Dispenser

About The Organization

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) tackles some of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, delivering essential aid to restore health, security, education, economic well-being, and empowerment to communities impacted by conflict and disasters. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 nations and multiple cities across the U.S., helping millions rebuild their lives by providing safety, dignity, and hope.

Program Overview

Operating since 2017, IRC supports Rohingya refugees and local Bangladeshi populations in Cox's Bazar, Khulna, Barisal, and Chittagong through integrated healthcare, education, protection, climate resilience, and economic recovery programs.

Role Objective

The Dispenser will be an integral member of the IRC healthcare team, tasked with executing healthcare services at assigned facilities according to national guidelines and IRC’s standard operating procedures. This role involves accurate dispensing of medications, managing pharmaceutical inventory, supervising junior pharmacy staff, and maintaining compliance with drug safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Accurately dispense medications to patients as per doctors’ prescriptions, ensuring indications align with prescribed drugs.
• Review prescriptions for interactions, duplicates, contraindications, allergies, and potential misuse; liaise with prescribers on incomplete or problematic prescriptions.
• Counsel patients thoroughly on correct medication usage, possible side effects, and dosage instructions both verbally and in writing.
• Perform routine inventory and consumption audits of medical supplies, submitting weekly and monthly reports to the Country Pharmacist.
• Maintain secure storage of controlled substances in locked cabinets, regularly monitoring stock expiry and adhering to first-in, first-out (FIFO) protocols.
• Ensure the pharmacy space is clean, organized for efficient dispensing, and maintained at proper temperature and humidity levels.
• Prevent pilferage, contamination, and damage of pharmaceutical products.
• Notify management proactively about stock levels to prevent shortages and coordinate with health teams to maintain adequate equipment and supply levels.
• Supervise and mentor Pharmacy Assistants and other facility staff, providing guidance and on-the-job training as needed.
• Be prepared to support mobile medical teams post-disaster situations.
• Foster teamwork, inclusion, and adherence to IRC policies and values in all interactions.

Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
• Ensuring smooth communication and coordination between medical warehouses, prescribers, and stakeholders.
• Prioritizing workload to meet compliance and performance standards effectively.

Expected Deliverables

• Timely completion and accessibility of dispensary documentation.
• Maintained, accurate drug inventory and consumption records.
• Compliance with dispensing operating procedures.
• Quality assurance of pharmaceutical supplies received.
• Regular physical stock audits.
• Transparent tracking and reporting of pharmacy expenditure.

Experience and Qualifications

• At least two years' experience dispensing medications in clinical or hospital environments, preferably within humanitarian settings.
• Proficient understanding of government dispensing regulations and the essential drug list (EDL).
• Registered pharmacist or diploma pharmacist registered with the Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh.
• Strong computer literacy in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and commitment to humanitarian values.

Language and Other Preferences

• Familiarity with local dialects is preferred.

Professional Standards and Ethics

Staff must adhere to the IRC’s Code of Conduct emphasizing integrity, service, accountability, and equality. Compliance with safeguarding policies covering PSEAH, adult and child protection, anti-harassment, fiscal integrity, and anti-retaliation is mandatory. Workers are expected to promote ethical behavior, open dialogue, reflection, and inclusiveness in pursuit of outstanding client service.