National Paediatrician - Erigavo

Vacancy: Pediatrician doctor Terms of Reference

I. General Information 

Position: Pediatrician doctor

Position type: National Participant

Date of Issue: 02.01.2024

Beneficiary Institution:  Erigavo Regional Hospital

Duty Station: Sanaag Region

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 currently is in its fifth phase (2022-2025), builds on lessons learned from the previous phases, and continues its progress towards improving health outcomes in close partnership with the Ministry of Health Development in Somaliland. 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 for women and girls whilst providing mentoring and training opportunities for local health professionals. The project will also give particular attention to improving gender balance during recruitment. 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, Buhodl 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 and knowledge of Hospital staff to provide quality Pediatrician services. These results will be achieved by improving the knowledge of care for infants and children providing preventive care at the Erigavo Regional Hospital, Under the overall guidance of the Hospital Director, the Pediatrician will have the following duties and responsibilities:

1.       Interprets test results, discusses treatment and medication, and advises patients and the general public on issues pertaining to Child health care. Explains diagnoses to local medical students and residents;

2.       Educates patients on family planning options, for the prevention of diseases under five years of age, and may suggest and administer therapy or other medical care.

3.       Carries out daily ward rounds in the hospital department of pediatrics with other medical doctors and nurses, health professionals, medical students, and residents working in that department.

4.       Attends to children’s needs during the first year of life.

5.       Performs procedures and provides on-the-job training to local staff and students in paediatric emergencies.

6.       Carries out diagnostic tasks and completes treatment documentation.

7.       Admits and discharges patients.

8.       Participates in case studies and weekly presentations, as appropriate.

9.       Be on-call for shifts and emergencies.

10.   Participates actively in existing health sector coordination mechanisms and liaises with health sector stakeholders to contribute to 1) addressing the unmet needs in maternal health, 2) optimizing the allocation of available resources, 3) developing clinical protocols, guidelines, and standards.

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

MIDA FINNSOM Project Coordinator, M and E Specialist from MOHD, and IOM National Program officer will technically support this assignment through interaction with the qualified Somaliland expatriate and beneficiary institution.

Level of Education:

• Bachelor of Medicine and surgery
• Trainings and qualification in pediatrics
• Pediatrics 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 pediatric 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
• Ability to use Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and web-based management systems.
• The doctor must be a current member of the recognized professional licensing body, the National Health Professional Commission (NHPC)
• Ability to identify innovative approaches to problems in a challenging environment.

VI: Monthly Stipend

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

VII: Security and Insurance Modalities

Health insurance will be provided by the project.

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

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. Please save your documents in PDF format. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The closing date of this application is 21.01.2024, at 12.00 PM EAT.

We highly encourage female participation in MIDA FINNSOM Health Phase V.