Clinical Advisor

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Clinical Advisor will be responsible for ensuring the country program’s alignment with global priorities and strategies, clinical standards, technological advancement, research activities and support partners for adhering to technical and clinical quality standards and addressing compliance issues while delivering eye care services that are safe and in a secure environment for service providers and patients.

The core purpose of the role is to support the country office and local partners, with the clinical advice, information and capacity they need to deliver high quality programming.

This position is part time (50%).

REPORTS TO:   Country Director, Orbis Zambia with reporting lines to the Regional Medical Advisor and Vice President, Clinical Services and Technology.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical services

Liaison between Orbis Zambia partners on the clinical components of the projects, including training
Provide expert opinion on the equipment for partners that include review of equipment lists, specifications, technical considerations, and functionality of equipment and learnings
Ensure that all direct eye care services of partner hospitals are delivered safely and conform to the standards
Track, measure, evaluate, and report on the clinical outcomes and impact of projects and programs

Quality and standards

Guide the program team to integrate quality issues, appropriate training including Orbis strategic tools while developing proposals, and planning for service delivery
Plan and support the program team for training of clinical staff of partner hospitals that includes training needs assessments, designing training courses, selection of trainees, and training institutions (national and international), develop plans and schedules including liaison with Orbis International (OI) Headquarters (HQ) Clinical Services and through OI HQ to the Orbis Volunteer Faculty (VFs) for successful Hospital Based Training (HBTs)
Provide oversight/quality assurance during cataract surgical camps
Actively participate in monitoring of quality of care and services, clinical training and recommend areas of improvement

Technology and innovation

Promote Orbis’ Cybersight utilization, closely working with partners and Ophthalmologists in Zambia that includes online course enrolment and webinar attendance by ophthalmic professionals
Support the design and implementation of Hospital Based Training (HBTs) and facilitate volunteer faculty engagement with the OI Clinical Training team for sustained training and development of eye care professionals at all levels
Support the Orbis Zambia team along with partners clinical and research team members for planning and implementation of technology -based sophisticated projects, training, innovation and research

Program quality and development

Review and provide input to program priorities, strategic plan, concept notes and funding proposals in line with Orbis’ strategic goals and national eye care priorities.
Facilitate and include Orbis strategic tools in project plans e.g., Fellowships, Cyber-sight, HBTs and the Flying Eye Hospital (FEH) for the development of eye care professionals
Define project specific clinical indicators and establish a system of data collection, support the program team in analyzing data, interpretation and developing follow up actions.
Participate in project reviews, midterm and end term evaluations and provide necessary recommendations for improvement of quality of care, training and system strengthening.
Collaborate and liaise with clinical services, quality, technology, and research team members at OI HQ for optimum utilization of OI resources

Research and evidence generation

Work closely with the program team, OI HQ research and clinical teams for planning documentation, evidence generation, and drafting policy briefs for advocacy initiatives
Promote Orbis’ vision and mission through networking with professional societies, forums and actively participate in public relations activities, and represent Orbis at professional forums and national/international events
Initiate, review/draft and finalise research concept notes, protocols/proposals, budget, and engage to conduct research including Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, finalizing manuscripts for publication

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Medical degree from a recognized university
Ophthalmology Residency Certificate
Current medical license or annual registration certificate
Medical and surgical ophthalmology experience
Experience in conducting ophthalmic education programs
Experience in conducting clinical and operational research in eye health
Public health training preferred

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Very good English writing skills
Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Good interpersonal and communication skills (excellent written & spoken English)
Ability to develop effective and constructive working relationships with colleagues, partners, donors and institutions.
Excellent analytical ability and able to perform assigned tasks independently
Willingness to work in the field and under extreme pressure

The position is open to Zambia citizens only.