Pharmacist

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo), which was established in 1999 under the auspices of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). The mission's objectives include supporting the Government of DRC in protecting civilians and stabilizing the region through the establishment of accountable state institutions. MONUSCO operates in a complex environment, particularly in eastern DRC, and aims to adapt its strategies to support civilian protection and coordinate with national authorities and international partners. The organization has evolved from its predecessor, MONUC, and continues to play a crucial role in peacekeeping and humanitarian efforts in the region.

Job Overview:
The position of Pharmacist within MONUSCO involves a range of responsibilities aimed at ensuring the safe and effective management of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies within the mission. The pharmacist will work under the supervision of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and will be responsible for developing and implementing a mission list for pharmaceuticals, maintaining drug safety inspections, and advising on pharmaceutical requisitions. The role requires a proactive approach to managing the supply chain of medical consumables and ensuring compliance with WHO standards. The pharmacist will also monitor the consumption of pharmaceuticals and assist in the treatment and side effect monitoring of patients. This position is critical in supporting the mission's healthcare services and ensuring that medical teams have the necessary supplies to provide care to personnel and affected populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Pharmacist include:

• Developing, updating, and implementing a mission list for pharmaceuticals and medical consumables based on WHO standards.
• Conducting ongoing inspections of drug safety in mission Level 1 Clinics.
• Providing day-to-day advice on pharmaceutical issues to medical staff.
• Advising on specifications for pharmaceuticals to be requisitioned.
• Planning and managing the re-supply of pharmaceuticals.
• Facilitating the supply of pharmaceuticals, medical consumables, vaccines, and blood within the mission.
• Monitoring the consumption of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies at Level 1 Clinics.
• Assisting the medical services team in treatment and side effect monitoring.
• Maintaining accurate records of pharmaceutical stocks and ensuring compliance with guidelines. 1
• Participating in logistics-operations" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">logistics operations for managing expired supplies and redistributing medical supplies. 1
• Reporting on demand as required by the Head Pharmacist. 1
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Pharmacist position include a strong background in pharmacy practice, with demonstrated expertise in pharmaceutical management and safety. Candidates should possess a high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and the ability to work independently in a politically sensitive environment. A commitment to continuous learning and the ability to adapt to changes in the work environment are essential. Candidates must also demonstrate effective organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to manage a large volume of work efficiently. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for effective collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Pharmacist position are expected to have a relevant degree in pharmacy or a related field. Advanced qualifications or certifications in pharmaceutical sciences or healthcare management may be advantageous. Continuous professional development and training in pharmaceutical practices are also encouraged to ensure that candidates remain updated on best practices and regulatory requirements.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a significant level of experience in pharmacy practice, ideally within a healthcare or humanitarian context. Experience in managing pharmaceutical supplies in a mission or emergency setting is highly desirable. Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively in multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex logistical challenges related to medical supplies.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the working language of the UN. Knowledge of French is highly desirable, given the operational context in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Additional languages relevant to the local context may also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Entebbe, Uganda, which serves as the duty station for MONUSCO. The living conditions in Entebbe are classified under UN security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Level III, indicating a stable but cautious operating environment. The role is a UN Volunteer assignment, and candidates should be prepared for the challenges of working in a potentially hazardous environment. The position may involve extensive travel within the area of operations and requires a commitment to the principles of voluntary engagement. Additional benefits and entitlements can be reviewed at the UNV calculator link provided.