Head of Pediatrics

Job Description

Job Title: Head of Pediatrics

Reports to: Medical Director

Location: Kigutu, Burundi

Position Type: Full Time

About Village Health Works (VHW)

Village Health Works is a 501(c) (3) social justice organization founded on the belief that health equity is not a commodity but a right. VHW’s mission is to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare and education to the most vulnerable populations, based on critical thinking, in a dignified environment. Rooted in the communities it serves, VHW employs a holistic model that integrates clinical services with education, food security, economic development, environmental protection, music, and the arts. With an 85,000 sq. ft. teaching hospital, a comprehensive health system, and the Kigutu International Academy, VHW addresses the root causes of poverty and promotes long-term, sustainable change.

VHW Core Values

• Dignity: Every member of VHW’s team must value the inherent dignity in each individual.
• Excellence: We aspire to excellence in all we do and hold ourselves to the highest standards.
• Compassion and Justice: These are the heart of our mission and guide all of our actions.
• Boldness and Perseverance: We are courageous in addressing challenges and persistent in pursuing our goals.
• Accountability: We are accountable to each other, our community, and those we serve.

Position Summary

The Senior Pediatrician will lead and expand pediatric services at the Village Health Works campus, providing expert clinical care and strategic leadership in a resource-limited setting. This role emphasizes mentorship, systems improvement, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care to children. The position also supports training and capacity building within VHW’s holistic model of community-based healthcare.

I. Essential Functions 90%

1. Clinical Care & Leadership -35%
   • Deliver high-quality, evidence-based care by protocol.
   • Lead clinical decision-making and case management.
   • Supervise clinical staff to ensure safe and ethical patient care.
   • Participate in emergency response planning and risk mitigation activities.
   • Supervise and oversee clinical activities in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
2. Departmental Management – 15%
   • Oversee staff scheduling, workload distribution, and performance evaluation in the Pediatric Ward and NICU.
   • Ensure the availability and proper use of medical supplies and equipment.
   • Monitor departmental workflows and ensure compliance with institutional policies.
   • Support staff retention, well-being, and equitable professional development.
   • Foster a positive, inclusive, and accountable workplace culture.
3. Training, Teaching & Mentorship – 15%
   • Mentor and supervise General Practitioner Doctors, trainees, interns, and nurses.
   • Lead CME, in-service training, and bedside teaching.
   • Evaluate clinical competencies and support staff development plans.
4. Quality & Systems Improvement – 10%
   • Implement quality assurance activities (e.g., audits, case reviews).
   • Participate in the development and revision of clinical protocols and Department SOPs.
   • Use data to identify trends and lead improvements in care delivery.
   • Collaborate on M&E systems to track outcomes and guide service improvements.
5. Administrative Duties – 15%
   • Maintain accurate medical documentation and submit timely reports.
   • Contribute to budgeting, staffing plans, and procurement input.
   • Participate in management meetings and institutional planning sessions.
   • Align departmental activities with institutional strategy and mission.
   • Participate in long-term service expansion, sustainability, or strategic reviews.

II. Non-Essential (Supportive) Functions – 10%

1. Family & Community Engagement – 5%
   • Support health education for caregivers and communities.
   • Participate in outreach campaigns and promote continuity of care.
   • Facilitate culturally appropriate care practices.
   • Uphold principles of equity, patient dignity, and non-discrimination in all services.
   • Ensure culturally respectful, inclusive practices.
2. External Relations & Representation – 5%
   • Represent the institution at conferences, technical working groups, and external meetings.
   • Contribute to donor proposals and programmatic reporting.
   • Support partnerships with academic, government, and NGO partners.

How to Apply

To apply, please email the following documents to jobs@villagehealthworks.org with the subject line: Head of Pediatrics.

1. A cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the position
2. Your current resume/CV
3. Contact details for three professional references (including one former supervisor)

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until August 15, 2025.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Village Health Works is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from women, Burundian nationals, and individuals from underrepresented communities.