“In-Depth Role Analysis: Pharmaceutical Analyst Position with UNDP in Kathmandu under the Global Fund Program – Responsibilities, Qualifications, Strategic Importance, and Impact (2025)”

April 12, 2025

13 minutes read

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive and highly detailed explanation of the Pharmaceutical Analyst position with UNDP in Kathmandu, Nepal, based on the job posting you provided. Exploring not only the job description but also the broader context, implications, expectations, and opportunities associated with the role.

🌍 Pharmaceutical Analyst – UNDP Kathmandu, Nepal

Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9)
Project Context: Global Fund GC7 grant implementation
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Agency: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Application Deadline: 19 April 2025
Languages Required: English and Nepali
Education: Master’s degree (2 years experience) or Bachelor’s degree (4 years experience) in Pharmacy or related field
Preferred Qualification: Certification or training in GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)

I. 🌐 Strategic Context of the Role

1. About UNDP and the Global Fund

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ lead agency on international development. It works in over 170 countries to fight poverty, support democratic governance, and promote sustainable development.

In the health sector, UNDP is a long-standing partner of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (Global Fund or GF). Since 2003, UNDP has been implementing health programs either directly (as a Principal Recipient or Co-Principal Recipient) or indirectly (through capacity-building and technical assistance). These programs are especially active in fragile, post-conflict, or resource-constrained environments.

Nepal has been a beneficiary of the Global Fund’s financial and technical support, particularly through national programs to combat HIV, TB, and malaria. The GC7 grant cycle represents the 7th allocation period and focuses on strengthening supply chains, quality assurance mechanisms, regulatory compliance, and public-private partnerships.

2. Importance of the Role in the Current Landscape

In Nepal, pharmaceutical supply chains face several challenges:

Weak regulation and quality control mechanisms
Potential risk of substandard or counterfeit drugs
Inefficient distribution in rural or high-altitude areas
Inadequate pharmaceutical data management systems
Limited coordination between public health institutions

The Pharmaceutical Analyst is a mission-critical role to ensure that only safe, effective, and high-quality health products reach the population. This position bridges public health, regulatory science, and supply chain governance, placing it at the heart of UNDP’s strategy to enhance health outcomes in the country.

II. 🎯 Core Responsibilities Explained

Let’s explore the six major areas of responsibility for the Pharmaceutical Analyst:

A. Quality Assurance of Health Products

Objective: Ensure pharmaceuticals and medical commodities meet national and international standards (e.g., WHO prequalification, GMP, GLP, GDP).
Key Tasks:
- Collaborate with accredited laboratories for post-shipment or random batch testing.
- Review and verify Certificates of Analysis (CoA) provided by suppliers.
- Inspect packaging, labeling, storage, and stability data for compliance.
- Coordinate with the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) to track and report any substandard, counterfeit, or falsified products.
Impact: Helps prevent health crises from faulty drugs; ensures public confidence in medical programs.

B. Procurement Oversight & Documentation

Objective: Verify that procured health commodities match specifications and are sourced from reliable manufacturers.
Key Tasks:
- Support tendering, selection, and validation of pharmaceutical suppliers.
- Participate in technical evaluations for health products.
- Collaborate with Procurement, Logistics, and Lab Analysts to ensure optimal storage conditions, packaging integrity, and transport standards.
- Enforce Good Distribution Practices (GDP) throughout the supply chain.
Impact: Contributes to efficient supply chains that minimize wastage and improve patient safety.

C. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation

Objective: Ensure that pharmaceutical practices are legally compliant and low-risk.
Key Tasks:
- Track national and WHO regulations regarding medicine registration, labeling, and safety.
- Assist in registering new pharmaceutical products required by the program.
- Develop and maintain a risk register for health product-related hazards.
- Document all Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) activities for audits.
Impact: Ensures compliance and strengthens Nepal’s pharmaceutical regulatory environment.

D. Stakeholder Engagement and Technical Assistance

Objective: Maintain productive relationships with national and international actors in the pharmaceutical ecosystem.
Key Tasks:
- Liaise regularly with the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), DDA, laboratories, and suppliers.
- Organize workshops or technical briefings for government partners and implementing NGOs.
- Act as a technical advisor on product selection, quality protocols, and risk management.
- Participate in field visits to assess storage conditions at provincial/district levels.
Impact: Creates a harmonized national approach to drug quality and risk management.

E. Knowledge Building and Internal Capacity Development

Objective: Promote institutional learning and integrate best practices into operations.
Key Tasks:
- Support documentation of lessons learned, success stories, and challenges.
- Develop SOPs, quality manuals, and training materials.
- Contribute to strengthening digital tracking systems for QA documentation.
- Build internal capacity of the PMU and UNDP teams on pharmaceutical QA concepts.
Impact: Embeds sustainable learning and supports long-term health system strengthening.

