Dispenser

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Established over 60 years ago, Relief International has evolved through mergers and alliances between four organizations, currently comprising Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK, and Relief International-Europe. The organization operates in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, employing over 7,000 staff and local volunteers. Their mission focuses on addressing the complex crises faced by communities in fragile settings, emphasizing health needs and wellbeing programming to enhance resilience. Relief International provides a range of services including Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming, all tailored to be safe, local, conflict-sensitive, climate-smart, and evidence-based, ensuring they reach those in need effectively.

Job Overview:
The Dispenser plays a crucial role in ensuring that the clinic has an adequate stock of medications and supplies. This position requires close collaboration with clinic staff to compile a single stock request and conduct weekly inventory checks. The Dispenser is responsible for accurately dispensing medications to patients, ensuring that the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency are provided. They must check that prescribed doses align with established guidelines and promptly inform the Clinic in Charge of any discrepancies. Clear communication with patients is essential, as the Dispenser must explain dosages and ensure patients can repeat the instructions accurately. Additionally, the Dispenser supervises the administration of the first dose of medications such as antibiotics and antimalarials, explains potential side effects, and ensures that the pharmacy is secure and clean at all times. The role also involves maintaining proper storage conditions for medications, completing weekly consumption reports, and accurately tracking all medication dispensing. The Dispenser may be required to rotate to various clinical sites based on operational needs and perform other duties as assigned by the line manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accurately dispense medications from the pharmacy to the correct patient, ensuring the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency are provided.
• Check that prescribed doses are correct according to guidelines and inform the Clinic in Charge of any discrepancies.
• Ensure medications are clearly and accurately marked.
• Clearly explain dosage instructions to patients and verify their understanding.
• Supervise the administration of the first dose of antibiotics, antimalarials, or other drugs as requested by the Clinical Officer.
• Explain possible side effects of medications and advise when to seek medical advice.
• Ensure the pharmacy is securely locked when no staff are present.
• Maintain cleanliness of the pharmacy and equipment at all times.
• Ensure all medications are stored under proper conditions and used before their expiry dates. 1
• Rotate to various clinical sites as operational needs dictate. 1
• Complete and submit weekly consumption reports. 1
• Accurately track the dispensing of all medications. 1
• Perform other duties as requested by the line manager.

Required Qualifications:
Applicants must possess a certificate or diploma in pharmacy or dispensing, such as Pharmacy Services or Pharmaceutical Technology. They should have at least 2 years of working experience, preferably in resource-limited and hostile environments. Previous experience in an INGO setting is considered an advantage. Candidates must demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills, strong record-keeping abilities, and accurate reporting skills. They should be capable of managing multiple tasks in challenging situations while meeting deadlines. Proficiency in English and Arabic, both spoken and written, is required. Candidates must be able to work with minimal supervision and be computer literate, particularly in Excel and Word packages. Experience working in refugee settings in South Sudan is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires a certificate or diploma in pharmacy or dispensing, which may include qualifications in Pharmacy Services or Pharmaceutical Technology. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Dispenser has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively and safely.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience, ideally in resource-limited and hostile environments. Experience in an INGO setting is advantageous, as it indicates familiarity with the challenges and dynamics of working in such contexts. Additionally, experience working in refugee settings in South Sudan is preferred, as it provides insight into the specific needs and circumstances of the population served.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with patients and clinic staff is crucial. Being able to speak and write in both languages ensures that the Dispenser can provide clear instructions and support to a diverse patient population. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered a plus but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a national position, and applicants must not have any criminal records or convictions related to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), Sexual Harassment, or Child Abuse. The organization values inclusiveness, transparency, accountability, agility, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. Qualified females are highly encouraged to apply. The application process requires submission of a non-returnable motivational letter, national ID, CV, and copies of academic documents through Bamboo. Due to the urgent need to fill this position, shortlisting will occur on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.