Institute of Pharmacovigilance
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ManagerialM.I.HPVPE

Head of PV Pharmacoepidemiology

Managerial · Industry · Pharmacoepidemiology

Serves as the strategic lead for epidemiologic support of approved and developmental drugs.

Draft

This competency standard is a working draft prepared for reviewand is not yet an official GPPC standard. Content is derived from the role’s job description and established pharmacovigilance practice, and is subject to change.

Job description

  • Contribute to the vision and operationalization of the pharmacoepidemiology group.
  • Serve as the strategic lead for epidemiologic support of drugs, approved and in development, including conducting reviews of the epidemiology of indications and adverse events, analyse of datasets, and designing and executing new studies.
  • Prioritize activities across multiple projects and effectively negotiate plans with colleagues and customers.
  • Take on the responsibility for professional development of self and share accountability for the achievement of department-wide goals and objectives.
  • Participate in inspection/audit related readiness activities and provide support for internal and external PV audits.
  • Engage in continuous improvement of relevant processes.
  • Provide adequate support, motivation, encouragement, and effective management for all relevant staff.
  • Develop and implement relevant training.

Overall required level: Expert.Draft competency standard for the Head of PV Pharmacoepidemiology role. As a managerial role, expert-level knowledge of the managed function and strong oversight, compliance and people-management competencies are expected. Levels are an initial proposal derived from the role's job description and typical pharmacovigilance practice, pending expert review.

Prerequisites

Mandatory prerequisites

  • University degree in medicine, pharmacy, life sciences or a related discipline
  • Relevant pharmacovigilance experience appropriate to the role

Recommendations

  • Working proficiency in English
  • Familiarity with the applicable GVP modules

Concept of levels

Knowledge for each topic is assessed on a four-level scale.

LevelExpected knowledge
N/ANo knowledge required.
BasicElementary knowledge of the specific regulation; fundamental understanding of the terms and definitions used, a basic understanding of the concept of the regulation, a general overview of what it covers and where it can be found; passive/delegated usage of the regulation.
IntermediateVery good knowledge of the specific regulation; comprehensive understanding of the terms and definitions and of the concept and context of who/when/where/why/how it applies; active usage of the regulation when required.
ExpertExcellent knowledge of the specific regulation; in-depth understanding of the concept and of how and why its sections should be implemented and followed, including outcomes and responsibilities for all relevant stakeholders; active usage of the regulation on a daily basis.

Knowledge

General Knowledge

TopicLevel
Pharmacovigilance principles and Good Pharmacovigilance Practices (GVP) overviewRef: EMA GVP Module I — Pharmacovigilance systems and their quality systems; EU Reg (EC) 726/2004 & Dir 2001/83/ECExpert
The pharmacovigilance system and Pharmacovigilance System Master File (PSMF)Ref: EMA GVP Module II — Pharmacovigilance system master file (Rev 2)Expert
Individual case safety report (ICSR) management and regulatory reporting timelinesRef: EMA GVP Module VI (Rev 2); ICH E2D(R1); ICH E2B(R3)Expert

Role-Specific Knowledge

Includes topics derived from this role's job description.

TopicLevel
Pharmacoepidemiology study design (PASS/PAES)Ref: EMA GVP Module VIII (Rev 3); ENCePP Guide on Methodological StandardsExpert
Real-world evidence (RWE) and data sourcesRef: ENCePP Guide on Methodological Standards in PharmacoepidemiologyIntermediate
Biostatistics and study analysisIntermediate
GVP Module VIII (post-authorisation safety studies)Ref: EMA GVP Module VIII — Post-authorisation safety studies (Rev 3)Intermediate
Audits and regulatory inspectionsRef: EMA GVP Module IV — Pharmacovigilance audits (Rev 1); GVP Module III — Pharmacovigilance inspectionsExpert
Training, education and capacity buildingRef: WHO Pharmacovigilance Core Curriculum for University TeachingIntermediate
Post-authorisation safety studies (PASS/PAES)Ref: EMA GVP Module VIII — Post-authorisation safety studies (Rev 3)Expert

Knowledge · Skills · Attitude

A summary of the competency elements expected for this role.

ElementKnowledgeSkillsAttitude
Study design
  • Epidemiologic methods
  • Designing and executing studies
  • Scientific rigour
Analysis
  • Statistical methods
  • Analysing and interpreting data
  • Objectivity
Evidence
  • RWE sources and limitations
  • Generating decision-grade evidence
  • Critical appraisal

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