Mission Pharmacy Manager

Organization: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Job Type: Full-Time

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Application Deadline: 18 January 2026

Introduction

Access to safe, effective medicines is a cornerstone of humanitarian healthcare delivery. In emergency and low-resource settings, strong pharmaceutical systems are essential to saving lives and ensuring quality patient care. This role plays a critical leadership function in guaranteeing that medicines are procured, stored, distributed, and used responsibly in line with global humanitarian standards. By strengthening pharmacy operations, the Mission Pharmacy Manager directly supports MSF’s ability to deliver life-saving medical assistance to people most in need.

Job Summary

The Mission Pharmacy Manager is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all pharmacy-related activities across the mission. Working closely with the Medical and Pharmacy Coordinators, the role ensures compliance with MSF standards, national regulations, and international best practices. The position provides strategic and technical leadership to ensure efficient medical supply systems and rational use of medicines across projects.

Key Responsibilities

Pharmacy Strategy and Coordination

• Lead and coordinate all mission-level pharmacy activities in alignment with MSF policies and values.
• Support representation of MSF with national authorities, suppliers, and partners on pharmaceutical matters.
• Contribute to forecasting, budgeting, and planning for medicines and medical supplies.

Medical Supply and Stock Management

• Oversee pharmacy operations across projects, ensuring proper stock control, storage, and distribution.
• Ensure availability of medicines while preventing stock-outs, overstocking, and expiries.
• Supervise compliance with cold chain, storage conditions, inventory management, and transport procedures.
• Ensure proper handling, documentation, and disposal of expired, damaged, or controlled medicines.

Quality, Safety, and Rational Drug Use

• Promote good dispensing practices, pharmacovigilance, and safe medication use.
• Support antibiotic stewardship and rational prescribing practices across projects.
• Monitor medicine consumption data to identify trends, risks, and unusual patterns.

Technical Support and Field Supervision

• Conduct regular field visits to support project pharmacy teams and improve performance.
• Provide technical guidance on medication use, side effects, adherence, and pharmaceutical care.
• Support emergency preparedness planning, including emergency kits and contingency stock.

Compliance and Regulatory Affairs

• Ensure adherence to Nigerian pharmaceutical regulations, including NAFDAC and PCN requirements.
• Support licensing, permits, and regulatory reporting for controlled and narcotic medicines.
• Promote Good Pharmacy Practices (GPP) and Good Storage and Distribution Practices (GSDP).

People Management and Capacity Building

• Supervise, train, and develop pharmacy staff across the mission.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluation, and staff development processes.

Reporting and Coordination

• Contribute to MSF internal reporting, including medical statistics and drug consumption reports.
• Maintain close collaboration with Medical, Logistics, Supply, Finance, and HR teams.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or HND in Pharmacy or a related pharmaceutical field.
• Minimum of two years’ professional experience in pharmacy management or medical supply systems.
• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical supply chains and stock management.
• Familiarity with national pharmaceutical regulations and controlled medicines management.
• Ability to work in complex humanitarian or emergency contexts.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.

Why This Role Is Important

Medicines save lives only when they are available, safe, and used correctly. This role ensures that humanitarian medical care meets the highest quality and safety standards. By strengthening pharmacy systems, the Mission Pharmacy Manager protects patients, supports clinicians, and ensures responsible use of limited medical resources.

Benefits of Applying

• Opportunity to work with a globally respected medical humanitarian organization.
• Direct contribution to life-saving healthcare in emergency and underserved settings.
• Professional growth in pharmaceutical leadership and humanitarian operations.
• Inclusive and values-driven work environment.
• Salary: Competitive, in line with MSF compensation framework.

About Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Médecins Sans Frontières is an independent, international humanitarian medical organization that provides emergency medical assistance to people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. MSF operates worldwide based on medical ethics, independence, neutrality, and impartiality. The organization delivers care solely based on need, regardless of background or affiliation. MSF is committed to professionalism, accountability, and equal opportunity employment.

Important Notes

• Dual employment is not permitted and constitutes misconduct under MSF regulations.
• Only applications submitted through the official channel will be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• MSF reserves the right to modify or cancel the recruitment process at any stage.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, CV, relevant certificates, and NYSC certificate or exemption letter via the official application link.

Apply via:

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Deadline: 18 January 2026

Tips for Applicants

• Highlight experience in pharmaceutical supply management and regulatory compliance.
• Emphasize leadership experience and work in humanitarian or resource-limited settings.
• Demonstrate knowledge of medicine safety, rational drug use, and stock control systems.
• Ensure all required documents are complete and clearly presented.