The EDQM is recruiting a Scientific Programme Manager for its Certification of Substances Department in Strasbourg on secondment, with applications closing on 29 September 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we read the notice carefully because this vacancy is really three different jobs behind one title, and the one you apply for changes everything about the role.
Pick the wrong profile and the daily work is unrecognisable: one is desk assessment, one is factory inspection in Asia, one is regulatory guideline work.
The Department
The Certification of Substances Department, known as DCEP, is a team of roughly 60 professionals: scientists, regulatory experts, project managers and administrative staff.
💊 It sits at the heart of the EDQM's public health mission, delivering scientific assessments and running the Certification of Suitability procedure for monographs of the European Pharmacopoeia.
🏭 It also conducts Good Manufacturing Practice inspections of active substance manufacturers.
🌍 It works with other EDQM departments and an extended international network of stakeholders.
📕 The wider EDQM develops the quality standards compiled in the European Pharmacopoeia, legally binding in 39 member states and the European Union.
Profile One: Assessor
🔬 Participating in the scientific evaluation of Certificate of Suitability applications under the applicable rules and guidelines, including European Pharmacopoeia monographs, EU legislation and EDQM specific guidance.
🤝 Working with expert assessors from national competent authorities, preparing reports and taking part in scientific discussions with external experts or advisory committees to reach consensus.
✉️ Communicating with applicants to obtain further information and clarify issues in their dossiers.
⏱️ Monitoring assigned dossiers against established timelines.
Profile Two: GMP Inspector
✈️ Preparing and carrying out on site inspections of manufacturing facilities, primarily in Asia, together with GMP inspectors from competent authorities.
🔍 Assessing compliance with GMP and with the relevant certification applications.
📝 Collaborating with inspectors from national supervisory authorities and other international organisations, and preparing inspection reports.
⚠️ Communicating findings to manufacturers and advising on necessary actions where there is a public health risk.
🔁 Following up on corrective actions, monitoring progress against timelines.
Profile Three: Regulatory Professional
📑 Supporting the evaluation of certification applications and the GMP inspection programme.
📘 Supporting the implementation of new or revised guidelines, which is the policy facing side of the department's work.
What All Three Require
🏛️ The support of the member State seconding you to the Council of Europe.
🎓 A master's level qualification, with pharmacy or chemistry named in the profile requirements.
💼 A minimum of three years of professional experience, plus two additional years in relevant quality assessment, GMP inspection or regulatory affairs roles within competent authorities or the pharmaceutical industry.
🗣️ Very good English and basic French, or the capacity to learn French on the job.
🛂 Citizenship of a Council of Europe member state.
The Secondment Conditions
📜 The recruitment runs under Article 23 of Committee of Ministers Resolution CM/Res(2012)2.
🏠 Relocation allowance and travel are mentioned among the conditions.
💶 No salary figure appears in the notice, with the financial conditions published on the organisation's own conditions of employment page.
According to Youth Works Hub's review of this notice, the inspector profile carries a travel load that the other two do not, with inspections primarily in Asia, so read the profiles as three separate lifestyle choices rather than three shades of the same job.
Timetable
📅 Posted 8 September 2026, closing 29 September 2026 at 23:59:59 CET or CEST.
⚡ The start is as soon as possible, dependent on the seconding institution.
How to Apply
Applications go through the organisation's recruitment portal against the vacancy number. State clearly which profile you are applying for, because assessment, inspection and regulatory work are evaluated against different evidence, and a motivation letter that hedges across all three reads as unfocused.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I choose one profile or apply to all three?
The vacancy presents three profiles under one notice. Name the one you are targeting in your application.
Can I apply without a seconding institution?
No. The support of the member State seconding you is required.
How much experience is needed?
A minimum of three years professional experience plus two further years in quality assessment, GMP inspection or regulatory affairs within competent authorities or industry.
Where are the inspections?
Primarily in Asia, carried out together with GMP inspectors from competent authorities.
What language level is required?
Very good English and basic French, or the capacity to learn French on the job.
How large is the department?
Around 60 professionals across scientific, regulatory, project management and administrative roles.
Deadline
⏳ 29 September 2026
Applications close at 23:59:59 CET or CEST, and the secondment agreement with your national authority is the step that needs the most lead time. Find more opportunities like this, explained in plain language, on Youth Works Hub.
