Head of Medical Support Services – African Union Commission (AUC)

Head of Medical Support Services – African Union Commission (AUC)

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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Organization: African Union

AU Values

• Respect for Diversity and Team Work
• Think Africa Above all
• Transparency and Accountability
• Integrity and Impartiality
• Efficiency and Professionalism
• Information and Knowledge Sharing

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
• Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

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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 the organization’s Performance Management policy and system.
• Designs strategies and policies consistent with the Department’s goal to address pertinent issues in the relevant area.
• Contributes to the development of the departmental business continuity plan and ensures implementation at division level.
• Manages risk within the division and recommends mitigation strategies.
• Represents the organization and explains its position at conferences.
• Mobilizes funding from all donors to execute strategies and activities.
• Contributes to the preparation of periodic financial and budget execution reports and monitors 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 organization and performance evaluation.
• Prioritizes Medical programs and priorities, setting 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 expert clinical care of MHSD clients.
• Represents the Department in all meetings related to health issues and reports back on issues discussed and on action required to the Director, Medical and Health Services.
• 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.
• 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.

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience:

• Must have a Degree in Medicine (MD or MBBS or 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.
• Must have specialization in one of these specialties: Laboratory Medicine/Pathology, Radiology, or Clinical Pharmacology (mandatory).

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.

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The appointment will be made on a regular term contract for a period of three (3) years, of which the first twelve months shall be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be for a period of two years renewable, subject to satisfactory performance and deliverables.

GENDER MAINSTREAMING:

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

LANGUAGES:

Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage.

REMUNERATION:

Indicative basic salary of US$ 50,746.00 (P5 Step1) per annum plus other related entitlements e.g. Post adjustment (46% of basic salary), Housing allowance US$ 26,208.00 (per annum), and education allowance (100% of tuition and other education-related expenses for every eligible dependent up to a maximum of US$ 10,000.00 per child per annum), for internationally recruited staff and a maximum of $3,300 per child per annum for locally recruited staff.

Applications must be made not later than March 20, 2024, 11:59 P.m. EAT.

• Only candidates who meet all job requirements and are selected for interviews will be contacted.
• Consideration will be given only to those candidates who have submitted a fully completed online application with a curriculum vitae (CV), an African passport, and the required academic qualifications, such as diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and any relevant certificate in line with the area of expertise.
• The African Union is an equal opportunity employer, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Candidates from less represented countries within the African Union are strongly encouraged to apply for positions that fit their profiles.

Requisition ID: 2127

Please write in the English language.

SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR A HEAD OF MEDICAL SUPPORT SERVICES

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

[Hiring Manager’s Name]
African Union Commission (AUC)
[Organization’s Address]
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the Head of Medical Support Services position at the African Union Commission (AUC) as advertised. With over [Number] years of experience in [Your Area of Expertise], I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the impactful work being done at the African Union.

In my previous role at [Previous Organization], I successfully [mention a significant achievement or responsibility relevant to the new role]. This experience has equipped me with the skills necessary to effectively [mention a key responsibility or function of the new role, e.g., manage a diverse team, develop strategic initiatives, etc.]. I am particularly drawn to this position because of [mention a specific aspect of the role or organization that excites you, e.g., the opportunity to lead and innovate in the field of medical support services at a continental level].

I am confident that my background in [Your Area of Expertise], coupled with my passion for [mention any relevant passions or interests], make me a strong fit for this role. I am eager to bring my unique perspective and skills to the team at the African Union Commission and contribute to advancing the organization’s mission of [mention the organization’s mission or goals].

Thank you for considering my application. I am looking forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my experience and skills align with the needs of the Head of Medical Support Services position. Please find attached my resume for your review.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Possible Head of Medical Support Services Interview Questions With Answers:

1. Can you discuss a challenging situation you faced in a previous managerial role and how you resolved it?

   Answer: In a previous role as [Your Previous Position], I encountered a challenge with [briefly describe the challenge]. I addressed this by [explain your approach to resolving the challenge, highlighting problem-solving skills and leadership abilities].

2. How do you prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines in a high-pressure environment?

   Answer: I prioritize tasks by [describe your method for prioritization, emphasizing efficiency and effectiveness]. Additionally, I maintain open communication with my team to ensure everyone is aware of deadlines and can collaborate effectively to meet them.

3. Can you provide an example of a successful strategy you implemented to improve team performance?

   Answer: In a previous role, I implemented a strategy to [briefly describe the strategy, focusing on its impact on team performance]. This resulted in [mention positive outcomes, such as increased productivity or improved morale].

4. How do you handle conflicts within your team?

   Answer: I address conflicts within my team by [describe your approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing mediation skills and the importance of fostering a positive work environment]. I prioritize open communication and encourage team members to voice their concerns constructively.

5. What steps do you take to stay updated on industry trends and best practices in your field?

   Answer: I stay updated on industry trends and best practices by [mention methods for staying informed, such as attending conferences, networking with industry professionals, and regularly reading relevant publications].

6. How do you ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards in your work?

   Answer: I ensure compliance with regulations and standards by [describe your approach to compliance, emphasizing attention to detail and thorough understanding of regulatory requirements].

7. Can you discuss a time when you had to make a difficult decision with limited information?

   Answer: In a previous role, I encountered a situation where [briefly describe the scenario]. I made the decision to [explain your decision-making process, highlighting critical thinking skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances].

8. How do you motivate and empower your team members to achieve their full potential?

   Answer: I motivate and empower my team members by [mention strategies for fostering motivation and empowerment, such as providing constructive feedback, setting clear goals, and recognizing achievements].

9. Can you share an example of a successful project you led from conception to completion?

   Answer: I successfully led a project to [briefly describe the project, focusing on your role in its success]. This project resulted in [mention positive outcomes, such as improved efficiency or cost savings].

10. How do you approach continuous learning and professional development in your career?

    Answer: I approach continuous learning and professional development by [mention your commitment to ongoing learning, such as pursuing certifications, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship opportunities].

Best of luck with your application! We are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. We are an equal Employer and do not charge any application/recruitment fee, whether refundable or not. Don’t see a fit at this time? Don’t worry. Join our Talent Network and get notified about the latest opportunities. Talent Network Link

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