Senior Pharmacist

Organization Information

Reports to: Head, Medical Support Services
Directorate/Department/Organ: Medical and Health Services (MHSD)
Division: Medical Support Services
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 1
Job Grade: P3
Number of Positions: 1
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

To provide technical support for the management, implementation and oversight of all AU Pharmacy operations.

Main Functions

• Provides support in the preparation and Implement the programmes developed out of the Division’s strategic plan;
• Ensures effective coordination and implementation of Unit’s plans and activities at various levels;
• Liaises with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and other relevant stakeholders on relevant matters;
• Prepares and develops reports, budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Division;
• Provides support to develop resource mobilization strategy with stakeholders’ coordination;
• Manages and supervises direct reports to ensure their effective performance as per organization’s performance management policy and system;
• Conducts complex analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the Division and AU’s internal use;
• Liaises with the various Departments/Units of the Commission for coordination and alignment purposes;
• Prepares budgets for the Division in accordance with relevant frameworks. Support the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets as may be required;
• Contributes in the development of strategies, policies, programmes and plans.

Specific Responsibilities

• Dispenses drugs prescribed by Physicians.
• Provides information to patients and advice regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage, and proper medication storage.
• Answers to questions and respond to queries on medications from clients.
• Supports Doctors in the selection of medicines in the management of patients.
• In collaboration with the Physicians, monitor adherence to therapy of chronic diseases and work with them to optimize treatment outcomes.
• Oversees, and allocates activities of employees engaged in dispensing prescribed medications and other pharmaceutical products for patient care, according to laid down procedures in a professional manner.
• Manages the inventory of essential drugs; orders and maintain stock levels at all times.
• Consults with Physicians, quantifies and forecasts pharmaceutical requirements of medical supplies for procurement.
• Initiates and be fully involved in the procurement processes of pharmaceutical products in collaboration with the Procurement Division.
• Maintains established procedures concerning quality assurance, security of controlled substances, and disposal of hazardous waste drugs.
• Develops and implements methods and procedures for monitoring work activities, such as preparation of records of expenditures, progress reports, etc.
• Prepares Pharmacy unit budget and share it with the Head of Division, Medical Support Services.
• Evaluates employee performance, and recommend interventions where necessary.
• Trains and mentors interns and other medical personnel on matters pertaining to pharmacy.
• Participates in continuing medical education programs for Medical staff.
• Ensures 24 hour AU Pharmacy coverage on a shift basis (for day time, night time, weekends and public holidays).
• Ensures smooth running of the AU Pharmacy.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s Degree in Pharmacy from a recognized University with 7 years’ post qualification working experience as a registered Clinical Pharmacist, work experience within a government hospital, private practice, University Teaching Hospital or international organization as unit, team, section, or department head or
• Bachelor’s Degree in similar studies with ten (10) years relevant experience
• Working in a clinical pharmacy role as at the time of application which 3 years should be at supervisor level;
• Must be registered/ licensed to practice as a Clinical Pharmacist in his/her home Country or Country of residence. Documented training in health commodities and Supply Chain Management.

Required Skills

• Ability to communicate with medical staff, clients and care givers politely.
• Ability to work under pressure
• Records management and confidentiality skills
• Planning, organizational and leadership skills.
• Communication skills and ability to work in teams in a complex, multi-cultural, multi ethnic environment to achieve unit goals.
• Computer literacy skills: proficient with various stock management systems, software packages and Hospital Information Systems.
• Oral, reporting and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies

Core Competencies

Functional Competencies