Clinical Officer

About Pharo Foundation

Pharo Foundation is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organization working to build a vibrant, productive, and self-reliant Africa. Our development efforts are focused on three core pillars:

• Education – Providing access to high-quality, affordable education that equips students for success in a rapidly changing world.
• Water – Ensuring that communities across Africa have access to clean, safe, and affordable water.
• Productivity – Removing barriers to employment and increasing economic opportunity for individuals and families.

Our for-profit arm, Pharo Ventures, operates sustainable businesses across Ethiopia and Somaliland to drive job creation and economic growth. With over 700 employees across Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland, Pharo Foundation is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, with a liaison office in London, UK.

Position Summary

The Clinical Officer is the primary healthcare provider on campus, responsible for delivering comprehensive clinical care to students and staff within the boarding school environment. The post holder will manage the school’s health center, respond to medical emergencies, promote preventive health and wellness—with particular attention to the developmental needs of adolescent girls—and collaborate with pastoral staff, families, and external healthcare providers to ensure a safe, healthy, and nurturing residential and academic community. The role requires a calm, compassionate professional who can balance acute clinical responsibility with the long-term pastoral impact of supporting young women’s health and wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

A. Clinical Care and Health Centre Management

• Provide direct clinical care for acute illnesses, minor injuries, and ongoing health concerns during school hours and designated on-call periods.
• Conduct patient consultations, including history taking, physical examinations, diagnosis, treatment, and management of common ailments in accordance with approved clinical guidelines and protocols.
• Administer medications and treatments in compliance with physician orders, school policies, and parental consent procedures.
• Manage chronic conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, severe allergies) through individualized care plans and ongoing monitoring.
• Perform minor surgical procedures as per training and skill level.
• Order and interpret laboratory and imaging investigations, making appropriate referrals where necessary.
• Coordinate off-campus medical appointments, specialist consultations, and hospital admissions, including escorting students when required.

B. Health Records, Compliance, and Reporting

• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date student health records in compliance with data protection regulations and school policies.
• Oversee health forms, immunization records, and required documentation for newly enrolled and returning students.
• Ensure compliance with all national and country health regulations, statutory requirements, and school health protocols.
• Prepare and submit termly reports on accidents, health trends, and clinic activities to school leadership.
• Manage medical supplies, equipment, and inventory, ensuring safe storage, expiry monitoring, and adequate stocking.

C. Health Promotion and Education

• Develop and deliver age-appropriate health education programmers tailored to adolescent girls, covering topics such as menstrual hygiene management, reproductive wellness, nutrition and body image, stress management and mental health awareness, sleep hygiene, and disease prevention.
• Conduct regular health screenings (e.g., nutrition screening, growth monitoring, vision, and hearing) and coordinate immunization programs in liaison with public health authorities.
• Promote preventive and promotes health among students and staff through health clubs, awareness campaigns, and one-on-one counselling.
• Provide guidance and counselling on health issues, including sensitive adolescent health concerns, within the scope of clinical practice and school safeguarding protocols.

D. Emergency Response and Safeguarding

• Respond promptly and confidently to medical emergencies on campus, including during evening and weekend hours as designated.
• Maintain and regularly review emergency response plans and first aid preparedness across the school.
• Train and support faculty and boarding staff in first aid, CPR, and emergency health procedures.
• Work closely with pastoral staff, Heads of Year, and the safeguarding team, sharing relevant health information appropriately and responding to safeguarding concerns in line with school policy.
• Represent the Health Centre on safeguarding and wellbeing committees, contributing to decision-making processes for students identified as needing targeted support.

E. Collaboration and Liaison

• Serve as the primary liaison between the school, families, external healthcare providers, and public health services to ensure continuity of care.
• Collaborate with Residential Life staff and house matrons to support the health and wellbeing of boarding students, including those experiencing homesickness, stress, sleep concerns, or other residential health issues.
• Work with school counsellors, athletics staff, and academic faculty to develop integrated wellness programming.
• Participate in school health committees and contribute to the development and review of health policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies.

• Sound clinical judgment and the ability to work autonomously in a school-based health facility.
• Strong understanding of adolescent health issues, particularly those affecting teenage girls, including menstrual health, nutrition, and mental wellbeing.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with students, staff, families, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust with students and families.
•  Strong organizational, record keeping, and reporting abilities.
• Proficiency in maintaining manual and electronic medical records.
• Cultural competence and the ability to work with diverse families and students.

Personal Attributes

• A warm, approachable, and compassionate presence, with a genuine interest in supporting young people.
• Calm and confident decision-making in emergencies.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic residential school environment.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
• Exemplary professionalism and integrity in clinical practice.

Working Conditions

• Hours: Full-time during school terms, with occasional evening, weekend, and on-call duties.
• Term: Academic year position with holiday coordination as needed.
• Accommodation: Residential housing and meals may be provided.
• Environment: School health centre role, supporting on-campus healthcare and school trips.

What we offer

• Competitive remuneration, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
• Fully furnished accommodation and meals (while school is in session).
• Health & Life insurance.
• A variety of opportunities for training.
• Very safe, caring and positive work environment.

Required Qualifications.

• Degree in Clinical Medicine and Surgery or Clinical Medicine and Community Health from a recognized institution.
• Valid registration with the Clinical Officers’ Council (or equivalent regulatory body in the relevant jurisdiction) and a current practicing license.
• Certificate in Computer Application Skills from a recognized institution.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical experience post-registration.
• Experience working with adolescents or in a school, residential, or community, health setting is strongly preferred.
• Prior experience in a boarding school or residential institution is an added advantage.

Note for approver