Health Professions Education Specialist

Job Title: Health Professions Education Specialist

Department: Educational Development and Quality Centre

Faculty position: Depending on level of expertise and experience

Reports to: Chair, Educational Development and Quality Center

Location: Butaro & Kigali, Rwanda

Position Overview:

The Health Professions Education Specialist at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) will play a pivotal role in advancing the institution’s commitment to excellence in health professions education. The Specialist will lead the development and implementation of UGHE’s Masters in Health Professions Education program, the first such program in Rwanda. They will serve as a point person for faculty across UGHE, providing expertise in curriculum development, assessment strategies, and pedagogy across all academic programs at UGHE.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Program Development of the Masters in Health Professions Education:

• Lead the development and implementation of the Masters in Health Professions Education program, overseeing all aspects of curriculum design, assessment strategies, instructional methods, and student attainment on the program.
• Chair and facilitate a multi-stakeholder implementation committee, fostering collaboration among faculty, administrators, and external partners to ensure successful program launch and ongoing implementation and development.
• Develop program-specific learning outcomes and competencies that reflect contemporary best practices in health professions education.
• Seek out and foster partnerships with experts and institutions nationally and globally to support the program, including visiting faculty, funding and placements.
• Create all necessary application materials and documentation for the accreditation of the Masters in Health Professions Education program by the Rwandan Higher Education Council and adhere to accreditation standards and guidelines to ensure program compliance and continuous improvement.

Curriculum and Assessment Development:

• Collaborate with faculty members and program directors to create innovative, evidence-based curricula and assessment approaches across all academic programs that align with UGHE’s mission and vision for global health education.
• Apply pedagogical principles and educational technology to enhance the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning experiences.
• Develop and implement competency-based assessment methods that measure the attainment of program learning outcomes and promote student growth.
• Consult with and advise departments on curriculum review requirements related to quality assurance, including identifying appropriate benchmarks and measures.

Faculty Support and Expertise:

• Serve as an expert resource for faculty members, providing guidance and support in curriculum design, assessment strategies, teaching methodologies, and pedagogical innovation.
• Lead workshops, seminars, and training sessions for faculty to enhance their teaching and assessment skills.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement by facilitating discussions on teaching practices, learning outcomes assessment, and educational research.

Research and Innovation:

• Contribute to scholarly activities related to health professions education, including research, publications, and presentations at relevant conferences.
• Explore and implement innovative educational technologies and methodologies to enhance the learning experience for students and faculty.

Qualifications and competencies:

• A doctoral degree (Ph.D., Ed.D., or equivalent) in a relevant field such as health professions education, educational leadership, curriculum development and measurement or a related discipline.
• Medical degree (MD or MBBS) preferred.
• Experience in designing, developing, and implementing health professions education programs, preferably at the graduate level.
• Strong understanding of accreditation processes, standards, and documentation requirements in the context of higher education.
• Relevant experience in curriculum and program design, student assessment, pedagogy, higher education, and/or educational technology, preferably in the health sciences or medical field.
• Knowledge and experience with program-level curriculum mapping and assessment of student learning outcomes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, interdisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in educational technology and digital tools for teaching and learning.
• Prior experience in faculty development, training, or mentorship is highly desirable.
• A commitment to UGHE’s mission of addressing global health disparities through innovative education and research.

Note: This job description is intended to provide an overview of the key responsibilities and qualifications for the Health Professions Education Specialist position at UGHE. Actual responsibilities and duties may evolve based on the needs of the institution and the expertise of the selected candidate.

Organizational Profile

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global leaders in healthcare delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015 with its flagship degree program: the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system.

UGHE is an initiative of Partners in Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In nearly three decades of operating alongside the public sector in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high-quality health care to some of the world’s most marginalized communities. Nowhere has this impact been more profound than in Rwanda, where Inshuti Mu Buzima-PIH’s sister organization and our government partners have driven innovation for a decade.

Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common causes with those in need, listen to and learn from others and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.

Partners in Health is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:

At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including community members – as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campusare treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHE’s policy.

UGHE will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.