INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.
Terms of reference
Job Title: Pharmacy Expert
Code: SR-28-2286
Duty station: HQ (50%); Kandahar (50%)
Starting date: 28/02/2022
Contract duration: 6 months
Reporting to: Medical Coordinator
Supervision of: Head of Medical Unit HQ
Dependents: Non-family duty station
General context of the project
Over 40 years of conflicts and political turmoil have taken a massive cumulative toll on the people of Afghanistan. A total of 18.4 million people, almost half of the total population, have been estimated by the UN to need humanitarian assistance prior to recent events. Severe droughts are recurring in Afghanistan, currently resulting in nearly 14 million people in acute food insecurity, with over 3 million children facing severe malnourishment. The recent displacement of 550,000 people is adding to an estimated 2.9 million people who remain internally displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, while winter months are around the corner.
INTERSOS has been working in Afghanistan since 2001, with a country office in Kabul, and field bases in Kandahar and Zabul provinces. In recent years INTERSOS has been focusing its assistance based on integrated community-based approach that includes primary health care (including sexual and reproductive health care), nutrition and protection programmes serving conflict-affected populations, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, with a special focus on socially excluded individuals, including women, children and persons living with disabilities.
With its operational approach and active engagement with the communities, INTERSOS has been enjoying strong community acceptance and operational access. All INTERSOS activities continue to be implemented in Afghanistan at present time, with no operational restrictions and with full inclusion of female staff.
It is widely anticipated that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation may deteriorate further, given that the international support to key essential and social services – food aid, health, education, and other essential services, is currently frozen. Although humanitarian aid can not replace this gap, the international assistance that prioritises urgent humanitarian needs will be essential.
At the same time, unless the operational environment with all its impediments (including in relation to banking/cash transfers and counter-terrorism measures) does not improve, the response will continue to be a challenge.
Recognising that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan will require a more intensified international humanitarian assistance, INTERSOS remains in Afghanistan to deliver its ongoing activities, and potentially scale up its response.
General purpose of the position
In close collaboration with the Medical Coordinator at the mission level and HQ Medical Unit, support all pharmacy-related activities in the mission. Ensures the proper implementation and development of INTERSOS SoPs and National Health policy as well as the quality of the pharmacy management system in the mission, in order to ensure the delivery of quality pharmaceutical items, consumables, and medical equipment for patients and their communities.
Main responsibilities and tasks
HQ
- Support in the finalization of INTERSOS pharmacy management SOP in order to ensure the international standard are guarantee trough the guidelines
- Assess, reviewing and train on the global pharmaceutical indicators for ensuring the quality of the pharmaceutical items, consumables and medical equipment purchase on the health programs
- In collaboration with logistic department and medical unit support the integration of the Inventory Management System in mission when applicable.
- Supports the design of the process of donation, destruction, disposal of drugs according to donor regulation
- Support to and coordination with Logistics in the proper implementation of environmental policies regarding the waste management and disposal of pharmaceuticals items, consumables and medical equipment
Afghanistan mission
- Ensure the pharmacy management tool and the quality control measures are in place and followed correctly, provide training if needed
- Provide training and capacity building for the national Pharmacist and pharmacy managers to monitor efficiently the management of stocks, forecast needs and prepare national and international orders in coordination with the Medical Coordinator.
- Supervise that the medical staff correctly fills pharmaceutical tools, at central, field and mission level, such as consumption tool, inventory, monthly order etc.,
- Ensure that all local medical purchases strictly follow the procurement policy.
- Work closely with the pharmacist to assess pharmacy activities in the mission, the correct storage, classification and organisation of drugs and medical material according to INTERSOS protocols. Assess current issues in pharmaceutical management system and develop recommendations for improvements with particular emphasis on:
- Identifying and addressing any supply chain procedures within current health programs that present a risk to INTERSOS compliance requirements
- Working with the Medical Coordinator and the pharmacist to identify the pharmaceutical medical supplies needed related to INTERSOS’ health services and ensure that we are tracking, analysing and utilizing consumption to inform appropriate procurements
- Switching from the current push system to a more efficient pull system to avoid stock outs and wastage
- In coordination with the Health team, establish a contingency Pharmaceutical stock and provide guidance on how the stock will be managed, when to activate the stock, and how it will be replenished.
- Support in the donation process, if needed, and in collaboration with the medical coordinator and the pharmacist.
- Support and supervise the integration of the Inventory Management System.
- Participates, in coordination with the MedCo and the pharmacist, in the definition of annual pharmaceutical forecast planned. Make recommendations for a plan for continued supervision and oversight to encourage long-term strengthening of the system, including regular field visits and supportive supervision by relevant senior staff.
- Represent INTERSOS in coordination with the MedCo when communication with other actors is needed for pharmaceutical related issues.
- Liaise with Logistics in order to ensure the integration of waste management procedures for pharmaceutical items, consumable and medical equipment along the health program, according to the national environmental policy or international standards. If needed participates in selection of the pharmacist in cooperation with HR. Provide feedback to the manager about the performance of staff involved in the pharmacy management.
Required profile and experience
Education
• Advanced university degree in pharmacy
Professional Experience
• Minimum 2 years relevant work experience in the humanitarian context
Professional Requirements
Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
Demonstrate experience with different donors: proposal writing, compliance, and reporting
Languages
English mandatory and multi-language knowledge as added value
Personal Requirements
• Leadership, people management and development
• Strong teamwork and cooperation capacities
• Strategic vision
• Service orientation
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles
• Understanding of humanitarian operations principles, standards and best practices
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below: https://www.intersos.org/posizioni-aperte/missioni/#intersosorg-vacancies/vacancy-details/61c20d05dff0fb001fd8edc3/
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password, citizenship and Skype address), sign-up and apply attaching your CV and motivation letter in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.
In case you encounter severe difficulties applying through the platform - i.e. if and only if it is impossible to submit the requested files through the adequate channel - you will be allowed to submit your CV and Motivation Letter (both in PDF version) via e-mail to recruitment@intersos.org, with the subject line " Platform issue – SR-28-2286– Pharmacy Expert Afghanistan ". Please, bear in mind this is an exceptional measure, as there are allocated channels created for every job opening, which will make this process quicker and easier.
Please note that any application submitted via e-mail may take longer than our standard terms to be processed.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references, including the line manager during your last job. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.