Assistant Technical Officer, Pharmacy at Family Health International

Locations: Damasak, Borno

Project Description

• Northeast Nigeria is currently facing a growing humanitarian crisis with a vast number of Internally Displaced Persons in need of emergency assistance.
• These IDPs are living among host communities, lacking access to livelihoods and resources, ultimately leading to unprecedented levels of malnutrition and food insecurity.
• FHI 360 has been working in Nigeria for over 30 years and responded to the humanitarian crisis in the NE for five years. In anticipation of a new project, and in support of ongoing ones, FHI360 seeks an experienced Assistant Technical Officer - Pharmacy to support our response to the humanitarian crisis in NE Nigeria.

Job Summary

• The ATO - Pharmacy will prepare medications by reviewing and interpreting physician orders, and dispensing medications by compounding, packaging and labeling pharmaceuticals.
• He/She will also be responsible for the supply chain of medicines and other health commodities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works as part of a multidisciplinary team of staff to provide high quality patient care to an extremely vulnerable population.
• Carrying out inspection duties as provided for under the Poisons and Pharmacist’s Act, the Dangerous Drug Act and the Food and Drug Decree and other operational legislations
• Dispensing prescribed medications to in-and-outpatients whilst providing accurate medication advice.
• Maintaining stores and keeping relevant store records.
• Work closely with the supervisor at field level to ensure the morbidity data align and correspond to consumption and avoid misuse.
• Preparing extemporaneous medicaments such as mixtures, lotions, ointments, syrups, etc.
• Provides technical information and advice to other health professionals.
• Ensuring proper storage and issuance of all drugs over the duration of the project.
• Participating in routine quality control audits of all drugs in stock.
• Coordinate the forward and reverse logistics of drugs and other medical commodities.
• Work with other heads of units to provide accurate consumption report data.
• Adheres to the relevant Code of conduct and ethics
• Works with technical support and M&E teams to collect appropriate baseline data over the life of the project
• Carry out monthly inventory and spot check as per Warehouse management Standard Operational Procedures.
• Compiles and submits periodic reports
• Ensures adequate infection prevention and control standards are maintained at all times.
• Performs any other duties as may be assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

• Sound knowledge of inventory control systems and consumption reporting.
• Experience must include managing health commodity logistics information systems, including forecasting/quantification of medical commodities.
• Knowledge of the key principles and approaches to health systems strengthening.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the political and ethical issues surrounding integrated health programs.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and deliver high volumes of work with minimal supervision.
• High degree of proficiency in written and spoken English and Hausa communications, including presentation and training skills. Understanding of Kanuri Language is an asset.
• Well-developed computer skills

Qualifications and Requirements

• BSc. Pharmacy with at least 1- 3 years post NYSC relevant experience.
• Registered Pharmacist with a valid practicing license is Mandatory
• Additional public health certificates or other closely related field certificates from a government - recognized institution is an added advantage.
• Familiarity with Nigerian public sector health systems and NGOs and CBOs is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working in a humanitarian crisis is highly desirable.