Summary
Date Posted: Thursday, January 09 2025, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Organization Summary:
Ciheb Zambia is a non-profit local Zambian organisation supporting Ministry of Health to scale up comprehensive HIV prevention and testing services and find the best solutions to life threatening situations among communities in Zambia, including addressing global health security issues.

Project Overview:
The Medication-Assisted Therapy (MAT) project aims to support the Ministry of Health in providing safe and effective opioid replacement therapy (ORT) for individuals with substance use disorders. The project will ensure the regulatory and safe use of opioid replacement medications while strengthening the capacity of healthcare providers in substance use treatment services.

Position Summary:
We are seeking a highly qualified and motivated Pharmacist to provide technical assistance and support to the Ministry of Health in the implementation of MAT services. The Pharmacist will play a key role in ensuring the safe, effective, and compliant use of opioid replacement therapy (ORT) and related medications for patients with substance use disorders. The role involves working closely with healthcare providers, regulators, and the project team to establish and maintain high standards of care and treatment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Regulatory Oversight:
• Provide technical support to the Ministry of Health in the development and implementation of national guidelines and policies for the safe use of opioid replacement therapy.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, including the proper handling, storage, and distribution of opioid replacement medications.
• Advise on regulatory issues regarding the use of MAT medications and recommend changes to improve access and safety.
Pharmacy Services:
• Oversee the dispensation of opioid replacement medications in accordance with established protocols and standards.
• Monitor medication administration practices to ensure proper dosing, record-keeping, and adherence to treatment regimens.
• Assist in the development and distribution of patient educational materials related to MAT medications.
• Provide oversight to ensure commodity security at the MAT clinic
Training and Capacity Building:
• Provide training and technical assistance to healthcare providers on the safe and effective use of opioid replacement therapy.
• Support the Ministry of Health in the development of training materials and guidelines for pharmacy staff involved in MAT services.
• Conduct regular workshops and refresher courses on the pharmacological aspects of substance use treatment.
Patient Monitoring and Support:
• Monitor the use of opioid replacement medications for patients enrolled in MAT programs to ensure therapeutic efficacy and minimize the risk of misuse or diversion.
• Assist in developing patient counseling protocols to ensure patients understand their treatment options and the importance of adherence.
• Ensure that patients are screened for potential drug interactions and side effects before initiating therapy.
Collaboration and Reporting:
• Work closely with the project team, Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders to ensure that MAT programs are effective, well-coordinated, and compliant with national standards.
• Maintain accurate records of medication inventories and usage data, reporting to the project manager and relevant regulatory bodies as required.
• Provide periodic reports on the progress of MAT implementation, including challenges, recommendations, and best practices.

Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or a related field.
• Valid Pharmacist license to practice in Zambia
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working in pharmacy or healthcare, with a focus on substance use treatment or medication-assisted therapy preferred.
• Strong knowledge of opioid replacement therapy, substance use disorders, and regulatory frameworks surrounding MAT.
• Proven experience in working with government health systems, ideally in a technical advisory role.
• Experience in training and capacity building for healthcare providers.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams, including government agencies, healthcare providers, and NGOs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Skills and Competencies:
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• High level of professionalism and ethics in managing sensitive patient information.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

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