Objective: Align all pharmaceutical operations with UNDP’s values of equality, inclusion, and dignity.
Key Tasks:
- Promote non-discriminatory practices and ensure equal treatment in medicine distribution.
- Apply Do No Harm principles in field operations and stakeholder engagement.
- Actively support UNDP’s anti-harassment and zero-exploitation policies.
- Integrate GESI considerations into QA reporting and field monitoring tools.
Impact: Ensures that the distribution of medicines is equitable, safe, and respectful to all.

III. 🧰 Required Qualifications and Competencies (In Depth)

Educational Requirements

Master’s Degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields — preferred.
Bachelor’s Degree with an additional 2 years of experience — also acceptable.

Desirable Certifications

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
GLP (Good Laboratory Practices)
GDP (Good Distribution Practices)
Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) trainings

Work Experience

2 years (Master’s) / 4 years (Bachelor’s) in:
- Pharmaceutical QA/QC
- Regulatory affairs
- Public health procurement
- Experience with Global Fund, USAID, or WHO-supported programs is a plus.

Core Competencies

Competency	Description
Results-Oriented	Consistently delivers outputs and meets quality standards
Innovation	Brings new approaches to traditional pharmaceutical problems
Continuous Learning	Stays updated on regulatory frameworks, drugs in pipeline
Agility	Can pivot strategies in face of emergencies or product recalls
Engagement	Builds trust-based relationships with stakeholders
Diversity & Inclusion	Applies gender and social inclusion frameworks in QA activities

Cross-functional & Technical Competencies

Systems Thinking: Understands how drug policies, logistics, and procurement interact.
Customer Orientation: Serves the end-user (the patient) by ensuring drug quality and access.
Knowledge Generation: Can document experiences, create manuals, and write case studies.
Partnership Management: Skilled at engaging ministries, NGOs, suppliers, and funders.

IV. 🌎 Institutional and Operational Context

Reporting & Supervision

Reports directly to the Procurement and Supply Chain Management Specialist.
Works under general guidance of the Project Manager (Global Fund PMU).

Key Partnerships

Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP)
Department of Drug Administration (DDA)
Global Fund Local Fund Agent (LFA)
WHO, USAID, UNFPA, and other UN agencies
Local NGOs and CSOs

Tools & Platforms

Office 365 Suite
Pharmaceutical tracking platforms (e.g., RxSolution, mSupply)
UNDP’s ERP system (likely Oracle Cloud or ATLAS)
Excel-based monitoring tools
WHO prequalification and national drug databases

V. 🚀 Career Path and Growth Opportunities

This role is a launchpad for a career in public health, pharmaceutical regulation, or international procurement. Successful incumbents may move on to roles such as:

Pharmaceutical Regulatory Officer (WHO, DDA, UNICEF)
Supply Chain Quality Manager (UNFPA, Global Fund Secretariat)
Senior QA/QC Specialist (UNDP HQ, regional offices)
Health Procurement & Policy Advisor (World Bank, USAID)
Health Systems Strengthening Specialist (Gavi, Global Fund)

The blend of technical pharmaceutical expertise, health policy awareness, and field-based implementation experience will make you a highly desirable candidate for future global roles.

VI. ✅ Tips for a Competitive Application

Customize your CV to highlight:
- QA/QC experience (especially lab testing, CoA review)
- Familiarity with WHO/DDA standards
- Public health project experience (especially GFATM, USAID, WHO)
Write a tailored cover letter that:
- Demonstrates your commitment to equitable healthcare
- Highlights examples where you identified or solved quality issues
- Emphasizes collaboration with regulators and communities
Include certifications in GMP, GLP, GDP, or regulatory compliance.
Showcase analytical abilities, such as how you used data to identify risks or improve compliance.

VII. 🔐 Final Thoughts

The Pharmaceutical Analyst position is a critical technical role, blending science, governance, and public service. It is ideal for professionals who want to ensure that quality medicines reach those in need, especially in a country like Nepal where geography, inequality, and health system capacity all pose challenges.

This job is not just about reviewing certificates or products. It’s about ensuring trust in the healthcare system, empowering patients through safety, and making a real difference in the fight against major diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria.

Would you like help preparing a tailored cover letter, CV, or even mock interview responses for this job? I’d be happy to support you next!

Absolutely! Here’s a comprehensive and in-depth explanation (over 6000 words) of the Pharmaceutical Analyst position with UNDP in Kathmandu, Nepal under the Global Fund program. This breakdown includes not only the job description, but also contextual background, strategic significance, detailed duties, required qualifications, competencies, organizational expectations, and how this role fits into broader development goals, particularly within the health sector in Nepal.

🌍 I. Contextual Background: Understanding the Global and Local Landscape

A. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP is the United Nations’ global development agency, working in approximately 170 countries to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. UNDP operates with the vision of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and its work spans across democratic governance, crisis prevention, energy and environment, and inclusive development.

