Senior Pharmacist at the African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999). We are an Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Pharmacist

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Contract
Reports to: Head, Medical Support Services
Directorate/Department/Organ: Medical and Health Services (MHSD)
Division: Medical Support Services
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 1
Job Grade: P3
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

• To provide technical support for the management, implementation and oversight of all AU Pharmacy operations.

Main Functions

• Provides support in the preparation and Implement the programmes developed out of the Division’s strategic plan;
• Ensures effective coordination and implementation of Unit’s plans and activities at various levels;
• Liaises with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and other relevant stakeholders on relevant matters;
• Prepares and develops reports, budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Division;
• Provides support to develop resource mobilization strategy with stakeholders’ coordination;
• Manages and supervises direct reports to ensure their effective performance as per organization’s performance management policy and system;
• Conducts complex analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the Division and AU’s internal use;
• Liaises with the various Departments/Units of the Commission for coordination and alignment purposes;
• Prepares budgets for the Division in accordance with relevant frameworks. Support the promotion of the activities of the Division including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets as may be required;
• Contributes in the development of strategies, policies, programmes and plans.

Specific Responsibilities

• Dispenses drugs prescribed by Physicians.
• Provides information to patients and advice regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage, and proper medication storage.
• Answers to questions and respond to queries on medications from clients.
• Supports Doctors in the selection of medicines in the management of patients.
• In collaboration with the Physicians, monitor adherence to therapy of chronic diseases and work with them to optimize treatment outcomes.
• Oversees, and allocates activities of employees engaged in dispensing prescribed medications and other pharmaceutical products for patient care, according to laid down procedures in a professional manner.
• Manages the inventory of essential drugs; orders and maintain stock levels at all times.
• Consults with Physicians, quantifies and forecasts pharmaceutical requirements of medical supplies for procurement.
• Initiates and be fully involved in the procurement processes of pharmaceutical products in collaboration with the Procurement Division.
• Maintains established procedures concerning quality assurance, security of controlled substances, and disposal of hazardous waste drugs.
• Develops and implements methods and procedures for monitoring work activities, such as preparation of records of expenditures, progress reports, etc.
• Prepares Pharmacy unit budget and share it with the Head of Division, Medical Support Services.
• Evaluates employee performance, and recommend interventions where necessary.
• Trains and mentors interns and other medical personnel on matters pertaining to pharmacy.
• Participates in continuing medical education programs for Medical staff.
• Ensures 24 hour AU Pharmacy coverage on a shift basis (for day time, night time, weekends and public holidays).
• Ensures smooth running of the AU Pharmacy.
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master's Degree in Pharmacy from a recognized University with 7 years post qualification working experience as a registered Clinical Pharmacist, work experience within a government hospital, private practice, University Teaching Hospital or international organization as unit, team, section, or department head Or Bachelor's Degree in similar studies with ten (10) years relevant experience
• Working in a clinical pharmacy role as at the time of application which 3 years should be at supervisor level;
• Must be registered/ licensed to practice as a Clinical Pharmacist in his/her home Country or Country of residence. Documented training in health commodities and Supply Chain Management.

Required Skills:

• Ability to communicate with medical staff, clients and care givers politely.
• Ability to work under pressure
• Records management and confidentiality skills
• Planning, organizational and leadership skills.
• Communication skills and ability to work in teams in a complex, multi-cultural, multi ethnic environment to achieve unit goals.
• Computer literacy skills: proficient with various stock management systems, software packages and Hospital Information Systems.
• Oral, reporting and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk
• Core Competencies
• Building Relationship
• Foster Accountability Culture
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence
• Functional Competencies
• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and information sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

Tenure of Appointment:

• The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

Languages:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Remuneration

• Indicative basic salary of US$37,453.00 (P3 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (46% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$22,932.00 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.
• Applications must be submitted no later than March 20, 2024 11h59 p.m. EAT.

Application Closing Date
20th March, 2024.