Head of Medical Support Services

Organization Information

Reports to: Director
Directorate/Department/Organ: Medical and Health Services
Division : Medical Support Services
Number of Direct Reports: 1
Number of Indirect Reports: 14
Number of Positions: 1
Job Grade: P5
Contract Type: Regular

Purpose of Job

To provide technical leadership for the supervision and management for the effective performance of the Radiology, Pharmacy and Laboratory Units.

Main Functions

•    Manages the work of the Division and supervises direct reports to ensure their effective performance as per organization’s Performance Management policy and system;
•    Designs strategies and policies consistent with the Department’s goal in order to address the pertinent issues in the relevant area;
•    Contributes to the development of the departmental business continuity plan and ensure implementation at division level;
•    Manages risk within the division and recommend mitigation strategies
•    Designs and plans policy programs to achieve the strategies;
•    Develops new and reviews activities as components of the strategies and policies;
•    Addresses problems in arising to current approaches to relevant area.
•    Engages stakeholders within Members States and RECs in designing and implementing strategies;
•    Represents the organisation and explain its position at conferences;
•    Mobilises funding from all donors to use to execute strategies and activities.
•    Contributes to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitor budget execution at division level.
•    Creates an inspiring work environment to enable staff development and professional progression.

Specific Responsibilities

•    Supervises and manages the employees of the Division with regard to organisation and performance evaluation.
•    Designs strategies and policies consistent with the AU’s goal in order to address the pertinent issues in the relevant area.
•    Prioritizes Medical programs and priorities, set the direction for Division’s activities, plans, priorities, and workflows in Radiology, Pharmacy and Laboratory Units respectively.
•    Coordinates the activities of the different Units to support the expert clinical care of MHSD clients.
•    Represents the Department in all meetings related to health issues and report back on issues discussed and on action required to the immediate supervisor.
•    Ensures overall management of the Division; including performance, quality assurance, staff issues and budget related matters of all units under him/ her.
•    Provides input into the recruitment of Division/MHSD staff as required.
•    Set performance standards for self and staff, conduct performance appraisals on schedule and resolve intra unit conflicts.
•    Produces and submits periodic reports on activities and specific missions.
•    Participates in the upgrade of the AU Medical and Health Services Directorate in respect of Equipment, Diagnostic technologies and Continuous Medical Education.
•    Oversees the continuing medical education programs for Medical Staff and training of Clinical Attaches and Interns within the Division.
•    Participates in the development and delivery of health promotion, disease prevention and occupational Health and Safety programs of the Directorate (including HIV and AIDS in the workplace).
•    Participates in programs of AU Medical Services Directorate in respect to technical advice to AU Regional Offices, Organs and AU Field Missions.
•    Ensures overall management of the Division; budget management, monitoring, analysis, evaluation of staff performance, grievance and progressive discipline, and fiscal needs in conformity with the relevant rules and procedures
•    Performs any other duties as may be assigned by his immediate supervisor.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

•    Must have a Degree in Medicine (MD or MBBS plus BMBCh) with 12 years post qualification relevant work experience within a government hospital or private practice, or an International organization which 7 years should be at managerial level and 5 years at supervisory level

1.    Must have specialization in one of these specialties: Laboratory Medicine, Radiology or Clinical Pharmacology (mandatory).

a.    Must be a Member/ MMED of a professional Regional Postgraduate Medical College of Pathologists, Radiologists or Pharmacologists) with Ten (10) years work experience, including 5 years as Head of Department.
OR
Fellow of a professional Regional Postgraduate Medical College of Pathologists, Radiologists or Pharmacologists) with Eight (7) years work experience in a clinical role, including 3 years as Head of Department.
b.    Must be licensed to practice medicine as a specialist in Laboratory Medicine/ Radiology/ Pharmacology in his/her home country or country of residence, as at the time of application (mandatory).

c.    Experience as head of a clinical unit, section, service or department will be an advantage.

2.    Documented training in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Required Skills

•    A demonstrated ability to initiate and promote collaborative approaches between geographically and culturally disparate partners;
•    Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally;
•    Ability to develop and delegate clear program goals, plans and actions, including budgets, that are consistent with agreed strategies;
•    Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff;
•    Working knowledge of policy analysis, and program / project management;
•    Interpersonal skills and ability to organize and motivate others and work in a multicultural environment;
•    Report writing and presentation skills;
•    Planning and organization skills;
•    Scientific communication abilities as evidenced by scientific /other publications;
•    Proficiency in one of the AU working languages, fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Perspective:
• Developing Others:
• Change Management:
• Managing Risk:

Core Competencies

• Building relationships:
• Foster Accountability Culture:
• Learning Orientation:
• Communicating with impact:

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual thinking:
• Job Knowledge Sharing;
• Drive for Results
• Fosters Innovation: