Chair, Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Founded in 1983, the Aga Khan University (AKU) was Pakistan's first private university and quickly established and has maintained itself as one of the leading health sciences centres in the region. Since then, it has expanded into disciplines including education, media and communications, Muslim civilisations and more recently arts and sciences. From 2000 onwards, the University broadened its geographic presence to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom. In recent years, it has been ranked among the leading universities in Asia and Africa, and in some subjects, the world.

AKU was established as an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which focuses on health, education, culture, rural development, institution-building, and the promotion of economic development.

It is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, regardless of their faith, origin, or gender. In alignment with the mandate of the AKDN, the mission of AKU is to improve quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research, and health-care delivery. The University proudly empowers women and the disadvantaged, builds support for pluralism, and collaborates with local partners and world-renowned organizations to achieve shared goals (www.akdn.org).

The Aga Khan University Medical College in Karachi provides high quality education to produce responsible healthcare professionals, who are not only contributing members of society but have gone on to become the next generation of leaders in their fields. Its programmes, curriculum and assessment are tailored to international standards, with the aim of developing excellent clinical competencies in community settings as well as hospitals. The goal is to produce health professional leaders through its unique training programmes, building strong research programmes, supporting best practice in the delivery of health services, and contributing to the broader community through strategic partnerships regionally and globally. The impact of its programmes in the undergraduate as well as postgraduate medical education arenas are writ large in the context of Pakistan, the region, as well as internationally.

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology provides high-quality, compassionate, evidence-based care to women seeking guidance, counselling and treatment related to pregnancy, reproductive and gynaecological health – in addition to expanding the role to overall women's health needs. It caters to a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services for women with general obstetric and gynaecologic health related concerns in a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, as well as in the four off campus facilities in Karachi and Hyderabad.

Reporting to the Dean Medical College and Chief Executive Officer, Health Services Pakistan, the Chair is expected to provide visionary leadership of the department and to oversee the departmental strategic planning to improve the quality of the clinical, educational, and research programs. Such planning should be considered within the overall vision of the University, the Medical College, and the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.

Clinical Service

• Ensure the development and application of quality management methods within the department, including establishing practice guidelines and audits;
• Support the CEO and SLT to ensure the annual business plans and budgets are developed according to the Service Line objectives;
• Support the development of new academic services and initiatives that contribute to the financial sustainability of the hospital;
• Establish effective risk management principles and a patient satisfaction feedback evaluation system;
• Foster good relations with community of physicians and other organizations in the community;
• Attend the Joint Staff Committee, Credentials Committee and other hospital committees as appropriate.

Administration and Advocacy

• Lead the development and enhancement of departmental clinical, educational, and research activities, in accordance with the visions and plans of the University, the Medical College and the Aga Khan University Hospital;
• Responsible for all aspects of departmental administration, including space, finances, support and mentoring of faculty and trainees, clinical activities, and other activities;
• Serve as a role model for the department by demonstrating institutional citizenship through participation in governance and in committee activities;
• Develop long range strategic plans and directions which support the mission of the faculty and the University;
• Ensure all University and Faculty policies are followed within the department;
• Represent departmental interests and build strong partnerships and collaborations at all levels.

Educational Strategy and Support

• Provide leadership in relation to curriculum planning, development, and innovation at the undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education levels;
• Development of academic and clinical plans for the faculty and present the plans to the Dean;
• Responsible for the educational quality of the University affiliated students for which the department is home;
• In conjunction with the relevant Associate Deans, establish, maintain and set standards for the training of residents, interns, fellows and other learners.

Requirements

This position offers an opportunity to lead an esteemed department known for excellence in patient care, research, and education. The ideal candidate will be an innovative, collaborative, and inclusive leader who champions all departmental missions and empowers faculty, staff, and learners to drive progress and maintain national prominence.

Qualifications and Leadership:

• MBBS/MD degree from an accredited institution with completion of a residency program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Suitable postgraduate medical qualifications with extensive academic leadership and clinical experience in a teaching hospital.
• Applicants with an academic rank, preferably Associate Professor or Professor who are administrators and have a track record of leadership are encouraged to apply.
• National / international recognition as an academic authority in the field of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• Demonstrated expertise in teaching medical students and residents in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications at human.resources@aku.edu with the position title in the subject line. Your application should comprise:

• A concise covering letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role;
• Names and contact details of three referees.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

AKU is an equal opportunity employer committed to safeguarding and maintaining appropriate standards for promoting respectful relationships with and among all faculty, staff, trainees, volunteers, beneficiaries, wider communities, and other stakeholders.

Applications should be submitted latest by February 9, 2025.