Partners In Health
Director, Consortium of Medical Schools–Africa (COMS-A)
Partners In Health, Sewanee, Tennessee, United States, 37375
Director, Consortium of Medical Schools–Africa (COMS-A)
Position Title: Director, Consortium of Medical Schools–Africa (COMS-A) Reports to: COMS-A Executive Committee Location: COMS-A Secretariat, Kigali, Rwanda (hosted by the University of Global Health Equity) Contract Type: Full-time for two years, renewable About COMS-A: The Consortium of Medical Schools–Africa (COMS-A) is a continent-wide initiative launched in March 2025 at the MedEd25 Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. COMS-A brings together more than 115 medical schools from 34 countries to strengthen medical education, harmonize curricula, foster collaboration, and shape policy in alignment with continental and global frameworks. Position Summary: The Director will lead COMS-A, overseeing the Secretariat, implementing COMS-A’s vision and strategy, and serving as the primary ambassador and fundraiser. The role requires a dynamic leader with strong academic and management experience to unite diverse stakeholders, secure resources, and deliver impact across Africa’s medical education ecosystem. The Director reports to the Executive Committee through the President of COMS-A. Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy:
Provide overall strategic direction and leadership for COMS-A, aligned with its vision, mission, and core values. Strategy Execution:
Design, implement, and monitor COMS-A’s strategic plan and annual work plans. External Representation:
Represent COMS-A in engagements with governments, donors, multilateral organizations, universities, and global partners; liaise with the Executive Committee to advance strategic priorities. Membership Growth:
Build continental understanding of contextual realities to support increasing COMS-A membership. Organizational Management:
Establish and lead the COMS-A Secretariat; build and manage a high-performing team. Governance & Systems:
Support governance through the Executive Committee and Standing Committees; develop policies, systems, and procedures for efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Program Oversight:
Oversee all COMS-A initiatives, including: The Faculty Development Academy and Higher Education Leadership Academy The MedEd Africa Annual Conference Curriculum harmonization and accreditation initiatives with WHO AFRO and regional bodies Research, innovation, and digital platforms to advance medical education in Africa Gender equity initiatives such as the Women in Medical Education Leadership Forum and mentorship programs Monitor program performance, evaluate outcomes, and ensure continuous improvement. Fundraising & Resource Mobilization:
Lead fundraising to secure sustainable funding from governments, foundations, bilateral and multilateral partners, and the private sector; cultivate donor relationships; manage grants and financial resources with compliance and reporting. Advocacy & Partnerships:
Position COMS-A as the leading voice for African medical schools in continental and global forums; build partnerships with regional and international associations; promote policy dialogue and academic leadership. Qualifications
Education: MD, MBBS or equivalent mandatory PhD is an advantage; Master’s degree (MSc/MPH/MEd or equivalent) required Background in health professions education, clinical medicine, global health, public health, or related fields Experience: 8–10+ years of progressively senior leadership experience in academia, medical education, or global health Proven success leading organizations or large-scale initiatives, preferably across multiple countries Strong track record in fundraising, grant management, and donor engagement Experience designing and implementing strategy at scale; ability to manage diverse teams across cultures Familiarity with African health and health professions education systems and global health policy environments Skills & Competencies: Visionary leadership with diplomatic and negotiation skills Excellent organizational management and team-building capabilities Outstanding written and verbal communication and advocacy skills Financial acumen with experience overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets Commitment to COMS-A’s values: Excellence, Equity, Collaboration, Integrity, Sustainability, Social Accountability Fluency in English; proficiency in French or Portuguese is highly desirable Terms of Employment
Full-time position, preferably based in Kigali, Rwanda; virtual location with frequent travel to Rwanda possible Initial contract of two years, renewable based on performance and funding Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience How To Apply
Applicants should provide: (1) curriculum vitae, (2) degree, (3) a cover letter describing interest in UGHE and relevant experience. Upload these under the “Additional Files” tab on the application page. UGHE is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration 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. Organizational Profile
UGHE is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global health leaders. Launched in Rwanda in September 2015, UGHE is rooted in equity and aims to empower students to drive transformational changes in health systems. UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. UGHE and PIH collaborate with government partners to drive innovation in Rwanda and beyond. Members of the UGHE community are committed to social justice, listening to others, and upholding academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. UGHE seeks individuals who share these values. Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:
UGHE is committed to protecting beneficiaries, students, staff, and visitors from exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Pre-employment checks will be conducted in line with UGHE policy. Applicants’ previous employers may be contacted regarding any findings of fraud or misconduct. By applying, applicants acknowledge these procedures.