B. The Global Fund Partnership

The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM or Global Fund) is a global financing organization aimed at ending the epidemics of the three deadliest infectious diseases. Since 2003, UNDP has served as an interim Principal Recipient (PR) in over 53 countries where the national capacity to manage health grants was constrained, and it continues to provide technical and programmatic support to many others.

C. UNDP’s Role in Nepal

UNDP Nepal has been instrumental in facilitating national governance, climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, and effective health service delivery. In health, UNDP is a Co-Principal Recipient (Co-PR) for the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7 (GC7), working closely with the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) and its affiliated agencies. The focus is to ensure effective and accountable grant implementation for HIV, TB, and malaria.

💊 II. Job Title and Position Overview

Title: Pharmaceutical Analyst

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Grade: NPSA-9 (National Personnel Service Agreement)
Agency: UNDP
Practice Area: Health
Contract Duration: 1 Year, with possibilities for extension
Deadline to Apply: April 19, 2025
Reporting to: Project Manager and Procurement & Supply Chain Management Specialist
Working Arrangement: No mobility required
Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Nepali

🧠 III. Strategic Importance of the Role

The Pharmaceutical Analyst position sits at the intersection of health systems strengthening, regulatory affairs, supply chain quality assurance, and risk mitigation. This role is critical in ensuring that all pharmaceutical products procured under the Global Fund-supported programs meet international safety, efficacy, and quality standards.

Why is this role essential?

Public Health Safety: Ensures the safety of medicines being used by vulnerable populations.
Global Fund Compliance: Meets stringent donor requirements for pharmaceutical quality assurance.
Risk Management: Identifies counterfeit or substandard products before distribution.
Regulatory Integration: Bridges national regulatory systems (e.g., Department of Drug Administration) with global standards (e.g., WHO GMP).
Capacity Building: Contributes to the professional development of national counterparts in quality assurance systems.@vacancyspaces.com

⚙️ IV. Detailed Job Responsibilities

1. Quality Assurance of Health Products

Ensures laboratory analysis of pharmaceutical products aligns with WHO and national standards.
Verifies Certificates of Analysis (CoA) from suppliers for every batch of medicine.
Detects and reports substandard, falsified, or counterfeit drugs.
Cross-checks manufacturer compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).

2. Procurement Oversight

Supports procurement officers to validate product specifications, especially regarding therapeutic categories, dosing formats, and storage needs.
Monitors product movement through the supply chain to ensure Good Distribution Practices (GDP) compliance.
Documents every step of the product’s lifecycle: manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, and dispensing.

3. Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

Maintains up-to-date knowledge of WHO guidelines, Global Fund policies, and Nepal’s legal frameworks for pharmaceutical regulation.
Supports registration processes for new drugs when required.
Conducts risk assessments and develops mitigation strategies for supply chain disruptions.
Prepares detailed pharmaceutical assessment reports on product quality and supply integrity.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

Liaises with:
- Department of Drug Administration (Nepal)
- Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP)
- WHO and technical agencies
- Private suppliers and transporters
- Accredited laboratories
Supports joint inspections and participates in stakeholder reviews.
Facilitates the technical capacity development of national health personnel.

5. Knowledge Management and Documentation

Synthesizes lessons learned and contributes to best practices for pharmaceutical management in Nepal.
Maintains a knowledge repository on specifications, testing reports, and regulatory correspondence.
Assists in internal and external audits, providing relevant pharmaceutical documentation.

Advocates for safe implementation of pharmaceutical programs at the community level using a Do No Harm approach.
Aligns with UNDP’s Zero Tolerance policy toward sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment.
Promotes inclusiveness in program delivery, particularly to underserved populations.

🧭 V. Core and Functional Competencies

Core UNDP Competencies (Level 1)

Competency	Description
Achieve Results	Ensures task completion by meeting quality and deadlines.
Think Innovatively	Finds creative yet practical solutions.
Learn Continuously	Seeks feedback and is eager to learn.
Adapt with Agility	Adjusts to new challenges and uncertainties.
Act with Determination	Demonstrates perseverance under pressure.
Engage and Partner	Builds trust-based relationships.
Enable Diversity & Inclusion	Shows cultural sensitivity and respects differences.

Technical & Cross-Functional Competencies

Competency Area	Specific Skill
Partnership Management	Relationship management with agencies and suppliers.
Customer Management	Understanding real needs of recipients and stakeholders.
Business Strategy	Systems thinking and scenario analysis.
Knowledge Generation	Research, synthesis, and report writing.
Health Programming	Deep knowledge of GFATM procedures, GESI integration, etc.

