INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Country Pharmacist

Code: SR-28-9596

Duty station: Kabul with frequent travel to other field locations (Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul)

Starting date: 10/02/2025

Contract duration: 6 months

Reporting to: Medical Coordinator

Functional Supervisor: Medical Coordinator

Supervision of: Pharmacy Team Leader

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

Over 40 years of conflicts and political turmoil have taken a massive cumulative toll on the people of Afghanistan. A total of 18.4 million people, almost half of the total population, have been estimated by the UN to need humanitarian assistance prior to recent events. Severe droughts are recurring in Afghanistan, currently resulting in nearly 14 million people in acute food insecurity, with over 3 million children facing severe malnourishment. The recent displacement of 550,000 people is adding to an estimated 2.9 million people who remain internally displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, while winter months are around the corner.

INTERSOS has been working in Afghanistan since 2001, with a country office in Kabul, and field bases in Kandahar and Zabul provinces. In recent years INTERSOS has been focusing its assistance based on integrated community-based approach that includes primary health care (including sexual and reproductive health care), nutrition and protection programmes serving conflict-affected populations, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, with a special focus on socially excluded individuals, including women, children and persons living with disabilities.

With its operational approach and active engagement with the communities, INTERSOS has been enjoying strong community acceptance and operational access. All INTERSOS activities continue to be implemented in Afghanistan at present time, with no operational restrictions and with full inclusion of female staff.

It is widely anticipated that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation may deteriorate further, given that the international support to key essential and social services – food aid, health, education, and other essential services, is currently frozen. Although humanitarian aid can not replace this gap, the international assistance that prioritises urgent humanitarian needs will be essential.

At the same time, unless the operational environment with all its impediments (including in relation to banking/cash transfers and counter-terrorism measures) does not improve, the response will continue to be a challenge.

Recognising that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan will require a more intensified international humanitarian assistance, INTERSOS remains in Afghanistan to deliver its ongoing activities, and potentially scale up its response.

General purpose of the position

Ensure proper mission pharmaceutical management and efficient functioning of INTERSOS pharmacies (procurement, storage, distribution, inventory, consumption and data management) at central and project level, ensuring adequate and timely supply of quality medical materials, equipment and drugs.

In collaboration with logistics department monitor the pharmacy/medical warehouse storing activities in order to keep pharmacy stock above security level and guarantee the respect of required conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.).

Main responsibilities and tasks

• In collaboration with the logistics department and the Pharmacist Manager ensure storage, stock management and supply processes, as well as hygiene and security procedures, tools, and protocols, implementing appropriate quality controls and records, in order to ensure good storage conditions (temperatures, humidity and light exposure) and availability of drugs and medical materials according to national regulations
• In collaboration with Medical Coordinator and the Pharmacist Referent HQ ensure the implementation of pharmaceutical SOP and tools for stock management, monitoring and evaluation of the pharmacies and health facilities and oversights the adaptation of it to meet the national legislation, in particular for narcotic and psychoactive medicines, ensuring quality and safety of drugs consumption
• Support Deputy Medical Coordinator to guarantee the respect of policies for donation of drugs and medical items
• In collaboration with logistics and medical departments and HQ follow up of the medical procurement process (consumables, equipment and medicines), place orders and monitor the purchase in accordance with INTERSOS and donors procedures. Ensure the supply chain is timely, reliable and well documented at all levels
• With the support of Pharmacy Referent, Medical Coordinator, Pharmacy Officer, Project Managers and logistics department prepare needs assessment and assess local market participating in inspection of local suppliers where appropriate, BoQs and proposal’s budget. Ensure the implementation of procedures to obtain import licenses and taxes exemption from the local health and administrative authorities
• Supervise orders of drugs and medical materials in order to ensure an efficient and appropriate consumption and analyze the data to optimize the management of health consumables, equipment and medicines (needs assessment, purchase, control, supply, cold chain, expiry dates, overstock/shortage etc.)
• Participate in base coordination meetings, external meeting, medical team meeting
• Contribute to the writing of donors’ reports and proposals
• Guarantee data collection and ensure accurate data entry into the pharmacy management software (excel/IMS)
• Support the recruitment process of pharmacy team and strengthen the capacity of pharmacy teams
• Provide training and technical support to the pharmacist manager and staff in charge of pharmacies on stock management, rational use of medicines, substitution and therapy options and analysis of consumption
• Support the Medical Coordinator/PMR in the evaluation of the Pharmacist Manager
• Check, in collaboration with the medical team, the epidemiological data, the status of stocks and consumptions, and assess the appropriateness of prescriptions
• Is responsible to follow up on IMS and to update it in time
• Maintain and share an annual INTERSOS pharmacy activity planning
• Prepare monthly activity report for the Situation Report
• Ensure the appropriate filing of documentation and archives and share documents with the Medical Coordinator and HQ Medical Unit the relevant data including AMC and stock reports
• Support, in collaboration with Medical Coordinator/PMR/ Logistics Coordinator, the settlement of new warehouse when needed, including management tools and human resources

Required profile and experience

Education

• Pharmaceutical Sciences/Pharmacy Degree

Professional Experience

• Minimum three (3) years of working experience in a hospital/health facility set-up or relevant position
• Work experience in medical emergency response projects with INGO desirable

Professional Requirements

• Essential computer literacy (Word, Advances Excel, Power Point and internet)

Languages

• Fluent English (written and spoken)

Personal Requirements

• Organizational and communication skills
• Results and quality orientation
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Behavioural flexibility and stress management
• Analytical skills, initiative, independency
• Ability and willingness to travel to remote locations