Dispenser

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disaster. Established 60 years ago, the organization has evolved through mergers and alliances among four entities, including Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK, and Relief International-Europe. With a workforce of over 7,000 staff and local volunteers, Relief International operates in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on providing essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming. Their approach is characterized by being safe, local, conflict-sensitive, climate-smart, evidence-based, and aimed at reaching those in need. Relief International's mission is to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing in fragile settings, addressing the complex crises that disrupt the social fabric of communities.

Job Overview:
The Dispenser plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability and proper management of medications and supplies within the clinic. This position requires close collaboration with clinic staff to compile stock requests and maintain an accurate inventory on a weekly basis. The Dispenser is responsible for accurately dispensing medications to patients, ensuring that the correct medication, dosage, route, and frequency are adhered to according to established guidelines. This role also involves educating patients about their medications, including dosage instructions and potential side effects, and supervising the administration of initial doses of critical medications. The Dispenser must maintain a clean and secure pharmacy environment, track medication dispensing accurately, and complete weekly consumption reports. The position may require rotation to various clinical sites based on operational needs, and the Dispenser will be expected to perform additional duties as assigned by their line manager.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Accurately dispense medications from the pharmacy to the correct patient, ensuring the correct medication, dose, route, and frequency are followed.
• Verify that prescribed doses align with guidelines and inform the Clinic in Charge of any discrepancies.
• Ensure that all medications are clearly and accurately marked.
• Provide clear explanations of dosage to patients and confirm their understanding of the instructions.
• Supervise the administration of the first dose of antibiotics, antimalarial, or other medications as requested by the Clinical Officer.
• Discuss possible side effects of medications with patients and advise them on when to seek medical advice.
• Secure the pharmacy when no staff are present and maintain cleanliness at all times.
• Ensure medications are stored under proper conditions and used before their expiry dates.
• Rotate to various clinical sites as operational needs dictate. 1
• Complete and submit weekly consumption reports accurately. 1
• Track the dispensing of all medications meticulously. 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 in Pharmacy Services or Pharmaceutical Technology. A minimum of 2 years of working experience is required, preferably in resource-limited and hostile environments. Previous experience in an INGO setting is considered an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication skills, strong record-keeping abilities, and accurate reporting skills. The ability to manage multiple tasks in challenging situations while meeting deadlines is essential. Proficiency in English and Arabic, both spoken and written, is mandatory. Candidates should 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 highly 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 for ensuring that the Dispenser has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively and safely.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 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 in refugee settings in South Sudan is preferred, as it demonstrates an understanding of the specific needs and circumstances of the population served.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively in both languages, as this is crucial for patient interactions and collaboration with clinic staff. 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 cases. 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 the specified platform. Due to the urgency of filling this position, shortlisting will occur on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted applicants will be contacted within two weeks of the closing date.