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Position Title: Director, Consortium of Medical Schools–Africa (COMS-A) Reports to: COMS-A Executive Committee Location: COMS-A Secretariat, Kigali, Rwanda (hosted by the University of Global Health Equity) Contract Type: Full-time for two years, renewable About COMS-A: The Consortium of Medical Schools–Africa (COMS-A) is a continent-wide initiative launched in March 2025 at the MedEd25 Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. COMS-A brings together more than 115 medical schools from 34 countries to strengthen medical education, harmonize curricula, foster collaboration, and shape policy in alignment with continental and global frameworks. Position Summary: The Director will lead COMS-A, overseeing the Secretariat, implementing COMS-A’s vision and strategy, and serving as the primary ambassador and fundraiser. The role requires a dynamic leader with strong academic and management experience to unite diverse stakeholders, secure resources, and deliver impact across Africa’s medical education ecosystem. The Director reports to the Executive Committee through the President of COMS-A. Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy:
Provide overall strategic direction and leadership for COMS-A, aligned with its vision, mission, and core values. Strategy Execution:
Design, implement, and monitor COMS-A’s strategic plan and annual work plans. External Representation:
Represent COMS-A in engagements with governments, donors, multilateral organizations, universities, and global partners; liaise with the Executive Committee to advance strategic priorities. Membership Growth:
Build continental understanding of contextual realities to support increasing COMS-A membership. Organizational Management:
Establish and lead the COMS-A Secretariat; build and manage a high-performing team. Governance & Systems:
Support governance through the Executive Committee and Standing Committees; develop policies, systems, and procedures for efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Program Oversight:
Oversee all COMS-A initiatives, including: The Faculty Development Academy and Higher Education Leadership Academy The MedEd Africa Annual Conference Curriculum harmonization and accreditation initiatives with WHO AFRO and regional bodies Research, innovation, and digital platforms to advance medical education in Africa Gender equity initiatives such as the Women in Medical Education Leadership Forum and mentorship programs Monitor program performance, evaluate outcomes, and ensure continuous improvement. Fundraising & Resource Mobilization:
Lead fundraising to secure sustainable funding from governments, foundations, bilateral and multilateral partners, and the private sector; cultivate donor relationships; manage grants and financial resources with compliance and reporting. Advocacy & Partnerships:
Position COMS-A as the leading voice for African medical schools in continental and global forums; build partnerships with regional and international associations; promote policy dialogue and academic leadership. Qualifications
Education: MD, MBBS or equivalent mandatory PhD is an advantage; Master’s degree (MSc/MPH/MEd or equivalent) required Background in health professions education, clinical medicine, global health, public health, or related fields Experience: 8–10+ years of progressively senior leadership experience in academia, medical education, or global health Proven success leading organizations or large-scale initiatives, preferably across multiple countries Strong track record in fundraising, grant management, and donor engagement Experience designing and implementing strategy at scale; ability to manage diverse teams across cultures Familiarity with African health and health professions education systems and global health policy environments Skills & Competencies: Visionary leadership with diplomatic and negotiation skills Excellent organizational management and team-building capabilities Outstanding written and verbal communication and advocacy skills Financial acumen with experience overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets Commitment to COMS-A’s values: Excellence, Equity, Collaboration, Integrity, Sustainability, Social Accountability Fluency in English; proficiency in French or Portuguese is highly desirable Terms of Employment
Full-time position, preferably based in Kigali, Rwanda; virtual location with frequent travel to Rwanda possible Initial contract of two years, renewable based on performance and funding Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience How To Apply
Applicants should provide: (1) curriculum vitae, (2) degree, (3) a cover letter describing interest in UGHE and relevant experience. Upload these under the “Additional Files” tab on the application page. UGHE is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration 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. Organizational Profile
UGHE is a new kind of university focused on training the next generation of global health leaders. Launched in Rwanda in September 2015, UGHE is rooted in equity and aims to empower students to drive transformational changes in health systems. UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. UGHE and PIH collaborate with government partners to drive innovation in Rwanda and beyond. Members of the UGHE community are committed to social justice, listening to others, and upholding academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. UGHE seeks individuals who share these values. Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:
UGHE is committed to protecting beneficiaries, students, staff, and visitors from exploitation, abuse, and harassment. Pre-employment checks will be conducted in line with UGHE policy. Applicants’ previous employers may be contacted regarding any findings of fraud or misconduct. By applying, applicants acknowledge these procedures.
#J-18808-Ljbffr