REPORTS TO: Regional Operations Coordinator PROJECT: Systems for Improved Access to Pharmaceuticals and Services (SIAPS) No. of Positions: 2 LOCATION: Bahir Dar and Dire Dawa
OVERALL RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Regional Technical Advisor (RTA) works closely with the RHBs, PFSA, FMHACA and the Schools of Pharmacy of public universities to build the capacity of pharmacy professionals and improve pharmacy services in the region. She/he provides technical assistance to all stakeholders working in the pharmaceutical sector in the region with the aim to improve access to essential medicines and quality pharmacy services through implementation of Pharmaceutical Good Governance, Rational Use of Medicines (RUM), establishment and operation of Drugs and Therapeutics Committees (DTCs) and Drug Information Services (DIS), Pharmaceutical Management Information System (PMIS), and Pharmaceutical Care to optimize treatment outcomes. The RTA works closely with governmental counterparts to lay firm foundation for institutional ownership and sustainability of these interventions in the Region. She/he provides technical assistance and mentoring to strengthen pharmacy service delivered by health facilities in his/her catchment area, including support to improve quality of care in antiretroviral therapy (ART) and strengthen antimalarial drugs management & use in collaboration with other partners.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBLITIES:
1. Based on the SIAPS country work plan, prepare a detailed annual regional implementation plan to meet PEPFAR and PMI objectives of SIAPS. 2. Collaborate with Stakeholders (RHB, PFSA, FMHACA and health facilities) to promote the Rational Use of Medicines (RUM) on the basis of joint work plans. 3. Provide technical assistance (TA) for the establishment and strengthening of Drug and Therapeutic Committees and Drug Information Service (DTC/DIS) at health facilities. 4. Support DTCs to assess gaps and bottlenecks on the supply, prescribing, dispensing and use of medicines at health facilities and provide TA and mentoring to develop and implement tested interventions. 5. In collaboration with RHB and PFSA, conduct advocacy to get health facility buy-in about the Extended Role of DTCs; provide TA to DTCs to implement interventions targeted to improve adherence, contain AMR, Pharmacovigilance/ADR monitoring and reporting, Auditable Pharmaceutical Transactions and Services (APTS), Clinical Pharmacy services for inpatients and initiate Pharmaceutical Care for outpatients with chronic diseases. 6. Provide patient-medication recording cards, treatment registers and related SOPs in addition to provision of relevant training and mentoring to sites providing ART services. 7. Assist the role out of EDT and strengthen its implementation through introducing real-time dispensing practice at ART sites. 8. Participate in pharmaceutical and related services evaluation/assessments, undertaken by stakeholders within his assigned catchment area. 9. Participate in the annual planning meetings of regions, zones, woredas, to acquire updated knowledge on trends and needs of partners. 10. In collaboration with the RHB, PFSA and the SIAPS Senior Technical Advisor for pharmacy services, provide TA to assist the implementation of EHRIG – pharmacy chapter in health facilities within the Region. 11. Provide support to RHBs and health facilities to implement Auditable Pharmaceutical Transactions and Services (APTS). 12. Serve as liaison between the RHB, Zonal/District Health Offices and Health Facilities in matters concerning antimalarial drug management related SIAPS work plans and other activities. 13. Conduct technical visits to target sites to assist in antimalarial drug perpetual inventory taking, expiry management, stock status reporting, and to expedite delivery of scheduled and unscheduled supplies. 14. Coordinate antimalarial drug and supplies management activities in the districts and facilities within the assignment zone so that there will be improved collaboration, communication and exchange of products between facilities as appropriate. 15. Assist in the introduction and proper implementation of tools and systems for tracking information related to antimalarial drugs management and use including the Continuous Result Monitoring System (CRMS) and End User Verification (EUV) in support of malaria program monitoring and reporting requirements to PMI.
Job Requirement
QUALIFICATIONS: 1. Degree in Pharmacy or related fields 2. Four to six years of work experience in pharmaceutical/public health supplies management with relevant experience in procurement, stores management and distribution in developing countries 3. Knowledge and comprehensive understanding of Ethiopia’s public health and pharmaceutical sector and long-term working experience in Ethiopia preferred 4. Fluency in spoken English and Amharic and ability to write lucid reports and documents in English is required 5. Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a team-oriented, culturally diverse environment 6. Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, communication skills, training experience, ability to identify and resolve policy and operational constraints 7. Knowledge of appropriate methods for data analysis and reporting 8. Demonstrated computer skills, knowledge of Microsoft Offices Suite preferred 9. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, set priorities, and work independently 10. Willingness and ability to travel within Ethiopia