The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
CONTEXTUAL BACKGROUND
The IRC has been present in Nigeria since 2012 when the organization responded to flooding in Kogi state. In February 2014 the IRC moved into Adamawa State in NE Nigeria to provide humanitarian interventions through a multi-sectoral, integrated approach for conflict affected populations. IRC Nigeria now operates a country office in Abuja and field offices in Mubi and Yola of Adamawa State, Maiduguri and Monguno of Borno state and Damaturu of Yobe State. Currently, IRC Nigeria implements programs primary health care, nutrition, environmental health, women’s protection and empowerment, protection, child protection, education, food security & livelihoods.
Job Overview/Summary
The Pharmacy officer is responsible for overseeing pharmaceutical distribution and monitoring for the population in the catchment area of IRC-supported health facilities in Monguno. Responsibilities will include day-to-day distribution of pharmaceuticals, monitoring of activities, capacity development of incentive staff, reporting, using PIT, coordination with other sectors and government authorities as well as close collaboration with health facility staff and health managers.
The position is based in Monguno.
Reports to the Program Manager – Health Outcome, while working very closely with the dispensers at the facilities and Clinical officers
Major Responsibilities
Program Management, Technical Quality, and Strategy
Monitors the availability of medical products to avoid stock-outs and financial losses generated by expired items; Collaborates with the Program Manager – Health Outcome/Pharmacy Manager and Field Coordinator to define stock security levels in IRC Monguno Pharmacy.
In close collaboration with the Supply chain officer and Senior Health Officers, develops stock levels alert (based on an average monthly consumption AMC and morbidity data); gathers stock indicators, analyze them and discuss with the Program Manager – Health Outcome/ Pharmacy Senior Manager so as to avoid stock-outs and the financial losses generated by expired items.
In collaboration with the other health program staff in Monguno, oversee the implementation of pharmaceutical aspects of health projects implemented by IRC Monguno.
In collaboration with the Program Manager – Health Outcome, ensure that health programs utilize standardized protocols, policies, and guidelines, as outlined by the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and WHO. Ensure that all Health activities are consistent with established best practices.
Ensuring medicines are stored appropriately and securely.
Liaising with Health facility clinicians to ensure appropriate prescription and rational drug use.
Provide supervision to drug dispensers, checking dosage and ensuring that medicines are correctly and safely supplied and labelled, to avoid dispensing errors.
Participate in Joint supportive supervisory visit by IRC and SPHCDA supervisor to all Health facilities and IRC mobile clinic and ensure that appropriate feedback and mentorship takes place.
Technical Support and Quality of Care Management:
Ensure that all necessary drug information is correctly and fully recorded on the stock cards: IRC code, batch number, and expiry date, date of receipt or delivery, stock balance (incoming/outgoing), receipt and delivery document reference numbers.
Complete all the tables for monitoring stock movements and consumption on the PIT.
Prepares the monthly stock report.
In conjunction with the senior Pharma Manager/Log Manager, perform physical stock counts in accordance with the frequency defined in the SOP.
Inform the Program Manager – Health Outcome/Senior Pharma Manager when the stock of goods is nearing the minimum or maximum threshold, and regularly provide the Senior Pharma Manager and Program Manager – Health Outcome with a list of the items with expiry dates within the next six months.
Monitor the temperature of the warehouse and ensure that products requiring cold chain (vaccines) are always stored at a suitable temperature (between +2°C and +8°C) - manually record T twice daily - Reports any deviation, using the cold chain breech report.
Prepare the cold chain boxes as per Cold chain SOP.
Ensure the availability of enough icepacks, clean cold chain containers for the outreach activities including vaccine campaigns.
Ensure cleaning, defrosting and maintenance of fridges.
Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development:
Identifying pharmaceutical gap and training needs of clinicians in supported MOH Health Facilities and pharmacy technician, conduct formal training and on-the job coaching as appropriate.
Routinely monitor Drug dispensers and pharmacy technicians ensuring performance according to their job description and provide written feedback in a timely manner.
Review personnel issues and concerns of Drug dispensers and Health facility Pharmacy technicians and assist in determining and implementing solutions.
Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures and communicate through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.
Research, Learning and Analysis
Monitoring Health Program implementation
Prepare a weekly/monthly report of movements of drugs and medica supplies (incoming/outgoing) in the Drug warehouse and submit a report to the Senior Pharmacy Manager, SC Manager, and Program Manager – Health Outcome.
Immediately inform the Senior Pharma Manager of any problems arising in the course of the work, particularly regarding damage, loss, attempted break-ins, or theft in the warehouse, supported health facilities and Mobile clinic drug dispensary.
Conduct routine inventory inspection and submit a report to the Senior Pharma Manager/Logistics manager in a timely manner
Monitor and promote integrated programming in a way that increases overall impact of health program at the community level.
Coordination & Representation
· Attend all relevant meetings in relation to the health program as may be required and feed in the IRC priorities during meetings.
· Facilitate field visits for internal and external stakeholders, when required.
Key Working Relationships
Position Reports to: Program Manager – Health Outcome.
Indirect/Technical Reporting: Indirect reporting: Senior Pharmacy Manager, Health Coordinator, Field Coordinator.
Position directly Supervises: Position directly supervises: MoH incentive staff (Drug dispensers, RI vaccinators).
Key Internal Contacts:
Country Program: Health Program Staff and Managers, all other IRC sectors
Region/Global: N/A
Key External Contacts: Other partner NGO’s, MoH, SPHCDA, LGA PHC departments.
Job Requirements
Education: B.Pharm Degree, must possess practicing license. Master’s degree or postgraduate diploma or certificate in supply chain management. Logistics, pharmacy management, business administration or related field is an added advantage.
Work Experience:
· 2-3 years of work experience or professional experience, of which 1 - 2 years in health system Support, strengthening, and the development sector.
· Experience in field missions as a pharmacist in the humanitarian setting is highly recommended.
· Must be registered with relevant licensing bodies and allowed to practice in Nigeria.
· Thorough knowledge and understanding of drugs and medical supplies regulations of Nigeria.
· Excellent interpersonal communication skills
· NGO work experience is an advantage.
· Ability to work with displaced communities with diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
· Experience in working in a team and able to lead a team.
Demonstrated Technical Skills:
Experienced in report writing (highly recommended).
Experience in training, capacity development, on-the-job coaching for team members/supervisees.
Ability to maintain beneficiary confidentiality and respect always is essential.
Positive and professional attitude, able to organize, maintain composure and prioritize work under pressure, work overtime when necessary and be able to coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive.
Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels.
Languages:
Fluency in English, Hausa and Kanuri (Kanuri is an added advantage).
Computer/Other Tech Requirements:
· Full professional competency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Add position-specific (e.g. accounting software, statistical software, etc.).
Ability to Travel: N/A
Standard of Professional Conduct: IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of IRC Persons in any work setting.
Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
Employment Gaps: We welcome applicants with varied career paths and recognize that a gap in employment does not define a candidate's potential. We value transferable skills and are committed to investing in the growth and development of our team members. We encourage applicants to highlight any relevant skills or experiences they have acquired, even if they were not gained in a traditional work setting.
Compensation and Benefits: IRC strives to provide externally competitive and internally equitable Compensation and Benefits programs that attract, motivates, and retains employees that deliver strong performance while demonstrating the IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct.
Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, ethnicity or tribe, gender, age, religion, caste, sexual orientation, differently abled, geographic origin, marital status, veteran status and cultural background (or any other characteristic protected by law). We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
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