Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is the country’s leading producer of raw, refined and specialty sugars; employing more than 9000 employees. Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is part of Illovo Sugar Africa Group; a wholly-owned subsidiary of Associated British Foods plc (ABF).
Job Summary
- Employer: Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-10-19
Key Responsibilities
- Receive medicines, medical supplies, and pharmacy consumables and verify deliveries against approved documentation.
- Provide basic patient service support by directing patients, explaining collection processes, and referring clinical questions to authorised staff.
- Monitor stock levels and alert the supervisor when medicines, consumables, or essential supplies are below minimum stock levels.
- Check stock quantities, batch numbers, expiry dates, packaging condition, and storage requirements upon receipt.
- Conduct routine expiry date checks and identify medicines that are near expiry, expired, damaged, or unsuitable for use.
- Store medicines and supplies according to pharmacy procedures, including separation of expired, damaged, controlled, or temperature-sensitive items.
- Assist with dispensing medicines to patients under the supervision of the Pharmacy Technologist or authorised pharmacy personnel.
- Report prescription irregularities, stock discrepancies, suspected misuse, medicine shortages, or patient complaints to the supervisor.
- Maintain confidentiality of prescriptions, patient information, and medical records.
- Promote and adhere to Illovo’s procedures, policies and guidelines, including, without limitation, those relating to HSE, Competitive Law and Anti-Bribery and Corruption (ABC).
Requirements
- MSCE or equivalent.
- Diploma or Certificate in Pharmacy Assistance or relevant healthcare support training preferred.
- 2-3 years experience in community health, public health surveillance, outreach, or health promotion.
- Basic understanding of medicines handling, stock control and confidentiality.
- Good numerical, administration and record keeping skills.
- Computer literacy is an added advantage.
How to Apply
Apply by email: DwangwaCorporateMail@illovo.co.za
Address: The HR Mill Head, Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc, P.O Box 46, Dwangwa
Address: The HR Mill Head, Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc, P.O Box 46, Dwangwa
About the Company
Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc is a key player in Malawi's agricultural and industrial landscape, primarily engaged in sugar production. This prominent Malawian company maintains a public listing on the Malawi Stock Exchange. The majority of its issued share capital, precisely 76%, is held by the Illovo Group, a significant entity in the African sugar sector. The remaining shares are accessible to the public, fostering local investment and broader participation in the company's operations within Malawi.
Malawi's key producer of sugar, listed on the local exchange.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications do I need to become a Pharmacy Assistant at Illovo Sugar Malawi?
You typically need a Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) with strong grades in science subjects, plus a certificate or diploma in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences from a recognized institution like the College of Medicine or Kamuzu College of Nursing. Registration with the Pharmacy, Medicines and Poisons Board of Malawi is usually required or highly preferred.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Pharmacy Assistant in a Malawian workplace?
You will dispense medications under pharmacist supervision, maintain inventory records, counsel patients on proper drug use, and ensure proper storage of medicines according to Malawi's climate conditions. You may also assist with health screenings and first aid services for employees in a corporate setting like Illovo.
How does workplace culture and employer expectations differ for pharmacy roles in Malawi compared to other countries?
Malawian employers value respect for hierarchy, punctuality, and community-oriented service, with strong emphasis on building patient trust through personal relationships. You will likely face resource constraints requiring adaptability, and employers expect flexibility to serve both urban and rural populations when needed.
What career progression opportunities exist for Pharmacy Assistants in Malawi?
With experience and further education, you can advance to Senior Pharmacy Assistant, pursue a degree to become a registered pharmacist, or move into pharmaceutical sales, hospital administration, or public health program management. Some employers support continuing education through study leave or tuition assistance programs.
What benefits should I expect from a large employer like Illovo Sugar Malawi as a Pharmacy Assistant?
Large agricultural companies in Malawi typically offer medical aid coverage, pension contributions, annual leave days as mandated by the Employment Act, and sometimes housing or transport allowances for rural postings. Specific benefits vary by employer and employment grade, so review the official job description carefully.
How should I apply for a Pharmacy Assistant position in Malawi, and what do employers prioritize in candidates?
Apply through official company websites, newspaper advertisements, or professional networks like the Pharmaceutical Society of Malawi. Employers prioritize candidates with relevant certifications, demonstrated integrity handling medications, computer literacy for inventory systems, and willingness to work in remote locations where healthcare access is limited.