Institute of Pharmacovigilance
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LeadershipL.I.PVPL

PV Policy Lead

Leadership · Industry

Coordinates the exchange of policy-related information and ensures resources are available to implement relevant policies.

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

  • Coordinate the exchange of policy-related information and disseminate it across other teams and ensure all the resources provided are available to implement relevant policies.
  • Maintain regular contact with other divisions and give feedback with regards to policy-related changes for the successful enforcement of the policies.
  • Support relevant management staff.
  • Engage with Training and Quality teams regularly to ensure robust and consistent enforcement and correct understanding of internal policies.
  • Flag resource constraints, policy issues or inconsistencies timely.
  • Gather insights and offer policy suggestions based on the direct application of the policies.
  • Ensure continuous improvement of resources and materials provided.
  • Engage in continuous improvement of the processes.
  • Support company governance of business ethic compliance and its implementation.

Overall required level: Expert.Draft competency standard for the PV Policy Lead role. As a leadership role, expert-level command of PV governance, the PV system and applicable legislation is expected, together with strategic and people-leadership competencies. 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
PV governance, strategy and the PV systemRef: EMA GVP Module I — Pharmacovigilance systems and their quality systemsExpert
PV legislation and GVP across regionsRef: Regulation (EC) No 726/2004; Directive 2001/83/ECExpert
Risk management and aggregate reporting oversightRef: EMA GVP Module V (Rev 2); GVP Module VIIExpert
Audit, inspection readiness and CAPARef: EMA GVP Module III; GVP Module IVIntermediate
Budgeting, resourcing and business continuityIntermediate
Training, education and capacity buildingRef: WHO Pharmacovigilance Core Curriculum for University TeachingIntermediate
PV policy, legislation and guideline developmentRef: Regulation (EC) No 726/2004; Directive 2001/83/ECExpert

Knowledge · Skills · Attitude

A summary of the competency elements expected for this role.

ElementKnowledgeSkillsAttitude
Governance
  • PV system architecture
  • Governance frameworks
  • Setting strategy and standardised processes
  • Accountability
Compliance & inspections
  • GVP obligations
  • Inspection process
  • Leading inspection responses and CAPA
  • Commitment to compliance
Leadership
  • Resourcing and vendor governance
  • Leading and developing teams
  • Integrity

Get certified for this role

Certification validates prerequisites via CV screening and assesses knowledge through an online, AI-proctored examination based on the competency standard. The latest terms and requirements for every role and region are maintained by the Institute of Pharmacovigilance.

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