Executive Director

Role Description

The Executive Director (ED) reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for leading the organization. The ED manages the QUAMED team, ensures technical excellence and consistency across all activities (assessments, technical assistance, training, research) and represents QUAMED with all its partners including members, donors, regulatory bodies, clients, etc.

Responsibilities include:

• Organizational Leadership
• Manage the QUAMED team in line with the agreed organigram; develop annual reports, annual plans, strategic plans.
• Monitor financial performance and take corrective actions as necessary.
• Conduct regular in-person meetings for the virtual headquarters/secretariat and project management teams.
• Serve as an ex officio, non-voting member of the Board of Directors.
• Support Board meetings including development of documents to help Board make strategic decisions.
• Create a positive work culture for effective collaboration and empowerment.
• Ensure alignment between technical and business strategy and organizational resources.
• Strategic Technical Leadership & Development
• Provide strategic guidance to the Board on further development of QUAMED’s technical activities.
• Identify and explore technical opportunities and research partnerships.
• Support the development, implementation and supervision of all technical activities of QUAMED.
• Manage the technical team and ensure projects are completed according to internal SOPs and donor requirements.
• Guarantee technical consistency in all activities.
• Business Development strategy and implementation
• Develop and implement a business development and fundraising strategy.
• Identify and assess emerging opportunities for growth.
• Lead the development of technical and financial proposals.
• Build and maintain a diversified funding portfolio.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• External Representation & Advocacy
• Pro-actively reinforce QUAMED’s technical voice.
• Represent QUAMED in international forums and strategic partnerships.
• Support organizational communications and advocacy initiatives.
• Ensure QUAMED remains a recognized voice on pharmaceutical quality assurance.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, or related field).
• A management diploma is a plus.
• Auditor credentials (e.g., GSDP/GMP auditor certification) are an advantage.
• Training in quality assurance, regulatory affairs, or pharmaceutical supply chain is desirable.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector.
• Demonstrated experience conducting or overseeing GSDP, MQAS and/or GMP audits.
• Strong understanding of pharmaceutical quality management systems and regulatory requirements.
• Significant senior leadership experience within an international NGO or health agency.
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams is a plus.
• Proven experience overseeing organizational budgets and financial planning.
• Strong track record in business development and partnership development.
• Fluent in English; working knowledge of French is a strong asset.

Requirements

• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Ability to ensure compliance with QMS requirements.
• Financial management and oversight expertise.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Desire to make a difference for people confronted by humanitarian emergencies.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

Benefits

• Permanent contract with a two-year renewable term.
• Minimum remuneration packages regardless of location.
• Adjustment up to 20% for higher cost-of-living countries.
• Significant allocation in lieu of social charges for non-employee contracts.
• Full-time position with remote work flexibility.
• Travel expected 2-3 times per year (10-15% of total time).

Company Description

QUAMED is a small, well-established non-profit organization incorporated in Belgium that has a vision of “living in a world where everyone benefits from quality medicines and other health products.”

The organization’s mission is to partner with diverse networks of stakeholders to improve access to quality medicines and other medical products, strengthening pharmaceutical systems and reducing exposure to sub-standard and falsified medical products.

• Conduct assessments for members and customers.
• Manage Quality Certification Program (QCP) for suppliers.
• Maintain a subscriber-only database with reports.
• Develop and offer training related to core activities.
• Provide technical advice and support services.
• Advocate for quality medicines through various communication channels.