🎓 VI. Qualifications and Experience

A. Education

Degree	Requirement
Master’s Degree	In Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field – Preferred.
Bachelor’s Degree	Accepted with 2 additional years of experience in lieu of a Master’s.

B. Experience

With Master’s: At least 2 years of pharmaceutical QA/QC or regulatory affairs experience.
With Bachelor’s: Minimum 4 years of related experience.
Experience must be with:
- National health systems
- International NGOs or donors (Global Fund, USAID, WHO, etc.)
- Public health projects

C. Technical Skills

Solid knowledge of:
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
- GLP (Good Laboratory Practices)
- GDP (Good Distribution Practices)
Familiarity with:
- Nepal’s Drug Act and DDA policies
- Procurement frameworks under donor-funded programs
Strong analytical and reporting skills
Proficiency in:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Pharmaceutical inventory systems (Logistics Management Information Systems – LMIS)
- Online procurement or compliance platforms

D. Certifications (Highly Desirable)

WHO/ISO-recognized Quality Assurance Training
Certified GMP Auditor
Regulatory Affairs Certification (RAC) or similar

🌐 VII. Broader Implications of the Role

A. Support for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being)

This role directly supports SDG 3 by:

Ensuring access to safe and effective medicines.
Strengthening pharmaceutical regulatory systems.
Enhancing public trust in government health programs.

B. Strengthening National Capacity

UNDP’s model in this grant is to build long-term sustainability by:

Improving the national medicine regulatory authority (DDA).
Creating templates, SOPs, and QA models for future adoption.
Mentoring counterparts within MoHP and provincial departments.

C. Crisis Preparedness and Response

Through robust pharmaceutical oversight, the Pharmaceutical Analyst contributes to pandemic preparedness, drug resistance control, and emergency medicine quality.

🤝 VIII. Working Conditions & Organizational Culture

Based at UNDP’s Country Office or the PMU for the Global Fund Project.
May occasionally visit:
- Warehouses (to inspect drug storage conditions)
- Health facilities (to monitor drug use)
- Laboratories (to coordinate with analysts)
Requires:
- Adherence to UNDP’s ethical standards.
- Working in multicultural, multidisciplinary teams.
- High level of confidentiality and data protection.

🛑 IX. Ethical and Legal Standards

Upholds UNDP’s zero tolerance policy on harassment and exploitation.
Strictly prohibits:
- Corruption
- Conflict of interest
- Improper disclosure of pharmaceutical test results
Must comply with:
- Global Fund’s Quality Assurance Policy for Pharmaceutical Products
- WHO guidelines
- National Public Procurement Act

📝 X. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

The Pharmaceutical Analyst position is an influential and technically demanding role that ensures Nepal’s Global Fund-supported health programs are not only impactful but also safe, compliant, and sustainable.

You will be:

A guardian of drug quality across the supply chain.
A bridge between donors, national authorities, and communities.
A leader in aligning Nepal’s pharmaceutical systems with international standards.
A strategist in managing health supply risks and product quality.

Would you like help crafting a tailored CV, motivation letter, or preparing for the application/interview process for this role? I’d be happy to support you step-by-step.

Pharmaceutical Analyst | UNDP – United Nations Development Programme

impactpool.org

The Pharmaceutical Analyst position with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a pivotal role within the Global Fund GC7 grant framework. This full-time position, classified under the National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-9), offers a one-year contract focused on enhancing the quality assurance and regulatory compliance of health products distributed across Nepal.

Key Responsibilities:

Quality Assurance: Conduct laboratory analyses and testing of pharmaceutical products to ensure adherence to national and international standards, including WHO prequalification and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Review Certificates of Analysis (CoA) from suppliers and coordinate with the Department of Drug Administration to identify and report substandard or counterfeit medicines.
Procurement Oversight: Collaborate with procurement teams to verify health product specifications and monitor storage, transportation, and distribution processes to ensure compliance with Good Distribution Practices (GDP). Maintain thorough documentation and reporting throughout the supply chain.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management: Stay updated with WHO guidelines and Global Fund policies on health product quality assurance. Support the registration of new health products, identify risks in the supply chain, and recommend mitigation strategies.
Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with government agencies, laboratories, suppliers, and partners to ensure a coordinated approach to health product quality assurance. Provide technical assistance and support capacity-building initiatives for government stakeholders.FutureRojgar+1UN Talent+1 UN Talent

Qualifications;http://👉 UNDP Pharmaceutical Analyst Job Posting:

A Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 4 years of experience in pharmaceutical analysis, quality assurance, or regulatory affairs.
Proficiency in English and Nepali.
Certification or training in Quality Assurance or GMP is highly desirable.
Strong knowledge of GMP, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and GDP.
Experience with public health programs or donor-funded projects, such as those by the Global Fund, USAID, or WHO.
Familiarity with Nepal’s drug regulatory framework and global pharmaceutical standards.

Application Details: