Project Pharmacy Manager

Introduction about MSF:

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people in 70 countries who are affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation and our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality.

We offer basic healthcare, perform surgery, fight epidemics, rehabilitate and run hospitals and clinics, carry out vaccination campaigns, operate nutrition centers, and provide mental healthcare. Our activities include the treatment of injuries and disease, maternal care and the provision of humanitarian aid. Where necessary, we set up sanitation systems, supply safe drinking water, and distribute relief to assist survival.

Main Objective of the position:

MSF is looking for project pharmacy manager responsible for defining, coordinating and monitoring all pharmacy related activities in the project area including management of staff, according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures and the mission’s pharmacist and Medical Coordinator’s guidelines, in order to ensure the proper management and supply of drugs and medical devices. 

The project pharmacy manager will be based in Saida; however, regular travel to the Bekaa region will be required.  

Accountabilities:

• Participating actively in the definition and update of the annual planning and budgets of the pharmacy activities in the project.
• Supervising the functioning and organization of the project central pharmacy and other peripheral units, setting the protocols and procedures to be followed by all staff in order to ensure the quality of the service provided to the population, including pharmacovigilance in case of need.
• Defining storage, stock management and supply processes, as well as hygiene and security procedures, tools, and protocols (controlling pests and rodents) in order to ensure good storage conditions (temperatures, humidity and light exposure) and the accurate handling of the products and equipment in terms of hygiene and that all hygiene and security procedures are followed in project pharmacies (cleaning, controlling pests and rodents, etc.)
• Giving support in the ordering and supply process of medicines and medical devices. Monitoring correct stock management across pharmacies within project area, to guarantee a good control and up to date data of stock levels and avoid expiries, overstocks and stock outs. Reporting on drug consumptions and medical devices dispensed according to protocols, informing on unusual patterns.
• Ensuring, in cooperation with the project logistic manager, proper maintenance of cold chain and storage conditions (e.g. humidity, temperature, light exposure, cleanliness, pest and rodents control, etc.), and that classification and organization of medicines and medical material meet MSF protocols.
• Ensuring the collection of data for monitoring and surveillance of optimal quantity & quality of medicine use. Supporting activities at service level for effective drug distribution and control, quality prescription (analyzing rational drug use), medicines reconciliation, antibiotic stewardship interventions such as restricted use antibiotic review, follow up of pharmaceutical care plans, patient counseling, good dispensing practices and safe medication practices.
• Supervising, coaching, motivating and evaluating all the pharmacy staff under his/her responsibility, in order to ensure the strict respect for working procedures and protocols. Ensuring that all pharmacy staff uses required clothes and equipment according to protocols, i.e. white coat, gloves, etc.
• To define, if needed, training opportunities for the medical staff.
• Carrying out all the reporting tasks associated to his/her field of action and responsibility, ensuring its consistency and accuracy, in order to support in the relevant decision-making and participating in monthly reports according to guidelines (SitReps, medical statistical reports, etc.)
• Planning and supervising, in close coordination with the HR department, the associated processes (recruitment, training/induction, evaluation, potential detection, development and communication) of the staff under his/her responsibility in order to ensure both the sizing and the amount of knowledge required.

MSF Context Specific Accountabilities:

• Actively participating in the pharmacy planning and budgeting for MMU activities in Saida while integrating pharmaceutical operations with the Bekaa project during the merger to ensure seamless transition and continuity of care.
• Overseeing and coordinating stock management in both Bekaa and Saida warehouse South Lebanon, ensuring proper distribution, preventing overstocking or stock-outs, and supporting pharmacy supervisors in both locations with monitoring correct stock management across project area.
• Supporting the PMR and medical team in the potential expansion of activities, including support to PHCCs, managing donations, and adapting pharmaceutical services to any evolving needs of the project.
• Ensuring adherence to treatment protocols across project area, supporting rational prescribing, medication safety, and effective dispensing practices across multiple sites.
• Conducting training sessions for MMU and PHCC staff if needed on medication safety, antibiotic stewardship, and pharmacy best practices while supporting pharmacy supervisors in training needs across Bekaa and South.
• Gathering, analyzing, and reporting stock data from both Bekaa and South project locations to ensure informed decision-making, stock visibility, and optimized resource allocation during and after the merger.
• Providing support on international orders, ensuring accurate forecasting, timely requests, and proper coordination to align with project needs and avoid supply disruptions.
• Implementing and monitoring hygiene and safety protocols across all pharmacy & warehouse storage and dispensing points in MMUs, PHCCs, and any new project sites, ensuring compliance with MSF guidelines, Medical Standard List (MSL), Good Distribution and Storage Practices (GDSP), and Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA).
• Providing supervision and support to pharmacy teams in both Bekaa and South, ensuring smooth coordination between the merged projects, capacity building initiatives, including training and skill development, while aligning pharmacy operations, protocols, and best practices.
• Identifying the causes of medication shortages in the PHCCs and implement mitigation measures, particularly if the shortage is related to poor stock management, improper ordering, etc., while evaluating the impact of implemented actions
• Ensuring proper use/encoding of the Phoenix system in the PHCCs and provide training on Phoenix if necessary.

Requirements:

Education:

Essential: Bachelor diploma in Pharmacy

Essential MoPH’s license to practice in Lebanon

Certificate of registration at the Order of pharmacists in Lebanon

Experience:

Essential: Two years of demonstrated experience as a pharmacist required.

Desirable: one year of experience in a managerial role.

Experience in MSF or other NGO’s in developing countries is desirable.

Languages:

Essential: Arabic language & English

Knowledge:

Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet).

Competencies: Commitment to MSF’s Principles, behavioral Flexibility, results and Quality Orientation, teamwork and Cooperation, people Management and Development.