The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global leader in humanitarian relief, post-conflict development, and refugee resettlement, delivering life-saving assistance to vulnerable communities affected by conflict and disaster. In Kenya, the IRC supports health, nutrition, protection, and economic well-being programs in various regions. As part of its commitment to improve access to quality healthcare services in Hagadera Refugee Camp, IRC is seeking to recruit a qualified and experienced Pharmaceutical Technologist.
This position is based in Hagadera, located in North-Eastern Kenya (Kaskazini Mashariki) and is offered under a fixed-term, full-time contract. The role is in-person and not open to expatriates.
Position Title: Pharmaceutical Technologist
Location: Hagadera, Kenya
Sector: Health
Employment Type: Full-Time
Category: Fixed Term
Requisition ID: req59174
Posting Date: August 8, 2025
Work Arrangement: In-person
Introduction
The role of a Pharmaceutical Technologist at IRC Hagadera is instrumental in the day-to-day management of pharmaceutical operations, including the dispensing of drugs, stock management, and compliance with medical and operational standards. Reporting directly to the Pharmacist or a designated supervisor, the incumbent will ensure that essential medicines and health commodities are appropriately stored, dispensed, and recorded to support effective healthcare delivery.
The successful candidate will be working in a dynamic and high-demand setting, providing critical pharmaceutical services to a large population residing in the Hagadera Refugee Camp. This is a hands-on, field-based role requiring excellent professional conduct, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary healthcare team.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Pharmaceutical Technologist will be responsible for the following key functions:
1. Dispensing and Pharmacy Operations
- Ensure the correct and safe dispensing of prescribed medications and health commodities at the pharmacy dispensing units.
- Provide guidance and drug information to clinical staff to promote the rational use of medications.
- Monitor prescribing practices by analyzing prescription trends and report irregularities or irrational prescribing to the pharmacist.
2. Stock Management and Drug Availability
- Maintain adequate stocks of essential health supplies and ensure the efficient management of pharmacy stores to prevent pilferage and stock-outs.
- Prepare and submit accurate monthly inventory and management reports, including Ministry of Health (MOH) reports for Malaria, TB, and HIV, by the 5th of every month.
- Maintain and update the tracer drug list and report on availability of key commodities biweekly to the clinical team.
- Monitor expiry dates and track slow-moving pharmaceutical items to prevent wastage.
3. Cold Chain Maintenance
- Ensure all temperature-sensitive drugs are correctly stored and monitored, maintaining appropriate cold chain protocols.
- Record and track daily temperature readings for the cold room and fridges to ensure compliance with required storage standards.
4. Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate documentation of all issued and received drugs and medical supplies.
- Ensure proper completion of all pharmacy forms and requisition documents.
- Prepare timely internal and external reports for drug usage, inventory, and trends.
5. Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Implement and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) within the supply chain.
- Uphold pharmaceutical quality assurance standards in dispensing, storage, and distribution processes.
- Participate in routine pharmacy audits and stock checks.
6. Capacity Building and Supervision
- Participate in internal training sessions and mentorship programs to promote knowledge sharing and enhance service delivery.
- Supervise interns and students on clinical attachment within the pharmacy unit.
- Provide technical support and on-the-job training for junior pharmacy personnel where required.
7. Teamwork and Collaboration
- Work collaboratively with other departments and units in providing efficient health services.
- Attend departmental meetings and contribute to discussions aimed at improving pharmacy operations.
- Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely replenishment of stocks.
8. Other Responsibilities
- Carry out any other duties or responsibilities as may be assigned by the Pharmacist or designated supervisor.
Key Result Areas
The Pharmaceutical Technologist will be evaluated based on the following performance indicators:
- Accuracy and timeliness of drug dispensing and documentation.
- Compliance with cold chain requirements for temperature-sensitive products.
- Efficiency in stock issuance and inventory tracking.
- Adherence to pharmacy SOPs and national regulatory guidelines.
- Quality of mentorship and supervision provided to interns and students.
- Effective collaboration with clinical and non-clinical teams.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications and experience requirements:
- Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or equivalent academic qualification.
- Diploma in Pharmacy from a recognized institution.
- Valid enrollment by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Kenya.
- A minimum of three (3) years of service in a similar capacity as a Pharmaceutical Technologist.
- Candidates with a Diploma and two (2) years of experience or a Certificate and five (5) years of experience are eligible.
- Proven experience in inventory and pharmaceutical stock management.
- Certificate in computing from a recognized institution, with working knowledge of inventory management systems.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Ability to work ethically and diligently in a high-pressure environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills in English and Kiswahili.
- Excellent team collaboration skills and the ability to build positive working relationships.
- Good customer service and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated merit, integrity, and ability as reflected in past performance.
Working Environment
This position is located in Hagadera Refugee Camp, a challenging and remote humanitarian setting in North-Eastern Kenya. The role requires dedication, adaptability, and resilience to work in a multicultural and resource-constrained environment. The successful candidate must be prepared to live and work under field conditions with limited amenities.
The in-person nature of the job entails daily interaction with patients, clinicians, and supply chain staff. It is essential that the candidate demonstrates a commitment to service delivery, confidentiality, and adherence to medical ethics and organizational values.
About IRC
The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping people to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, IRC provides vital services to people affected by conflict and disaster, including healthcare, education, protection, water and sanitation, and economic development. In Kenya, IRC has been providing essential health and nutrition services for over two decades, with a particular focus on displaced and marginalized populations.
As part of its health programming in Dadaab refugee camps, including Hagadera, IRC aims to enhance access to essential medical and pharmaceutical services through the deployment of competent and dedicated healthcare professionals. The Pharmaceutical Technologist will play a vital role in ensuring that communities in need receive the quality medications and health supplies they require to live healthy and dignified lives.
Equal Opportunity Employer
IRC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to ensuring a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants, regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or religion, are encouraged to apply.
Application Instructions
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply online through the IRC job portal.
