Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an International Private non-governmental, non-profit, humanitarian organization created in 1971. We offer medical assistance to population in distress, victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflicts irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. Médecins Sans Frontières observes neutrality and impartiality in the name of universal medical ethics and the right to humanitarian assistance and demands full and unhindered freedom in the exercise of its functions. MSF works in over 70 countries globally and has been working continuously in Nigeria since 1996. Médecins Sans Frontières West and Central Africa -(MSF-WaCA) is currently operating in 5 countries of Africa. In Nigeria we are present in two states: Cross river (Southern part of the country) and Kano (Northern part of the country).
We are recruiting to fill the position of:
Job Title: Project Pharmacy Manager
Location: Abuja
Employment Type: Contract
Contract: 208 Working hours per month
Main Purpose
Defining, coordinating and monitoring all pharmacy related activities in the project area including management of staff, according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures and the mission’s pharmacist and Medical Coordinator’s guidelines, to ensure the proper management and supply of drugs and medical devices.
Job Description
Participating actively in the definition and update of the annual planning and budgets of the pharmacy activities in the project/Coordination.
Supervising the functioning and organization of the Mission Medical Warehouse/Project Central
Pharmacy, setting the protocols and procedures to be followed by all staff to ensure the quality of the service provided to the population, including Mission Pharmacy Manager vigilance in case of need.
Defining storage, stock management and supply processes, as well as hygiene and security procedures, tools, and protocols (controlling pests and rodents) in order to ensure good storage conditions (temperatures, humidity and light exposure) and the accurate handling of the products and equipment in terms of hygiene and that all hygiene and security procedures are followed in project pharmacies (cleaning, controlling pests and rodents, etc.)
Giving support in the ordering and supply process of medicines and medical devices. Monitoring correct stock management across pharmacies within project area, to guarantee a good control and up to date data of stock levels and avoid expiries, overstocks and stock outs.
Reporting on drug consumptions and medical devices dispensed according to protocols, informing on unusual patterns.
Ensuring, in cooperation with the project logistic manager, proper maintenance of cold chain and storage conditions (e.g. humidity, temperature, light exposure, cleanliness, pest and rodents’ control, etc.), and that classification and organization of medicines and medical material meet MSF protocols.
Ensuring the collection of data for monitoring and surveillance of optimal quantity quality of medicine use. Supporting activities at service level for effective drug distribution and control, quality prescription (analyzing rational drug use), medicines reconciliation, antibiotic stewardship interventions such as restricted use antibiotic review, follow up of pharmaceutical care plans, patient counseling, good dispensing practices and safe medication practices.
Supervising, coaching, motivating and evaluating all the pharmacy staff under his/her responsibility, in order to ensure the strict respect for working procedures and protocols. Ensuring that all pharmacy staff uses required clothes and equipment according to protocols, i.e. white coat, gloves, etc.
To define, if needed, training opportunities for the medical staff.
Carrying out all the reporting tasks associated to his/her field of action and responsibility, ensuring its consistency and accuracy, to support in the relevant decision-making and participating in monthly reports according to guidelines (SitReps, medical statistical reports, etc.)
Planning and supervising, in close coordination with the HR department, the associated processes
(recruitment, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, development and communication) of the staff under his/her responsibility to ensure both the sizing and the amount of knowledge required.
MSF Section / Context Specific Accountabilities
The Capital Pharmacy Manager works under the supervision and delegation of the Mission Pharmacy
Manager (MPM) and supports the implementation of MSF pharmaceutical policies, ensuring compliance with national regulations, MSF standards, and Good Storage and Distribution Practices (GSDP).
Assist the Mission Pharmacy Manager with the annual and supplementary importation applications to the Intersectional Pharmacy team for submission to NAFDAC, ensuring timely submission and proper follow-up
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of NAFDAC ceiling lists, banned medicines, and national regulations, ensuring compliance across all mission pharmacies.
Hold and maintain a valid national pharmacist license registered under MSF (linked to warehouse license).
Ensure annual registration of the MSFOCBA warehouse to maintain authorization for regulated medicine importation.
In collaboration with the Intersectional Pharmacy team, consolidate and submit periodic reports to NAFDAC and the Ministry of Health (MOH) on the stock status and consumption of regulated drugs.
Ensure consistent communication and alignment with MOH and NAFDAC requirements, in coordination with the Intersectional Pharmacy team.
In coordination with the Intersectional Pharmacy team, follow up on sampling activities and test results conducted by NAFDAC or other relevant authorities
Participate actively in the digitalization of approved NAFDAC waivers, ensuring smooth and timely approval processes.
Conduct monthly stock reporting and analysis for Abuja, identifying gaps and setting action plans for stock issues.
Ensure proper management of the EPREP emergency stock (physical counts, expiry monitoring, stock optimization, kit reconstitution, and tool updates).
Oversee and ensure compliance with Good Storage and Distribution Practices in all stages of the supply chain: reception, storage, distribution, and transport.
Support the follow-up of international cargo shipments in collaboration with the Supply Department.
Ensure accurate documentation and archiving of all pharmaceutical records.
Contribute to the development, implementation, and regular updating of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards for staff and facilities in accordance with MSF and GSDP standards.
Participate in pharmacy self-inspections, implementing preventive and corrective actions as needed.
Manage controlled substances (narcotics and psychotropics) according to national and MSF regulations.
Oversee expired product management, including documentation and destruction in compliance with regulations.
Supervise and mentor pharmacy staff, setting clear annual objectives and fostering teamwork.
Organize and support initial and continuous training for pharmacy personnel to strengthen technical competencies.
Provide technical support on pharmaceutical information, regulations, and adverse event management.
Provide coverage for Project Pharmacy Manager positions during absences and support emergency or priority projects when needed.
When required, temporarily assume specific duties of the Mission Pharmacy Manager in their absence.
Support the Mission Pharmacy Manager and Medical Coordinator in representing MSF to authorities and external stakeholders, always in collaboration with the Intersectional Pharmacy team.
Ensure regular reporting on pharmaceutical indicators, including stock status, consumption, and quality metrics.
Support interdepartmental collaboration, particularly with Supply, Medical, and Coordination teams.
Ensure the updating, monitoring, and dissemination of Back-order tools with project teams and coordination to guarantee visibility and smoothness in the supply process.
Support the pharmacy mission by managing the inventory process, including conducting the physical inventories, data entry, discrepancy corrections, and providing justifications for any observed variances.
Covering the gaps of Mission Pharma and Projects Pharmacy Managers when needed.
Requirements
Education: Essential - Pharmacy degree (equivalent 4-5 years diploma pharmacist).
Experience:
Two years of demonstrated experience as a pharmacist required.
Desirable working experience with MSF or other INGOs
Desirable working experience in developing countries.
Language:
Mission working language essential, local language desirable.