Diaspora Obstetric Gynecology Specialist - Burao

Vacancy: Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist                                   Terms of Reference

I. General Information 

Position: Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialist

Position type:Diaspora Participant

Date of Issue: 02.01.2024

Beneficiary Institution:  Burao Regional Hospital

Duty Station: Burao

Stream/Band: Stipend commensurate with degree and experience

Duration of Assignment: 12 months (with possible extension).  

Deadline for Applications:  21.01.2024

II. Background Information 

About the MIDA FINNSOM Health Phase V Project

The past decades have seen continued migration from various African countries, causing a “brain drain” that has debilitated various public sector systems across the continent. Through the IOM Migration for Development in Africa (MIDA) FINNSOM Health project, Somali diaspora professionals have supported institutional capacity building, service delivery, and policy development of health institutions across Somaliland since 2008.

The project is currently in its fifth phase (2022-2025), building on lessons learned from the previous phases, and continues to contribute towards improving health outcomes in Somaliland, in close partnership with the Ministry of Health Development. Through the short-term deployment of diaspora health professionals, the objective is to transfer their skills and knowledge to the local staff in targeted institutions. Local professionals will remain an integral part of this project to contribute to sustainable outcomes in the health sector in Somaliland and to benefit from the knowledge and skills exchange with the diaspora professionals.

The new phase of the MIDA FINNSOM Health project aims to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for women and girls whilst providing mentoring and training opportunities for local health professionals. The project will give particular attention to gender mainstreaming strategies by promoting women´s participation as MIDA experts, their participation in trainings as local staff, and women´s and girls´ access to quality SRHR services as project beneficiaries. The project will target regional and district hospitals in Borama, Berbera, Buroa, Lasanod and Erigavo as well as some district-level health facilities in underserved areas of Zaylac, Badhan, Ainabo, Odwayne, Buhodle, Sheikh, Arabsiyo, Gabilay, Baligubadle and Salahley, under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Development. The project will also continue to support Hargeisa Group Hospital. MIDA FINNSOM Health project is funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

About Somaliland Ministry of Health and Development

The Somaliland Ministry of Health Development (MOHD), headquartered in Hargeisa, comprises six main departments: (1) Administration & Finance; (2) Public Health; (3) Reproductive & Child Health; (4) Human Resource Development; (5) Planning & Policy; and (6) Health Facilities & Medical Services. (7) Mental Health Services.

III. Duties & Responsibilities 

The Somaliland Ministry of Health Development, with support from IOM under the framework of the MIDA FINNSOM Health project phase V, seeks to strengthen the capacity of hospital staff and students to provide quality obstetrical and gynecological services. This will be achieved through the provision of services, on-the-job trainings and mentoring of the Obstetrician/Gynecologist specialist that will be placed at the Burao Regional Hospital. Under the overall guidance of the Hospital Director, the Obstetrician/Gynecologist will have the following duties and responsibilities:

1.       Supervise and mentor interns/residents, nurses, medical students, and other mid-level healthcare professionals.

2.       Interpret test results, discuss treatment and medication, and advise patients and the public on issues pertaining to maternal health. Explain diagnoses to local medical students and residents.

3.       Educate patients on family planning options, screen women for sexually transmitted infections, and suggest and administer therapy or other medical care.

4.       Provide obstetric care including antenatal and postnatal care 

5.       Attend to pregnancy complications, including basic/emergency obstetric and newborn care (B/EMONC) and perform cesarean sections and other gynecological surgeries when necessary and provide on-the-job training to local staff and students on C-sections.

6.       Conduct routine check-ups on patients.

7.       Record medical histories.

8.       Educate patients about disease prevention, detection, and reproductive health.

9.       Perform a wide range of tests.

10.   Admit and discharge patients.

11.   Participate in case studies and presentations, as appropriate.

12.   Be on-call for shifts and emergencies.

13.   Participate actively in existing health sector coordination mechanisms and liaise with health sector stakeholders to contribute to:

a)       addressing the unmet needs in maternal health.

b)      optimizing the allocation of available resources.

c)       developing clinical protocols, guidelines, and standards.

14.   Complete sporadic rotational assignments to lower-level facilities (some in rural areas) to provide training and follow-up supportive supervision to local practitioners providing maternal and reproductive care.

15.   Performs any other tasks required by the line manager.  

The MoHD Project Coordinator, the MoHD M&E Specialist, and IOM program officer will support this assignment through interaction with the qualified expatriate and beneficiary institution.

Besides the specific outputs mentioned in section III, MIDA FINNSOM Health project phase V is requiring the following deliverables to be submitted throughout the assignment. These are the standard requirements for all assignments under this project:

1.       Transfer of knowledge and skills: The main responsibility of the qualified Somali expatriate—which he/she will be measured against—will be to ensure continuous and systematic transfer of knowledge and skills as related to the assignment. It will have to be agreed with the beneficiary institution that staff will benefit from this knowledge. 

2.       Work plan: A work plan must be developed with the Supervisor during the first week of the assignment to provide clear and time-bound activities to successfully implement the outputs of the assignment. This work plan will be shared with the supervisor, MoHD coordinator, MoHD M&E Specialist and IOM M&E officer. This work plan can be revised during the assignment to reflect on new developments or changes.  

3.       Quarterly and Final Reports: Quarterly progress reports will be submitted by the expert to the supervisor, MoHD Coordinator, MoHD M&E Specialist and IOM M&E officer. At the end of the assignment, the participant must also provide a final report covering the duration of his/her assignment.

Exit interview: An exit interview will be conducted to ensure that a proper exit plan has been put in place to sustain the achievements, upon completion of the assignment.

V. Qualifications  

Level of Education:

§  Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery

§  Training and qualifications in Obstetrics & Gynecology.

§  Ob & Gyn resident for specialization in a known university.

Years of work experience in what area(s):

§  Worked as a medical doctor for 5 years.

§  Proven working experience with at least 5 years as Ob & Gyn doctor.

Languages needed:

§  Fluent in English.

§  Fluent in Somali.

§  Arabic language will be an advantage.

General Skills / Other Requirements:

§  Experience in clinical teaching.

§  Good communication skills.

§  Ability to operate as part of a team, but also independently, depending on the situation.

§  Ability to use Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and web-based management systems.

§  Ability to find innovative solutions to complex problems.

§  Excellent patience.

§  Ability to identify innovative approaches to problems in a challenging environment.

§  Ability to transfer knowledge.

VI: Monthly Stipend

The monthly stipend amount will be determined by the MIDA FINNSOM Health project phase V based on degree and years of relevant experience.

VII: Security and Insurance Modalities

Health insurance—including evacuation due to a medical emergency—will be provided by the project. However, experts will be requested to provide a recent medical certificate stating that they are physically fit and able to work in a hardship area in Africa.

Please note that IOM, according to the contract, will not be responsible for the security of qualified Somali expatriates. The host beneficiary institution will be responsible for the security of the individual.

Before leaving the country of residence or upon arrival in Somaliland, the qualified Somali expatriate will receive a pre-service briefing including security advice and cultural background.

All applications must be sent to Email:[email protected] With the following reference as a subject in your e-mail: APPLICATION – as mentioned in the vacancy announcement.

To be considered, applicants must provide a cover letter, CV, and the contact information (email and phone number) of two professional references by the closing date of this vacancy. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The closing date of this application is 21.01.2024, at 12.00 PM EAT.

While this project is geared toward the Somali-Finnish diaspora, members of other Somali diaspora communities are also welcome to apply. Women are highly encouraged to apply and participate in the MIDA FINNSOM Health Project, Phase V.