Project description

GFA Consulting Group is seeking a highly qualified Team Leader for a strategic technical assistance assignment supporting VACSERA, Egypt’s Holding Company for Biological Products and Vaccines, in the preparation of a major investment project to expand national vaccine production capacity.

The assignment, financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), aims to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study and preparatory assessments for the establishment of a new multi-product vaccine manufacturing facility at VACSERA's site in Sixth of October City, Egypt. The study will assess market demand, vaccine production priorities, manufacturing technologies, infrastructure and resource requirements, environmental and social impacts, procurement approaches, and pathways towards WHO prequalification and international regulatory compliance.

Job description

The Team Leader will provide overall technical leadership and strategic direction for the assignment and act as the principal interface with the European Investment Bank, VACSERA and key stakeholders.   

Key responsibilities

• Leading and coordinating the multidisciplinary project team throughout implementation;
• Overseeing the preparation of a comprehensive feasibility study and market analysis;
• Guiding recommendations on vaccine production priorities, manufacturing technologies and facility requirements;
• Supervising the preparation of environmental and social assessments and associated management measures;
• Leading the development of procurement strategies and implementation plans for infrastructure, equipment and supply chains;
• Supporting the preparation of a roadmap towards WHO prequalification and international regulatory compliance;
• Facilitating stakeholder consultations, workshops and high-level discussions with government institutions, international organisations and industry representatives;
• Ensuring quality assurance and timely delivery of all project outputs and reports;
• Providing strategic advice on technology transfer, market access and long-term sustainability of vaccine production operations.  

What we offer

• Opportunity for future collaboration on international pharmaceutical and global health assignments beyond this project.
• A strategic role influencing the design, feasibility and implementation of a next-generation vaccine production facility.
• Predominantly home-based work, complemented by short field missions to Egypt.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Life Sciences or a closely related field;
• Internationally recognised project management certification, preferably Lean Six Sigma or equivalent.
• Minimum 15 years of international professional experience in the pharmaceutical industry;
• Minimum 5 years of experience in the vaccines sector;
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the Middle East and/or Africa;
• At least 5 years of experience in vaccine product development, market access and regulatory strategy;
• Demonstrated experience working with international health organisations and global health initiatives such as WHO, Gavi and UNICEF;
• Proven experience with international vaccine procurement mechanisms and tendering procedures; 
• At least 3 years of experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, including stage-gate decision-making processes; 
• Demonstrated involvement in at least one large-scale commercial GMP vaccine production project or successful vaccine technology transfer initiative; 
• Proven track record in project financial management and delivery of projects on time and within budget.
• Excellent command of English, both written and spoken;
• Knowledge of Arabic, particularly Egyptian Arabic, would be considered an advantage.

Your Application

Contact person

  Patricia Kolbe Patricia.Kolbe@gfa-group.de