Faculty and Program Lead

Job Title: Faculty and Program Lead

Department: Psychiatry

Reports To: Program Director, Psychiatry Department and Chair, Division of Clinical Medicine

Location: Butaro Campus, with possibilities of frequent travel to Kigali Campus and other teaching sites across Rwanda

Support team: Work with the medical education administrative team at UGHE and the Partners in Health Cross-site mental health team

Job Summary: 

The Faculty and Program Lead, Department of Psychiatry is a pivotal leadership role within the School of Medicine at UGHE. This position is responsible for the overall management, strategic direction, and operational success of a new Department of Psychiatry.

The Faculty and Program Lead will have the opportunity to build new programs and ensure excellence in academic, clinical, and administrative functions, aligning departmental goals with the university’s mission and strategic objectives. Will work with growing medical education and administrative team to implement a postgraduate residency program.

Key Responsibilities: 

UGHE is seeking to develop a strong program that bridges clinical training, research and leadership education in psychiatry, global mental health delivery and research. The program lead will oversee and develop further the current successful Clinical Clerkship in Psychiatry for medical students (now in its 3rd year) and will develop and implement a successful Psychiatry Residency Training Program; and contribute to Mental Health Research and Research Training Program

Leadership and Strategic Direction: 

• Develop a new Department of Psychiatry, including a medical student Clinical Clerkship in Psychiatry, a Psychiatry Residency Training Program, a Mental Health Research and Research Training Program, and a Global Mental Health Masters’ degree program.

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to the department

• Develop and implement strategic plans in line with UGHE’s vision and objectives

• Enhance the department’s national and international standing through excellence in education, research, and clinical care.

• Lead and develop departmental management team, setting clear goals and expectations, and ensuring accountability

• Mentor and support medical student education, and senior and junior faculty.

Academic Excellence: 

• Oversee the development and implementation of cutting-edge curriculum and educational programs

• Ensure the integration of innovative teaching methodologies and technology in medical education

• Promote an environment conducive to scholarly and clinical research activities, fostering research initiatives across faculty and students

• Maintain accreditation standards and continuously improve the quality and relevance of educational offerings

• Contribute to the teaching of Basic Medical Sciences Module

• Participate in clinical and Basic Medical Sciences examinations

Clinical Oversight: 

• Contribute to the delivery of high-quality clinical services within the department’s affiliated hospitals and clinics

• Promote best practices in patient care and clinical governance

• Foster partnerships with healthcare organizations to enhance clinical research and training opportunities

• Lead initiatives to enhance coordination and continuity of mental health services across the referral system, including through training, supervision, research and policy collaboration with mental health providers.

Operational and Financial Management: 

• Oversee the department’s operational management, including financial oversight, resource allocation, and infrastructure development.

• Develop and manage the departmental budget in collaboration with the university’s financial team.

• Implement policies and procedures that enhance efficiency and effectiveness in departmental operations.

Faculty and Staff Development: 

• Lead the recruitment, development, and retention of top-tier faculty and staff, including a Department of Psychiatry coordinator.

• Promote professional development opportunities and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide feedback to faculty and staff

Student Engagement and Success: 

• Ensure a supportive learning environment that promotes student engagement and success.

• Oversee the assessment of student performance and the implementation of interventions to address educational needs.

• Promote student participation in research, community service, and leadership activities.

External Relations and Advocacy: 

• Strengthen and optimize partnerships that  support clinical care, training and research programs in mental health.

• Represent the department and UGHE in national and international forums.

• Develop and maintain relationships with external stakeholders including government entities, industry partners, and academic institutions.

• Advocate for policies and resources that support medical education in psychiatry and mental healthcare delivery.

• Serve as a key liaison between UGHE and national psychiatric stakeholders/mental health providers, including other residency programs, government institutions, psychiatrists, and academic partners, to foster collaboration in teaching, supervision, and capacity building.

 Compliance and Quality Assurance: 

• Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and accreditation requirements.

• Oversee continuous quality improvement activities within the department.

• Address any issues related to academic integrity or professional conduct.

Performance Review: 

• Regularly review and assess the performance of the department against established goals and benchmarks.

• Adjust strategies and operations in response to feedback and changing circumstances.