Pharmacy Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a leading intergovernmental organization established in 1951, dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. IOM works in over 150 countries and has a mission to support governments and communities in building health systems that are responsive to the needs of populations affected by migration. IOM employs a workforce of over 18,000 staff members globally, focusing on various aspects of migration, including health, humanitarian assistance, and development.

Job Overview:
The Pharmacy Assistant position at IOM involves supporting the management of drugs, vaccines, medical supplies, and medical equipment in Afghanistan. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of the Program Coordinator (Migration Health) and the Medical Supply Chain Officer, ensuring the safe custody, storage, and proper labeling of medical items. The role requires maintaining documentation in accordance with IOM and national regulations, monitoring expiry dates, and contributing to data analysis regarding medical supplies. The Pharmacy Assistant will also assist in procurement processes, maintain records, and provide technical information on the donation and disposal of medical items. This position is crucial for ensuring that IOM's healthcare services are responsive to the needs of vulnerable populations, including returnees, migrants, and internally displaced persons.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in the management of drugs, vaccines, medical supplies, and medical equipment used in IOM Afghanistan.
• Maintain a system for the safe custody, storage, and proper labeling of medical items at IOM Kabul, Field Clinics, and warehouses.
• Complete required documentation in accordance with IOM and national rules and regulations.
• Support quality control by monitoring expiry dates of medical supplies and vaccines.
• Review Certificates of Analysis (CoA) for compliance with standards.
• Analyze data on medical supplies and maintain electronic and hard copies of records.
• Prepare paperwork for procurement, import, and distribution of medical items.
• Maintain updated records of medical supplies used by IOM.
• Monitor expiring items and prepare lists for timely donation. 1
• Provide technical information on donation and disposal of medical items. 1
• Train IOM staff and partners on pharmacy management and usage of pharmaceutical tools. 1
• Consolidate and place quarterly orders for medical supplies as requested by field clinics. 1
• Verify quality and costs of suppliers’ products and recommend reputable suppliers. 1
• Inspect deliveries of medical supplies and ensure proper packing before distribution. 1
• Maintain a clean and orderly pharmacy and medical supply storage unit. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from an accredited institution with 4 years of relevant experience, or a High School diploma with 6 years of relevant experience.
• Diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology/Pharmacy is an advantage.
• Experience in multiple pharmacy practice settings, particularly with international organizations, NGOs, or pharmaceutical companies.
• Practical experience in supply chain management and quality assurance of medical supplies.
• Familiarity with stock management software is an advantage.
• Operational experience in humanitarian or migration-related programming is beneficial.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from an accredited academic institution. Alternatively, a High School diploma with significant relevant professional experience (6 years) is acceptable. A diploma in Pharmaceutical Technology or Pharmacy is considered an advantage. Accredited universities are those listed in the UNESCO World Higher Education Database.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 years of relevant professional experience in pharmacy practice settings, particularly with international organizations, NGOs, or pharmaceutical companies. Experience in supply chain management and quality assurance of medicines and medical supplies is essential. Familiarity with stock management software or systems is a plus, and operational experience in humanitarian, migration, or refugee-related programming is advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English (oral and written) is required for all applicants. A working knowledge of Pashto or Dari is considered an advantage. IOM's official languages include English, French, and Spanish, and proficiency in these languages will be evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, and only candidates holding a valid residence and work permit for Afghanistan will be considered. The appointment is contingent upon medical fitness certification and verification of residency and visa requirements. IOM has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its objectives, including discrimination and harassment. The selection process may be used to fill similar positions in various duty stations, and recommended candidates will remain eligible for appointment in similar roles for 24 months. IOM does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and only accepts applications submitted through its online recruitment system.