Mission Pharmacy Manager at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

Objective of the Position:

Defining, coordinating and monitoring all pharmacy related activities in the Mission according to MSF standards and values, the Medical Coordinator instructions and with consideration of national and international laws and regulations: in order to ensure the quality and proper organization of medical supply processes, procedures and protocols, the proper management of the medical stock in the projects and, in collaboration with the medical coordinator, the correct use of medicines and medical material.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Ensure close follow up of the National Drug Supply; Supporting the project Pharmacists to prepare the annual plan and budget for the pharmacy, making sure the forecast is up to date to the projects’ future plans.
• Supervising the running of the pharmacies across the mission, ensuring the proper implementation of MSF Safety standards, including pharmacovigilance follow up and waste management protocols, and to national and international legislation, in order to ensure the quality of the service given to the population and the accurate handling of drugs and products, including its proper disposal, in terms of hygiene and security.
• Supporting the Medical Coordinator regarding the follow-up of EPREP planning and maintenance of medical emergency kits.
• Ensuring the collection of data for monitoring and surveillance of optimal quantity & quality of medicine use. Supporting activities for effective drug distribution and control, quality prescription (rational drug use), medicines reconciliation, antibiotic stewardship interventions such as restricted use antibiotic review, follow up of pharmaceutical care plans, patient counseling, good dispensing practices and safe medication practices.
• Monitoring the procurement process and taking corrective measures when needed, ensuring regular communication with Medical, Logistics, HR and Finance departments regarding Medical Supply and Pharmacy Management. Ensure local purchases are made from approved sources.
• Being responsible for the good maintenance of all drugs and equipment in the pharmacies and the appropriate storage and management of supply of narcotic and psychotropic medication with respect to national legislation, permitting traceability for these specific products.
• Facilitating correct stock management and transport/storage procedures, ensuring the availability of stock in all projects and to avoid expiries/overstocks and stock-outs. In close collaboration with Logistics Department, supervise storage conditions, classification, organization and inventory. Responsible for the follow-up of loans/donations and management of expired medications according to MSF procedures (and national legislation in case of expired drugs).
• Planning and supervising, in close coordination with the HR department, the associated processes (recruitment, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, development and communication) of the staff under his/her responsibility in order to ensure both the sizing and the amount of knowledge required.
• Participating in reporting according to MSF guidelines (SitReps, medical statistical reports, etc.) and reporting on drug consumption and medical devices dispensed according to protocols, informing on unusual patterns.
• In Collaboration with SKID (Supply Kenya Intersectional Department) following up the international cargos’ receptions and the local purchases to cover the mission needs.
• Supporting the field for the International orders preparations, making sure it is matching and covering the projects’ needs

Requirements:

Education

• Essential: University Degree in Pharmacy Duly registered with the Kenya Pharmacy and Poisons Board

Knowledge & Experience

• Essential: Minimum 2 years’ demonstrable experience in pharmacy management within a hospital setting. Previous experience with MSF or other NGOs in developing countries desirable. Proficient in MS Office use (Excel, Word, Internet). Knowledge of “Isy stock” an added advantage

Languages

• Fluency in English and Swahili

Competencies

• People Management and Development, Commitment to MSF principles, Behavioural flexibility, Results and quality orientation, Teamwork and Cooperation.