laws and conditions.
15. 15. Ensure prompt and efficient handling of narcotic drug seizures in accordance with established procedures and legal requirements.
16. 16. Liaise with internal stakeholders, including regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and quality control departments, to ensure seamless coordination of drug release activities.
17. 17. Serve as a point of contact for external stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies, regarding drug release matters.
18. 18. Identify opportunities for process optimization and efficiency enhancement within the Drug Release Section.
19. 19. Drive initiatives to improve productivity, reduce turnaround times, and enhance overall service quality.
20. 20. Perform other duties as requested to meet the ongoing organizational needs.

Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences/ Pharmacy from a recognized university. Master's in related field preferred.

Required Certification/ Licensure:

Subject to Healthcare Specialties Department regulations. License required for new hires effective Sept 2024

Minimum 10 years’ experience in relevant role, out of which 4 years in Managerial or Supervisory capacity.

Preferred to have experience in Jordan food and Drug Administration, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, or similar.