Position Title: Assistant Technical Officer – Pharmacy

Location: Banki, Borno State

Supervisor: Technical Officer, Health and Nutrition Services

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.

Basic Function:

The ATO – Pharmacy will prepare medications by reviewing and interpreting physician orders, and dispensing medications by compounding, packaging and labeling pharmaceuticals.

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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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. 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:

• BS/BA/BPharm/ Bachelor’s in Pharmacy with at least 1-3 years post NYSC relevant experience managing a PSM cycle, including rational health commodities selection, forecasting /quantification, quality assurance spanning the PSM cycle, warehousing/storage, distribution, and LMIS.
• Additional public health certificate 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.

Safeguarding:

FHI 360 is committed to providing a safe environment for all employees, beneficiaries and anyone contracted by FHI 360. This Includes taking measures to protect vulnerable people from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) by either FHI 360 employees or associated personnel. FHI 360 abides by child safeguarding principles. FHI 360’s Safeguarding Policies apply and flow out to all FHI 360 staff, board members, volunteers, and partner staff (subcontractors, consultants, vendors, and subrecipients), regardless of the funding mechanism or amount of contract, agreement, or purchase order.