Vacancy Announcement

PIH currently has implementation programs in Haiti, Rwanda, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Peru, Mexico, Russia, Sierra Leone and Navajo Nation. Through our partnership with Harvard Medical School and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, we support a wide range of programs in dozens of other countries around the world.

Our Work In Sierra Leone:

Partners In Health (PIH) began supporting the government of Sierra Leone in response to the Ebola epidemic in October 2014. Recognizing the large need for continued investments in the health system after Ebola, PIH is committed to long-term health system strengthening in support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS), guided by the same principles as our emergency response and our work around the world: public sector accompaniment, integrated and comprehensive services, social justice, nimbleness and flexibility, partnership, community ownership, and evidence-based interventions. In the aftermath of the epidemic, PIH is committed to supporting the delivery of comprehensive health services in Sierra Leone, from the community level to the health center and to referral hospitals.

Through the project, Partners in Health, in the leadership of Ministry of Health and Sanitation, will be supporting 3 health facilities in the district (Jojoima, Buedu and Bandajuma) through comprehensive health systems strengthening approaches to develop these sites as sites for comprehensive Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child Adolescent Health and Nutrition services.

The Facility Clinical Lead is expected to bring to the clinical team working at the QEHSSSP-supported facility (Jojoima), a high level of knowledge and skills that will progressively contribute to the organization’s ambition to provide high quality of Reproductive Maternal Neonatal Child and Adolescent Health services to the people that we serve, as well as to support the vision to train the next generation of health care workers in the country by providing effective mentorship, on-the-job training and formal training sessions to the clinical staff. The position is open to either an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist or a Family Physician with extensive experience in OBGYN/Surgery.

When requested, the specialist is also expected to contribute to the overall QEHSSSP strategies and planning processes by sharing his/her expertise to advice on procurement of medical supplies and equipment, support the development of tools, clinical guidelines, clinical protocols and other related documents. He/she will also participate when requested in the effort to strengthen our partnership with the ministry of health by also sharing his/her experience and expertise on areas related to MOHS effort to strengthen the provision of quality of care to its population.

Clinical Care, Supervision and Accompaniment

• Serve as Jojoima CHC’s Maternity Lead, focused on the accompaniment, mentorship, and supervision of physicians, nurses and Community Health Officers (CHOs) in the areas of reproductive, maternal, and newborn health.

• Collaborate with Jojoima CHC Midwife to provide clinical oversight for the Jojoima Maternity Ward including:

-Direct supervision for QEHSSSP supported CHOs (including SACHOs)and nurses on maternity wards

-Collaborative supervision and accompaniment of national midwives and nurses on the maternity wards

-Collaborate and work with other units of the facility e.g. General Out Patient, under 5 clinic, as necessary.

• Manage the Maternity Call Schedule for CHO/SACHO coverage of maternity ward

• Provide direct clinical care and manage OB/Gyn cases according to national and international clinical guidelines, including providing surgical coverage for obstetric and emergency gynae cases

• Complete daily rounds on maternity ward with CHOs, midwives, and nursing staff

• Oversee ANC, high risk OB, and family planning out-patient clinics

• Develop and implement SGBV protocols

Clinical Education:

• Perform clinical teaching, mentorship and capacity building of clinicians working at the facility, outpatient clinics, and community clinics through leading and participating in activities including teaching rounds and on the job training implementation, case reviews, and other activities

• Provide Ob/Gyn surgical training, mentorship, and supervision for surgical trainees, and surgical CHOs for professional development.

• Assist with and collaborate on curriculum building, implementation, and scheduling of nursing, midwifery, CHO training activities

• Provide bedside training and education for all cadres of staff

Administration Responsibilities:

• Attend weekly Clinical Ops Meetings at the facility as well as the daily Jojoima Maternity morning report

• Work closely with the District Clinical Lead, Nursing Lead, Chief Medical Officer and PIH SL Leadership on strategic planning and budgeting

• Serve as the point of contact for

-Supporting the implementation of the national and international guidelines at Jojoima with the supervision of the Clinical Services Lead

-Referral team – collaborate with the Nursing Lead, Clinical services Lead & Operations (Referral) Manager as needed for patients requiring referral for diagnostic or specialty services to other facilities

• Work with the leadership team and District Clinical Lead to contribute to grant proposals and reports to current and potential donors

PIH Leadership:

• Lead by example, embodying the values of PIH, including: doing whatever it takes to provide the highest level of service to our patients; treating every member of our organization and community with equal respect and dignity; fostering a sense of generosity and teamwork; and working patiently, yet persistently, to accompany our government partners to achieve our shared goals.

• Step in to leadership roles as needed and as directed by the PIH Sierra Leone leadership team –

• Specialist or equivalent in Family Medicine or Ob/Gyn, through postgraduate training specialization. Professional registration in home country.
• At least 3 years’ post-registration experience.
• Extensive OBGYN and General Surgery skills is essential for this position. RMNCAH services form the core of the services to be provided at the facility and is an essential skill required for the position.
• Skills in OBGYN Ultrasound Scanning.
• References for these 2 skills above must be submitted and will be vetted.
• Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills, as well as confidence working within a multicultural team and with senior nurses and CHOs from partner institutions;
• Ability to work under high pressure situations
• Skilled at multitasking and prioritizing, working independently with minimal supervision, and leading and designing projects autonomously; an appreciation of the philosophy behind PIH health partnerships.

It would be advantageous if the candidate has:

• More than 6 months of work experience in low resources settings.
• More than 5 years of post-graduate experience focused on Ob/Gyn service.
• Previous experience of working in similar setting to Sierra Leone will be appreciated.

Additional skills/ knowledge/experience

• Additional skills in system development, project management and quality improvement.
• Knowledge in research projects.
• Experience in treating malaria, Hepatitis B and other Infectious diseases
• Experience in general ultrasound scanning is desirable

Other requirements:

• A strong commitment to social justice and health as a human right is essential in all aspects of the leadership and management
• Ability to be flexible and effective in the face of unexpected challenges.
• Exemplary interpersonal communication skills, verbal and written, required to effectively engage with senior leadership, partners, and clinicians on sensitive political and confidential issues.
• Proven ability to exercise good judgment, demonstrate political astuteness, and tact.
• Sense of humor and flexible disposition very helpful.
• Willingness to live in Kailahun district full-time.
• Computer basic skills: Office, Internet and data base systems.