Program Officer, Pharmacy & Allied Health at the West African Health Organization (WAHO)

The West African Health Organization (WAHO) is the health institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) charged with leadership and coordination of health improvement programs across the ECOWAS region.

We invite applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the position below:

Job Title: Program Officer, Pharmacy & Allied Health

Job Code: 0091
Location: Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
Employment Type: Full Time
Grade: P3/P4
Directorate: Healthcare Services
Division: Human Resources Development for Health
Line Supervisor: Principal Programme Officer, Human Resources Development for Health

Role Overview

• Under the supervision of the Principal Officer, Human Resources Development for Health, the incumbent shall update course modules as well as lead the development and standardisation of training (basic and post-basic), within the region.
• She/He shall advocate for the development of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions as well as develop the harmonised drug regulation policy.
• She/he shall collaborate with the West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists (WAPCP) in identifying suitably training for pharmacists, allied health professionals and drug quality control officers.
• The Officer shall be responsible for producing a quarterly journal.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Organize workshops, seminars and update training courses for pharmacists and allied health professionals in the ECOWAS region.
• Identify appropriate training institutions for post-basic and specialist pharmacy and allied health training.
• Work closely with West African schools, postgraduate colleges and other training institutions for pharmacists and allied health professionals to consolidate their capacities and their gradual expansion, and to assist in the implementation and strengthening of their programmes.
• Maintain a directory of pharmacists and allied health professionals across the ECOWAS region.
• Take appropriate measures to harmonise training programmes of pharmacists and allied health professionals in the ECOWAS region.
• Update and harmonise courses for pharmacists and allied health professionals in the ECOWAS region.
• Coordinate the development of a curriculum for training pharmacists and allied health professionals.
• Monitor and evaluate the training programme of institutions training pharmacists and allied health professionals.
• Publish suitable educational materials e.g., journals, modules etc. for the continuing education of pharmacists and allied health professionals.
• Identity and maintain records of suitably trained pharmacist and allied health
• professionals for any Technical Assistance Programme to Member States.
• Collaborate closely with ECOWAS member states and other relevant International Organisations and Partners in the development of human resources in pharmacy and allied health.
• Collaborate with appropriate regional Institutions and Organisations to ensure progressive development of the structures necessary for the maintenance of standards of training and practice of the Allied Health Professions and pharmacists in the region.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor.

Academic Qualifications and Experience
Education:

• Medical Doctor or Pharmacist or hold a degree in a similar discipline from a recognized University.

Experience:

• Five (5) years of progressive experience in the implementation of healthcare programmes in positions of increasing responsibility, or similar position.
• Good knowledge of quality assurance standards in the ECOWAS region.
• Ability to manage relationships with partner organisations, Ministries of Health and other relevant regulatory bodies to foster solid cooperation.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public health portfolio and major health challenges in West Africa;
• Ability to manage database and conduct statistical and epidemiological analysis of health data.
• Knowledge of problems and needs in the pharmaceutical sector at country and regional levels, and the ability to develop suggestions for resolving pharmaceutical challenges;
• Ability to develop programs to support local pharmaceutical manufacturers to upgrade their facilities to attain GMP/WHO standards;
• Assist in budget planning and management for program-related expenses.
• Monitor expenditures and work to optimize resource allocation.
• Stay current with industry developments and emerging trends in pharmacy and allied health education.
• Knowledge of the principles and practice of public health management in the ECOWAS region, and proven ability to conduct Research Development or research with the third sector in West Africa;

ECOWAS Key Competencies:
Leadership:

• Ability to persuade/influence others to consider a certain point of view, adopt a new idea or implement new methods and practices;
• Ability to lead a team of trainees/junior staff and instill a spirit of teamwork to engage employees and achieve a well-defined set of activities;
• Ability to respect the chain of command in an appropriate manner;
• Ability to resolve challenges that occur with minimal direction and/or to recommend and explain solutions or alternatives for approval;
• Ability to utilize the Code of Ethics to manage self, others, information and resources;
• Ability to mentor others and create feedback loops with supervisors, colleagues and subordinates to build strong working relationships and improve performance.
• Contribute to maintaining organizational unit’s performance goals and standards.

Salary
USD37,431.66 - USD52,379.70 Annually.

Application Closing Date
10th January, 2024.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their completed Application Forms to: vn91pah@waho.ecowas.int using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Click here to download the Application Form (Docx.)

Click here for more information (PDF)

Each application must include the following:

• A completed Job Application Form
• A Cover Letter of not more than one page on the motivation for the application to the post
• A signed up-to-date Curriculum Vitae
• A certified copy of Birth Certificate.

Note

• Candidates must be ECOWAS citizens. Candidates must be under 50 years.
• Submitted documents shall not be returned.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Shortlisting and interview processes shall be based on the ECOWAS Staff Regulations.
• Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
• Offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory background check.