Job Description
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender equality, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development and humanitarian challenge in more than 70 countries. FHI 360’s Crisis Response team is responding to the humanitarian emergency in Amhara and Afar region, focusing on emergency health, nutrition and WASH activities to support the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality.
Job Summary:
Under general supervision, provides pharmacy services to the field sites and medical practitioners. Fills drug orders, requisitions, and waybills dispenses medicines, advise the health and nutrition coordinator and the health team regarding the nature and use of drugs, and train and/or supervise pharmacy staff at various sites. Works closely with the logistics team. Is active in quality control of pharmaceuticals as well as ensuring good dispensing and good distribution protocols are being followed. Works closely with the MOH pharmacists to ensure that consumption is being tracked and prepare and maintain all necessary records on drugs purchased, received dispatched and inventory.
Accountabilities:
- Oversees the acquisition (prepares drug orders) and disbursement of drugs and medical supplies to FHI360 supported clinics and FHI360 field sites, under direction of Health and Nutrition Coordinator.
- Ensuring good storage practices including maintenance of cold chain as necessary and monitoring drug consumption.
- Liaises with Logistics department regarding drugs and medical supplies orders, buffer stocks and distribution to the field sites / clinics in a timely manner
- Advise medical practitioners on drug indications/contraindications, dosage, drug interactions, and side effects; provides other drug and pharmaceutical information as appropriate
- Provides guidance and training to dispensers and pharmacy workers at various clinic sites during course of work, monitoring performance; working closely with the other members of the FHI360 Health Team
- Maintains methods and manner of storage and recordkeeping systems to provide for safekeeping of pharmaceuticals in line with FHI360 drug management and logistics guidelines (Keep both paper and computer records)
- Follows established departmental policies, procedures, and objectives, continuous quality improvement objectives, and safety, environmental standards
- Responsible for upkeep and refilling of first aid kits for all FHI360 cars operating from this FHI360 site, and the associated FHI360 residence(s) and office.
- Keep records of serious untoward incidents e.g. drug errors, poor quality, expired drugs as requested by Health and Nutrition Coordinator.
- Participates in data collection and reporting towards indicators.
- Works closely with the ministry of health staff to ensure compliance with USAID/BHA and FHI 360 guidelines on pharmaceutical and medical commodity management.
- Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned, by Health and nutrition Coordinator or Logistics Team as long as these do not interfere with routine work tasks
- Any other duties as required by the Health and Nutrition Coordinator or Senior Health and Nutrition officer.
Applied Knowledge & Skills:
- Proficiency with database management software and on-line search tools required.
- Development of scope of work and deliverables for partners, consultants, etc.
- Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.
- Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.
- Basic working knowledge of concepts, practices, and procedures with providing technical support for technical research studies.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills.
- Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required.
- Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.
- Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed.
- Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English.
Competencies:
There are 31 FHI 360 development competencies, of greatest focus for this particular job will be:
- Project Management (Planning and Time Management) – Accurately scopes out length and difficulty of tasks (sets objectives/goals/measures). Breaks down work into steps, schedules, task/people assignments. Marshals people, time, and resources efficiently. Arranges information in a useful manner and orchestrates multiple activities at once.
- People Management (Making Others Great) – Facilitate professional development of staff by providing challenging, learning assignments and opportunities. Shares and solicits feedback monthly at the very least. Helps establish compelling development plans. Assigns responsibility and accountability for tasks/decisions. Monitors process, progress, and results. Creates a climate in which people want to do their best.
- Creating and Managing Systems and Processes – Recognizes the need for standardization and balances client and organization need in systems design. Anticipates the effects of process change on people while optimizing task efficiency and simplicity.
- Employees are expected to possess or have high potential for the development of these three fundamental competencies.
Problem Solving & Impact:
- Works on problems of moderate scope that require analysis or interpretation of various factors.
- Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action.
- Builds rapport with internal and external staff.
- Decision may affect a work unit or area within a department.
Supervision Given/Received:
- Has no supervisory responsibility.
- Receives general instructions on routine work, detailed instructions on new assignments or projects.
- Typically reports to an Associate Director or Director.
Education:
- Bachelor’s Degree in pharmacy or related fields
Experience:
- 3-5 years of experience working as a pharmacist.
- Previous experience working with donor funded programs especially USAID/BHA a plus.
- Previous Experience working with a humanitarian organization a plus.
- Ability and willingness to travel to the program implementation sites and stay in the field.
- Current, active professional registration as a licensed pharmacist in Ethiopia with no restrictions.
- Ability to work in an environment where there are physical discomforts associated with change in weather or security.
- Excellent inter-personal, communications and representative skills (written, oral, cross-cultural).
- Outstanding knowledge of MS Office and pharmaceutical databases.
- Excellent communication skills in the local language, working knowledge of English
Typical Physical Demands:
- Typical office environment.
- Ability to spend long hours looking at computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.
- Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.
Technology to be Used:
- Personal Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.
Travel Requirements:
- 10% – 25%
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.
FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.