Pharmaceutical Policy Specialist (REF NO: NDOH 37/2024) at National Department of Health

CENTRE : Directorate: Child and Youth Health, Pretoria. 
 
REQUIREMENTS : 

• Grade A, A B-Pharm degree, current registration as a Pharmacist plus a minimum of five (5) years appropriate experience after registration as a Pharmacist with the SAPC. 
• Grade B, B-Pharm degree, current registration as a pharmacist plus thirteen (13) years appropriate experience after registration as a Pharmacist with the SAPC. 
• Salary grade will be determined in accordance with the above requirements as per the OSD. 
• Qualification and years of experience required are indicated above. 
• Knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, Public Service Act and Regulation, 2023 as amended, National Health Act 2003, Medicine and Related Substance Act 1965, Pharmacy Act 1974 as well as Public Service Management Act 1999. 
• Knowledge of cold chain, vaccines and procurement as well as District Health System. 
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act and Regulations; and knowledge of data monitoring and analysis. 
• Good communication (verbal and written), presentation, interpersonal, research and report writing, and computer skills (MS Office packages). A valid driver’s license. Willing to travel regularly and work long and irregular hours. 

DUTIES : 

• Liaison with the supplier to ensure sufficient EPI vaccines are available. Liaise with the vaccine supplier, Pharmaceutical Services and SAHPRA (South African Health Products Regulatory Authority) on use of international vaccine packaging for campaign or emergency stock-out situations. 
• Liaise with stakeholders on vaccine related services. 
• Facilitate effective management of vaccine. Determine annual estimates for provinces and submit to suppliers by end September each year. 
• Assist the programme to ensure that provinces include buffer stock at the depot and order monthly to prevent backorders. 
• Monitor and evaluate vaccine utilization. 
• Prepare quarterly reports for each province comparing vaccine estimates and ordering as well as percentage supplied. Monitor vaccine utilization during HPV campaign, and provide logistical assistance were needed. 
• Conduct investigation on adverse events following immunization (AEFI). 
• Liaise with NISEC members and provide information on AEFI cases during causality assessment. Manage risk and audit queries. 
• Determine national vaccine stock holding at provincial depots after April and September annual stock take at depots, and assist with strategies to minimize vaccine wastage. 
• Support other activities within the EPI sub-directorate.