Manager – Pharmacist

Introduction

Solina Health is an indigenous management consulting institution that works to accelerate positive health, social and economic reforms through high-quality program design and implementation, capacity building, implementation science research, and knowledge generation, as well as agenda setting and stakeholder convening across human development sectors. Our work seeks to benefit primarily disadvantaged and under-served populations. We implement transformation programs in Nigeria and are currently expanding our footprint to several West and Central African countries. We are building a competent world-class management team to enable us to achieve our strategic growth objective in a sustainable way.

The IMPACT project is a performance-based project that is funded by the World Bank. The primary goal of the project is to enhance the delivery and promote the uptake of malaria prevention and treatment services in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Malaria is a significant health problem in Ekiti State, particularly among children aged between 6 and 59 months. The prevalence of malaria in this group is as high as 32.3%. Additionally, there is poor malaria prevention and health-seeking behavior in the state, with only about 23.1% of households having at least one insecticide-treated net (ITN). The IMPACT team will work with state malaria control programs to fight malaria and save lives by strengthening the diagnosis, treatment, and drug-based prevention of malaria, especially for children and pregnant women.

Description and Objectives

The Manager-Pharmacist will manage and oversee the delivery and promotion of malaria treatment, and ensure the availability and appropriate use of other related anti-malaria commodities across all the health facilities in the state

Institutional leadership responsibilities

As a core part of the Management Team, the incumbent will be required to contribute substantially to organizational strategy and management in ways including, but not limited to: 

1. Support the identification of annual strategic priorities for the procurement of anti-Malaria and other related commodities;
2. Developing and implementing a system for managing and disposing of expired or damaged antimalaria medicines and other supplies, in accordance with project and regulatory requirements
3. Providing training and capacity-building support to healthcare providers on the appropriate use and handling of antimalarial medicines and supplies

Technical responsibilities

The Manager, Pharmacist will manage and be involved in the preparation and execution of prescription orders, monitoring product displays, appointing and training new pharmacy employees, scheduling shifts, and addressing client requests and complaints.

Deliverable

1. Conducting regular quality control checks on antimalaria medicines and other supplies to ensure that they meet international quality standards, and taking appropriate corrective actions as needed
2. Providing technical support and guidance to project staff on pharmaceutical management issues, including the appropriate use of anti-malaria medicines and other supplies, adverse drug reactions, and drug resistance
3. Developing and maintaining relationships with suppliers and other stakeholders involved in the procurement and distribution of anti-malaria medicines and other supplies, and negotiating favourable terms and conditions for the project
4. Participating in the development and implementation of malaria prevention and treatment policies and guidelines, and ensuring that these are aligned with international best practices and evidence-based approaches
5. Collaborating with other project staff and partners to ensure that pharmaceutical management activities are integrated into the overall project
6. Providing regular reports to project management and donors on pharmaceutical management activities, including procurement, storage, distribution, and quality control of anti-malaria medicines and other supplies, and any challenges or successes encountered during implementation
7. Developing and implementing a system for monitoring adverse drug reactions and other safety concerns related to anti-malaria medicines and other supplies; and taking appropriate actions to address these concerns
8. Conducting regular assessments and evaluations of pharmaceutical management activities, and proposing recommendations for improvement based on findings

Required competencies

Core requirements

1. Compelling evidence of interest in and commitment to the mission of Solina Health;
2. Commitment to helping build the organization for a minimum of two years in the role;
3. Demonstrable project management skills;
4. Demonstrated strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and thought leadership abilities;
5. Advanced computer usage skills with proficiency with analytical tools like Microsoft® Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
6. Knowledge of the project and its objectives, as well as the context and cultural norms of the local community
7. Strong clinical knowledge and expertise in the management of malaria, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
8. Excellent pharmaceutical management skills
9. Monitoring and evaluation skills
10. Fluency in the Local language and familiarity with local customs and traditions
11. Proficiency in data management and analysis
12. Fast learner, open to learning from peers, subordinates, and supervisors collaboratively and at a rapid pace;
13. Able to deal directly with the government, government authorities, business community, and other stakeholders;
14. Strong verbal and written communications skills;
15. Ability to use a methodical approach to complete the assigned work and should pay strong attention to detail;
16. Ability to travel and work in ANY state in Nigeria and abroad for less than twenty percent of his/her time;

Education and Experience  

1. Academic training: Minimum qualification is Bachelor’s in Pharmacy
2. Professional credentialing: Advanced knowledge of protocols regulating safe storage and competency in pharmacy management software
3. Experience: Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in a similar role;

Equal employment opportunity statement

Solina Health is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.