Pharmacist for the Medicine Marketplace M/F At Doctors Without Borders

Pharmacist for the Medicine Marketplace M/F At Doctors Without Borders

Mission:

Under the supervision of the chief pharmacist, he/she will ensure the dispensing process within the medical platform.

Context :

In many countries where MSF works, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, there is a lack of quality medicines at affordable prices. These shortages affect all patients, including those suffering from non-communicable diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular or mental illness. In recent decades, non-communicable diseases have taken a greater share of the disease burden in low- and middle-income countries.

In many cases, the availability of diagnostic tests and medical monitoring (or by a medical assistant with prescribing skills) is better than the availability of quality medicines at affordable prices. As a result, many patients simply do not have access to the medicines prescribed to them, while other patients with the necessary financial capabilities purchase their medicines abroad, mainly during trips or using other travelers as carriers.

A theoretical feasibility study was conducted and identified that a non-profit online medicine sales platform could improve access to medicines for non-communicable diseases in selected countries in Africa and the Middle East, and become a tool for advocacy on this topic. The next phase is a real-world proof of concept. The sales platform would be funded and managed by MSF, and its services would be free for patients, while the medicines would be sold and shipped by third-party suppliers. The website will be developed and maintained by a third-party agency.

Goals :

The pharmacist will be in charge of the dispensing quality enhancement activities that are the responsibility of the E-commerce platform. He/she will ensure the authenticity of the prescriptions and compliance with the regulations of the country where the medicines will be shipped. In addition, he/she will ensure that the prescribed dosages are suitable for patients and that there are no contraindications, based on the information provided by patients during the ordering process, or interactions with other medications that the patient may be taking.

In some cases, he/she will conduct counseling sessions with patients and communicate with prescribers if necessary.

The pharmacist will follow the procedures defined specifically for the Platform’s activities. As the Platform’s activities develop, he/she may also supervise pharmacy technicians.

Main responsibilities:

● Ensure the dispensing tasks incumbent on the platform in a precise and rapid manner in compliance with the requirements and regulatory standards.

● Verify the authenticity of prescriptions and ensure their adequacy with patients’ needs and medical history.

● Analyze prescriptions, identify potential drug interactions and provide advice on medication use and side effects where appropriate.

● Respond to patient questions and concerns regarding prescribed medications, dosing instructions, and adherence strategies.

● Communicate effectively with patients or physicians to facilitate and ensure continuity of services.

● Ensure compliance with established pharmacy procedures and regulatory requirements to ensure patient safety and pharmacy compliance.

● Send the information useful for dispensing to the organization (third party) responsible for selling the medicines.

● Supervise, guide and support pharmacy technicians in their daily activities (depending on the volume of activities).

● Participate in quality improvement initiatives to secure the delivery of treatments to patients and optimize the platform’s services.

● Participate in the analysis and resolution of quality problems and errors in the dispensing process.

● Contribute to the general improvement of the online platform.

Profile sought:

Experience and skills

● Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from a national program.

● Minimum 3 years of experience as a pharmacist in a community pharmacy.

● Solid understanding of pharmacology and drug therapy.

● Mastery of medication dispensing processes (verification of prescriptions and review of medication use).

● Great attention to detail and accuracy in medication dispensing, dosage calculations and patient medication profiles.

● Empathetic approach to patient care.

● Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and upholding ethical standards.

● Professional experience in Africa.

● Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

● Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.

● Experience in an online pharmacy is an asset.

Languages : Excellent communication skills, both oral and written: Fluency in English and French at C1 level.

Status : Fixed-term contract – full-time 5 months, renewable.

Management position, location: in a country where MSF is represented but with the possibility of working in the Central European time zone and the ability to travel.

Salary conditions : According to the contractual section of Médecins Sans Frontières.

Position to be filled: November 15, 2024

How to apply

Our desire is to promote inclusion and diversity. We also want to improve the representation of people with disabilities within our workforce.

Please send your application (cover letter and CV) by 10/24/2024 inclusive to: 

CLICK TO APPLY

Only candidates whose files have been selected will be contacted.