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Pharmacist

An MSF pharmacist pictured in the pharmacy where patients collect their medications after their medical consultation. Caption
An MSF pharmacist pictured in the pharmacy where patients collect their medications after their medical consultation.

Our pharmacists provide essential expertise in our projects.

From training national staff how to store and manage lifesaving medications through to ensuring enough medications are flown in to tackle sudden malaria outbreaks, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) pharmacists ensure that essential medicines are there when they are needed, well managed, transported and stored appropriately. 

Responsibilities

Our pharmacists are often based in the country capital, supporting all projects in that country, often through more than one MSF Operation Centre.

It’s a diverse role and you would be responsible for: 

  • Ensuring good practice in distribution and pharmaceutical practices comply with national rules 
  • Drug management and medical equipment order, storage and distribution in MSF projects 
  • Training and supervising local staff working in the project pharmacies and warehouses
  • Assist the coordination team with ensuring that medications safely reach the projects where needed

Fast forward a few weeks to the present, and I watch Kor taking his first steps around the hospital with our excellent ER doctor. It’s an emotional sight that brings tears to many eyes. The community watch in awe.

I’m an MSF pharmacist and together, we save lives!

LAMYA ABDI
|
Pharmacist

Application guide

Read our guide on the application process for all overseas roles

Role requirements

  • Qualification as a pharmacist and significant post qualification experience, ideally in hospital pharmacy management
  • Experience in supervising, training and managing others
  • A minimum of A2 level in French (according to CEFR)
  • Ability to work well as a part of a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team
  • Ability to organise and prioritise workload and use initiative
  • Willingness to work in unstable areas and ability to cope in a difficult and unpredictable environment
  • Fluency in English
  • Available for a minimum period of nine months
  • Minimum of three months’ work, volunteering or travelling experience in low- and/or middle-income countries

Languages​

We're currently looking for pharmacists with a minimum of A2 level in French (according to CEFR)

If you can also speak Arabic you're much more likely to be accepted onto our register.

Your language level may be tested during the recruitment process.

Paula is an MSF expat from Brazil, this is her first mission with MSF and she is the project's pharmacist receiving deliveries of the medecines, making new orders and sending drugs out to the project. Paula had always wanted to work with MSF but had never found the right time, after feeling a lack of impact at her last role in Brazil she made the jump and applied to work with MSF. With MSF she sees her job making a real difference for people who really are in need of help - she says there is no better place to make an impact than with MSF. When Paula arrived at the project she was very impressed with the pharmacy and its organisation - the medicines were in good condition and the temperature controlled. Originally Paula was a little shocked by South Sudan - after not knowing what to expect from the camp, it is the mix of cultures and people in the camp that is especially interesting.

In their own words

Read first-hand accounts from MSF pharmacists in the field

Before you apply

Make sure you read our application process guide for an overview of what to expect when you apply for an overseas role with the UK.

We take your safety, security and wellbeing seriously. Please watch these videos before you decide whether or not to apply for this job.

Apply to be a pharmacist

Please only apply if you meet all of the requirements below. 

1/6

I have read and understood the role description, and feel I can fulfil this role

2/6

I have spent at least three months travelling or working in low- and/or middle-income countries

3/6

The UK is my place of residence and I have the right to live and work in the UK

4/6

I have a valid passport

5/6

I have managed a team of people

6/6

I am available for a minimum of nine to 12 months