This position located in the Health Service of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Juba. The Pharmacy Technician reports to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) through Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Pharmacy Technician at this level will be responsible for the following duties:

Dispensing & Securing Availability of Drugs and Medical supplies:

• Develops and maintains a system for ongoing inspections of drug safety in UNMISS Supplies Store.

• Offers day-to-day advice on pharmaceutical issues including evaluating different antibiotics for impact on the local microbiological situation.

• Secures the proper usage of Antibiotics to prevent unnecessary influence on the ecological balance with the use of Antibiotics.

• Dispense medicines and supplies prescribed by physicians and dentists

• Providing accurate instructions regarding dosage, administration and possible side effects to the beneficiaries

• Substitute, as appropriate, comparable drugs with trade names after informing the prescribing physician.

• Regularly inform Prescribing Physicians on the stock availability.

• Respond to inquiries regarding content, dosages regimen review, storage and disposal.

• Monitor drug interactions, allergies and contraindications.

• Maintain stringent handling and recording of narcotics and affiliated drugs.

• Ensure continuous supply of antiretroviral drugs.

• Notify physicians and the Head Pharmacist about drugs with short shelf life.

• Maintain supplies and ensure security of drugs in treatment room, night emergency, and ICU cabinet.

• Inspect facilities where medications are kept such as the ICU cabins, treatment room, mobile emergency box and ambulance.

Electronic Pharmacy Inventory system handling:

• Provide the necessary information, enter data and update it on a daily basis.

• Organize the Category of Drugs following the pharmacological classification and the pharmaceutical forms

• Create database for suppliers as well as beneficiaries.

• Produce a report on consumption, availability, patient history and transfer for each category.

• Handle the Electronic Pharmacy Inventory system and Lotus expense entry system

• Submit a complete expense entry every month

Stock handling & Providing Information:

• Advise the medical team and work with the Head Pharmacist in the specification of drugs to be requisitioned, and offering a prudent scale of issue for the planning of re-supply.

• Update the medical team on new development in production, interaction, eventual withdrawal of drugs and reagents.

• Dispose expired drugs according to relevant rules and regulations. and document this.

• Follow up on and recommend WHO guidelines on malaria prophylaxis and other travel related supplies.

• Monitor stock of drugs, chemical reagents and supplies; ensure their reputation and keep an accurate balance and inform the Head Pharmacist regularly.

• Provide technical assistance to medical team. Respect confidentiality at all times.

• Compile the requisitions from each Unit; Pharmacy, Laboratory, Nursing, Bio-medical, Operation Theater, Infectious Diseases & Public Health Unit

Procurement of Drugs & Medical Supplies:

• Prepare and submit on a regular basis a list of quantified pharmaceutical and medical supplies to be purchased both locally and internationally.

• Supervise the work of the pharmacy support team.

Preparation of annual Budget & Annual Inventory

• Conduct stringent annual inventory of drugs and reagents supplies.

• Prepare annual budget for medicines and supplies

Competencies

Professionalism:

Knowledge and hands on experience in pharmaceutics. Basic training in drug supply management and rational drug use. Knowledge of major electronic pharmaceutical inventory tools and ability to use them with solid computer skill. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informedTeamwork:
  -Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals
  -Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others
• Places team agenda before personal agenda
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomingsAccountability:
• Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments
• Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards
• Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules
• Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments
• Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.Education
• High School and diploma in Pharmaceutical Studies of equivalent is required.Job – Specific Qualification
• National Registration and license is desirable.Work Experience
• At least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in pharmaceutical logistical matters or related field is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to 5 years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher
• Hands-on experience, particularly in support of peacekeeping or a related field mission is desirable.Languages
• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of languages spoken in South Sudan an added advantage.