Institute of Pharmacovigilance
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ScientificS.I.PVS.SA

PV Systems Architect

Scientific · Industry · PV Systems

Designs strategic goals and tactical plans for managing and maintaining PV systems and software.

Also known as: Clinical System Architect, PV Solution Architect

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

  • Design and implement long-term strategic goals and short-term tactical plans for managing and maintaining PV systems and software.
  • Ensure that proposed and existing systems architectures are aligned with the company's goals and objectives.
  • Provide architectural expertise, direction, and assistance to other staff.
  • Develop, document, and communicate plans for investing in systems architecture, including analysis of cost reduction opportunities.
  • Conduct research on emerging technologies in support of systems development efforts and recommend technologies that will increase cost-effectiveness and systems flexibility.
  • Participate in inspection/audit related readiness activities and provide support for internal and external PV audits.
  • Develop and deliver relevant training.

Overall required level: Intermediate.Draft competency standard for the PV Systems Architect role. As a scientific role, intermediate-to-expert command of the relevant scientific domain and its regulatory context is 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/ECIntermediate
The pharmacovigilance system and Pharmacovigilance System Master File (PSMF)Ref: EMA GVP Module II — Pharmacovigilance system master file (Rev 2)Intermediate
Individual case safety report (ICSR) management and regulatory reporting timelinesRef: EMA GVP Module VI (Rev 2); ICH E2D(R1); ICH E2B(R3)Intermediate

Role-Specific Knowledge

Includes topics derived from this role's job description.

TopicLevel
Safety database administration and configurationRef: ICH E2B(R3); EMA EudraVigilanceExpert
Computer-system validation (CSV) and UATRef: EU GMP Annex 11 — Computerised systemsExpert
PSMF and Safety Data Exchange Agreements (SDEA)Ref: EMA GVP Module II — Pharmacovigilance system master file (Rev 2)Intermediate
System integrations, gateways and reporting rulesRef: ICH E2B(R3) — Electronic Transmission of ICSRsIntermediate
Audits and regulatory inspectionsRef: EMA GVP Module IV — Pharmacovigilance audits (Rev 1); GVP Module III — Pharmacovigilance inspectionsIntermediate
Training, education and capacity buildingRef: WHO Pharmacovigilance Core Curriculum for University TeachingBasic

Knowledge · Skills · Attitude

A summary of the competency elements expected for this role.

ElementKnowledgeSkillsAttitude
System administration
  • Database architecture
  • Configuration
  • Administering the PV system
  • Reliability
Validation
  • CSV lifecycle
  • Data integrity
  • Conducting UAT, maintaining validated documentation
  • Discipline in change control
Governance
  • PSMF/SDEA requirements
  • Maintaining system documentation
  • Traceability

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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