About this Pharmacist role at International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
The Pharmacist will ensure that the intermediate pharmacy operates in compliance with IRC and government regulations at the health program site. In addition, the Pharmacist will coordinate monthly procurement of medicines and medical supplies, ensuring adequate monthly stocks for IRC MHPSS mobile teams, facilitate the procurement of medical assistance for vulnerable clients, and support partners in the management of pharmaceutical products.
The position is based in Mykolaiv, with frequent field travel to communities in Mykolaiv and Kherson oblast.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Organize and maintain the intermediate pharmacy in compliance with IRC and government regulations for handling medicines, supporting the MHPSS home-visit program.
- Coordinate the procurement of medications and medical supplies to meet program needs for IRC and the local partner on a monthly basis, including psychotropic medications.
- Establish a monthly supply of medicines and medical supplies for IRC MHPSS Mobile Units.
- Provide support to partner organization in management of pharmaceuticals.
- Provide support in procurement of medical aids for the most vulnerable beneficiaries (wheelchairs, eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.)
- Ensure proper storage of medicines and medical supplies, including receipt of goods, shelving based on specific storage requirements, data entry into warehouse systems, meticulous tracking of expiration dates, and strict adherence to cold chain protocols.
- Monitor storage conditions such as temperature, humidity, and lighting, maintaining cleanliness and restricting access to authorized personnel only. Adhere to IRC guidelines for medical supply management.
- Implement tools for managing medical supply inventory, dispensing medications and supplies according to usage records. Utilize pharmacy and pharmaceutical tracking systems for accurate record-keeping.
- Manage the disposal of expired or damaged medical supplies following established protocols.
- Support the assessment and distribution of donations to health facilities.
- Ensure the timely, accurate, and complete maintenance of all required program documentation and reports, in accordance with IRC procedures and established deadlines.
- Undertake other duties as assigned by the line manager.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:
At least bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.
Experience:
Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in management of medicines and medical supplies and/or in a pharmaceutical warehouse.
Previous experience in health programs and NGO experience are preferred.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, set priorities and keep deadlines.
- Fluency in Ukrainian and Russian is required, and basic knowledge in English is desirable.
- Proficiency in IT skills, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, is essential for tasks such as recoding inventory, making forecast, planning orders and deliveries, etc.
REPORTING STRUCTURE AND TEAM COLLABORATION
- Reports to Nurse Supervisor; technical supervision conducted by Pharmaceutical Manager.
- Closely collaborate with other members of MHPSS Mobile Unit (Psychologist, Nurse, Psychiatrist), Health Manager, Supply Chain Team, representative of other departments and local partner organization.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION
- This role requires full-time work in the office
- Travel to other locations is needed up to 30% of time
- Sometimes work on weekends may be required
- Work in the matrix organization
- Fast pace of working, multitasking and stressful work
- The organization cares about staff and provides flexible working options (start early-finish early, start later-finish later, remote work)
IRC employees are eligible to the following benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Purposeful job and development opportunities
- English classes and unlimited online training courses
- Life Insurance
- Medical insurance for staff and family members
- Free psychological support to employees and their family members
- 30 calendar days of annual vacation with flexibility beyond the legally set minimum requirements
- Up to 10 days of paid medical leave
Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
