The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) is a scientific nonprofit organization that sets standards for the identity, strength, quality, and purity of medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements manufactured, distributed and consumed worldwide. USP’s drug standards are enforceable in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration, and these standards are used in more than 140 countries.

The Promoting the Quality of Medicines (PQM) program is a program funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by USP. Since 1992, USP has worked in partnership with USAID to support developing countries in addressing critical issues related to medicines quality. The PQM program provides technical assistance to build capacity of medicines regulatory authorities and quality assurance systems in countries with emergent health systems and it supports manufacturing of quality-assured priority essential medicines for malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, and maternal and child health. There is increasing recognition of the burden of poor-quality medicines and their threat to public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Falsified and substandard medicines can cause treatment failure and adverse reactions, can increase morbidity and mortality, and may contribute to antimicrobial resistance. These medicines represent not only a waste of scarce resources but also a substantial risk to public health. Further, they risk undermining decades of health investments, including those made by USAID. 

PQM Pakistan is seeking a Safety and Security Consultant to manage safety and security in support of program implementation.

Under the guidance of USP’s Global Security Director, and in close collaboration with the Senior Operations Manager and third party service provider contracted to provide specific journey management support, the Safety and Security Consultant will be responsible for providing the PQM Pakistan program safety and security support in the following areas:

Scope of Work:

·        Continuously assess the Safety and Security environment and devise risk reduction measures as related to movement schedules, changes to travel schedule and sharing of relevant safety and security information with staff and Rockville – eg.  movement restrictions

·        Working closely with the Senior Operations Manager based in Islamabad, manage and monitor staff travel to include:

     a.      the approval of travel,

    b.      selection, screening, and maintenance of all preferred transport and accommodation vendors

    c.      monitoring staff safety and security while on travel

·        Provide security briefings for all international visitors traveling to Pakistan upon arrival

·        Working closely with the Senior Operations Manager, maintain daily contact with staff to establish their well-being, location and security environment in their area whilst in travel status

·        Provide direct support and advice in response to Safety and Security incidents and escalate as necessary per USP escalation protocols provided

Above scope is estimated to require 5-10 hours per week  based on travel schedules

Minimum Requirements

·       5-10 years of experience working in security in Pakistan with at least 2 years of experience providing security support to iNGOs in the country.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·       Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

·       Fluency in National Language and proficiency in written and oral English required

Documentation required as part of application process

·       Resume

·       References

·       Quotes to include hourly rates for an estimated 5-10 hours a week

·       Completed copy of AID 1420-17 form