Diaspora Diagnostic Imaging sonography - Hargeisa

Vacancy: Diagnostic Imaging/Sonography

Terms of Reference

I. General Information             

Post/Title : Daignostic imaging and sonogharphy

Date of Issue: 02.01.2024

Duty Station: Hargeisa Group Hospital

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 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 improve the Radiological diagnostic Services of  the hospital  as well as need to upgrade knowledge and skills development of Radiology related health professionals at the hospital , for this reason the hospital seeks a qualified Diagnostic Imaging/ sonography Technologist who can both provide services and on-the-job training and supportive supervision to various health professionals in the facility. The incumbent  will be based in Hargeisa group hospital. He/ She will specifically focus on strengthening Radiological/ sonography clinical skills and practice of both nurse and interns specifically attached to radiology department and is accountable to the Director of the Hospital. The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities;

• The sonographer identifies signs of reproductive health disorders, and detect potential complications during pregnancy. Sonographers provide accurate diagnoses and develop appropriate treatment plans. He/she capture images from different angles and optimize the ultrasound settings to obtain the best possible visualization of the reproductive organs.
• Sonographer possess exceptional interpersonal skills and communicate scan/x-ray findings with colleagues and other healthcare specialists in order to offer appropriate treatment. Work closely with patients, ensuring his/her comfort and addressing any concerns they may have during the imaging procedure. Sonographers understand the sensitive nature of all examinations and provide compassionate care to ensure a positive patient experience.
• Contribute expertise to interdisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for women and girls. It is essential to be able to communicate effectively and give accurate imaging findings in order to facilitate collaborative decision-making and ensure best patient outcomes.
• Participate in different safeguarding and protection meetings and networks representing care for women and girls.
• Conduct training, and capacity building of staff on safeguarding including harassment and abuse, GBV and protection mainstreaming. Handle the patient with care before, during, and after the scan. Maintain complete and up-to-date patient care records.
• Check the quality assurances of the ultrasound and x-ray machines on a regular basis.
• Transfer knowledge to employees, interns, and students.
• Provide formal and on-the-job training and supportive supervision to medical staff, nurses and interns in the facility based upon the outcome of the assessment.
• Training include in the safe utilization of basic radiological equipments and its applications in the unit.
• Assess the available diagnostic equipment and missing ones in order to improve the

quality of the services that department provides to its clients        

• Manages the ordering and utilization of all diagnostic materials needed.
• Conduction capacity builng trainings for the regional hospitals ( HGH, Borama,Buroa, Lasacanod  and Erigavo)

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.

IV:  Requirements

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

1.       Transfer of 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.

4.       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 degree in Diagnostic Imaging

·         Radiography degree with postgraduate in sonography.

Area of Study:

·         advanced technologies in Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Years of work experience in what area(s):

·         A minimum of five years recent experience within a related field.

·         Ability to use the clinical supportive supervision process effectively

·         Ability to transfer knowledge and skills effectively utilizing different methodology in teaching and learning.

Languages needed:

Somali and English is a must.

General Skills / Other Requirements:

1.       Good communication skills

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

3.       Ability to use Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

4.       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 based on degree and years of relevant experience.                                                                                                                                                                      

VII: Security and Insurance Modalities  

Health insurance—including evacuation due to 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 the 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 Nairobi or 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.