What we do
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) works worldwide to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to people affected by conflict and armed violence. We take action in response to emergencies and, at the same time, promote respect for international humanitarian law. We are an independent and neutral organization, and our mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949. We work closely with National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and with their International Federation to ensure a concerted, rational and rapid humanitarian response to the needs of the victims of armed conflict or any other situation of internal violence. We direct and coordinate the international activities conducted in these situations.
Purpose
The Head Pharmacist sets the ICRC’s pharmaceutical strategy and ensures that it is implemented. They also are the legal representative for the ICRC’s pharmaceutical services vis-à-vis the Swiss authorities, as per the European Union Guidelines on Good Distribution Practice of Medical Products for Human Use (GDPs).
Main duties and responsibilities
The Head Pharmacist:
- Is responsible for compliance with EU/WHO GDPs at headquarters and in the field, in accordance with national regulations.
- Proposes policies on health-care goods quality.
- Sets priorities in planning audits of suppliers in collaboration with ICRC pharmacists in the field and the Quality Assurance Pharmacists; manages external auditors.
- Approves donations of medical supplies and domestic purchases
- Approves standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensures that they are implemented throughout the medical supply chain.
- Supports and advises operations staff at headquarters and in the field on pharmaceutical issues (setting specifications, approving therapeutic alternatives, changes in strength or quantity, regulatory aspects and negotiations with the authorities).
- Keeps abreast of the regulatory environment, evolutions in the global pharmaceutical market, World Health Organization recommendations and new guidelines, and issues risk alerts.
- Develops a network of contacts in the pharmaceutical field in which s/he represents the ICRC.
- Outlines, develops and approves partnerships related to pharmaceutical activities.
- Supervises ICRC pharmacists and the pool of specialists; determines and monitors training needs.
- Ensures that risks are mitigated by performing the controls assigned to his/her role as described in the Logistics Risk and Control Matrix
Relationships
- Internally, reports to the Head of Logistics, interacts with staff working in logistics, assistance, human resources and private fundraising and with the Directorate.
- Externally, interacts with representatives from international organizations, suppliers and ministries of health.
Desired profile and skilles
Education & Academic Background
- Pharmacy degree (PhD level).
- Masters pharmaceutical laws and regulations.
Professional Experience
- Typically 15+ years' professional experience.
- Minimum six years' confirmed experience as a pharmacist and if possible legal representative of pharmaceutical services in an international pharmaceutical company.
- Experience as a hospital pharmacist an asset.
- Experience working in a humanitarian organization an asset.
- Experience understanding complex conflicts and their implications for health systems.
- Management experience.
Languages
- Excellent command of French and English.
- Fluent in English and French (spoken & written).
- Knowledge of Spanish, Arabic, or another ICRC language is an asset.
Technical Skills
Additional Information
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland
- Activity Rate: 100%
- Type of Contract: Open-ended
- Mobility Type: Long Term Assignement
- Estimated start date: 1st of April 2026
- Recruiter: Diara NIANG
- Application Deadline: 26th of February 2026
Are you ready to explore the next chapter of your career? Apply now!
The ICRC values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
Our values
- At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values. For more information on the ICRC values, please visit this page.
