Pharmacy Technician Officer

Background of IRC:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities that support them, as well as with those who remain within their homes and communities. At-work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. IRC leads the way from harm to home. Began work in Ethiopia, 1999 in response to severe drought that happened in Ethiopia’s Somali region. Currently, providing assistance in ten different regions implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview/Summary: 

This position will be based in Jijiga under the Jijiga field office and will directly reports to the IRC Jijiga Health and Nutrition Manager and technically report to the IRC country pharmacist based in Addis Ababa. The pharmacy technician officer will oversee the drugs, medical supplies, and nutrition commodities proper management at Mobile health and nutrition teams (MHNTs) operating in Afder zone (Hargelle, Dolo bay and Charati Woredas) and Siti zone (Biki Gota and Erer Woredas). He/she will be responsible for managing the proper storage, utilization, technically coaching the MHNT on dispensing and handling of the drugs at utilization points and distribution of pharma and commodities at the IRC supported government health facilities and IRC MHNT’s. He/She will be responsible in ensuring the IRC pharma standard operating procedures and guidelines are implemented at the IRC” s MHNTand IRC warehouses. The pharmacy technician officer will be responsible for collecting, organizing, and reporting of stock data, consumption data and client numbers addressed by the utilization and donation of drugs and related commodities.

Major responsibilities include:

·        Focal person for drugs and medical commodities management at Jijiga field office warehouse and project locations

·        Conduct physical inspection of drugs, medical supplies, and equipment up on delivery and confirm their qualities.

·        Facilitate receiving of In-Kind donation of medical supplies from UN (WHO and UNFPA) agencies according to the IRC procedure.

·        Ensure availability of necessary drugs, equipment & supplies at the MHNT’s and monitor the safe storage and proper distribution according to IRC’s SOPs.

·        Follow up the drugs and medical supplies expire date regularly and facilitate their dispatch to end beneficiary in proper manner. 

·        Ensure proper dispensing techniques are implemented, and documentations are kept in all MHNT’s sites.

·        Ensure traceability of pharmaceuticals in the supply chain and respond to batch recall according to the IRC” s SOP.

·        Follow up with Supply chain the delivery and distribution documents from the IRC intervention sites are collected and documented.

·        Regularly record and update pharmaceuticals on pharmaceutical inventory tracking tool and produce report.

·        Ensure the distribution of drugs to operating areas is based on needs and appropriate documentations are maintained.

·        Provide technical support to MHNT health officers and supported heath facility pharmacy staffs on proper use and storage of drugs and medical supplies.

·        Ensure the IRC field office drug, medical supply and equipment warehouse is managed according to the IRC’s storage SOPs and SC management system.

·        Ensure that an up-to-date inventory is maintained for the IRC field office store.

·        Distribute essential health supplies and drugs to the health facilities based on needs and ensure appropriate documentation are kept.

·        Ensure that all stock movement records are appropriately maintained and organized including hard copies and electronic records.

·        Produce monthly reports on the stocks of drugs and medical supplies, detailing all stock movements.

·        Monitor and support the drug management system at IRC MHNT’s and support government health facilities.

·        Conduct monthly inventory of drugs, supplies and equipment and report to the health manager, SC manager and Country pharmacist.

·        Perform other duties as requested by the Health Manager and Country pharmacist in accordance with the position.

·        Regularly collect and monitor consumption and beneficiary data from MHNT’s and supported health facilities and report to the country office.

Safeguarding Responsibilities: -

·        Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC [team/office]

·        Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Educational Requirements:

·        Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy/clinical pharmacy with a minimum of three years of practical experience in managing drugs and medical commodities in humanitarian settings.

Preferred experience & skills:

·        Minimum work experience of 2 years for BSc Degree, 1 years for MPH/MSc Degree holders

·        2+ years of experience managing different projects in humanitarian contexts such as in international NGOs.         

·        Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications.

·        Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to prioritize and deliver on time.

·        Strong analytic problem-solving skills

·        Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional global team structure.

·        Highly proficient in Microsoft Office and excel.

·        Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

·        Ability to manage and work through change proactively and positively.

·        Address gaps and weaknesses.

·        In addition to the IRC 's core values/competencies: diligence, attention to critical details, a keen sense of work priorities, and resourcefulness in obtaining and researching meaningful information.

·        Dedication and commitment to work under stress; Self-motivated, transparent, highly responsible, and punctual.

·        Meets timelines for all reporting and delivery of outputs; Results-based attitude, as well as excellent organization skills.

·        Strong computer skills, with a good knowledge of MS Office Windows (Word, Excel, Access) and virtual platform

Language Skills: 

·        English language speaking and writing capability are mandatory plus local language is advantageous. 

Certificates or Licenses:

·        Professional Licenses and other training on thematic areas and certificates are advantageous. 

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

·        Name of the position you have applied for

·        Date of application

·        Summary of your qualifications and experience

·        Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

·        Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address

·        Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

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