Vacancy: Manager – Pharmacovigilance in Southern Africa Initiative

The School of Public Health and School of Pharmacy at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), in partnership with the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium are establishing a cutting-edge Pharmacovigilance in Southern Africa Initiative.

Based at UWC in Cape Town, South Africa, this Initiative will lead impactful activities to strengthen pharmacovigilance across Southern Africa and the broader African continent, building national and regional capacities for effective pharmacovigilance (PV) to support local pharmaceutical research and development and manufacturing within stringent regulatory systems.

The Pharmacovigilance Initiative will focus on several key areas, including training and capacity strengthening, conducting operational research, enhancing information and communication systems, and fostering robust networks to support cross-institutional learning. These efforts aim to build a strong foundation for advancing pharmacovigilance and regional collaboration.

We seek a candidate with a proven track record in pharmacovigilance and a strong capacity for leadership and innovation for the role of Manager.

You will be expected to:

• Set up and manage the Pharmacovigilance Initiative’s infrastructure and systems.
• Lead its strategic activities in collaboration with key stakeholders, in particular the Pharmacovigilance Initiative’s Scientific Board.
• Participate in the development of training, research and communication activities.
• Coordinate all activities being implemented by the Pharmacovigilance Initiative.
• Identify funding opportunities and draft grant applications.
• Provide oversight of the assets, resources, administrative and financial activities of projects funded by the Pharmacovigilance Initiative.
• Report on activities, outputs and impacts and compile technical and financial reports as required.

Eligible applicants are required to have:

• Master’s degree in Pharmacy, Public Health, or a related field, with a specialized focus on pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, or similar disciplines. A PhD will be advantageous.
• At least 5 years relevant experience in pharmacovigilance within sub-Saharan African. Proven leadership and strategic management skills, with at least 2 years of senior management experience.
• Established network in public health, pharmacovigilance, and pharmaceutical sciences across multiple levels.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

• Experience in training and mentorship.
• Proficiency in English. Fluency in an African language, French or Portuguese will be advantageous.
• Willingness to travel within Africa and internationally for short periods.
• Successful grant writing and publishing in peer-reviewed journals will be advantageous.
• Background in pharmacy, medicine or other health science will be advantageous. 

The position will be for an initial one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two years in total, depending on satisfactory performance and funding availability.

If you are passionate about leading in an evolving field and want to be part of this exciting journey, apply to join our visionary team.

To apply, forward a motivation letter, CV, accompanied by the names and full contact particulars (i.e. e-mail, telephone & cell numbers) of at least three contactable referees, together with copies of your ID or Passport and highest qualification, to:

Mrs Nolitha Komeni (nkomeni@uwc.ac.za )

no later than Friday, 8 August 2025, 9am. 

Please use subject heading:  Application for Manager Pharmacovigilance Initiative

Previous applicants do not need to reapply.

In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, applications from designated groups will be given priority consideration. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.