Senior Faculty, Social and Community Medicine

University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) Butaro, Rwanda

Position: Assistant Professor (or above), Social & Community Medicine

Department: Community Health and Social Medicine (CHSM)

Program: Master of Science in Global Health Delivery – Social & Community Medicine (MGHD-SCM)

Location: UGHE, Butaro Campus (with frequent field engagement)

Reports to: Chair, Department of Community Health and Social Medicine

Works closely with: MGHD Program Director, MGHD-SCM Academic Coordinator, Module Leads, Practicum Coordinator and all MGHD faculty members.

1. Background

The University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) is a mission-driven institution advancing health equity through education, research, and community engagement, grounded in social medicine and a preferential option for the poor. The Department of Community Health and Social Medicine (CHSM) provides academic leadership for social medicine and community-engaged training at UGHE and leads the Community-Based Education (CBE) program, which is fully integrated with the School of Medicine and embedded across undergraduate and postgraduate education.

In line with its mission and through the department of CHSM, UGHE has strengthened the Master of Science in Global Health Delivery (MGHD) by launching a Social & Community Medicine (SCM) option, deepening the program’s focus on social medicine, health equity, community-embedded learning, and participatory practice.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Senior Faculty member (Assistant Professor and above) will provide academic and pedagogical leadership for the MGHD–Social & Community Medicine (SCM) option, ensuring excellence in:

Curriculum delivery, review and continuous improvement

Teaching, learning, student assessment, and mentorship across SCM modules

Design, supervision, and evaluation of community-based practicums

Strengthening and sustaining community learning partnerships

Research and scholarly output aligned with social medicine and community health

Support other department of CHSM programs, including the MBBS CBE program and the Global CBE program.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Curriculum delivery

Develop detailed syllabi, learning materials, case studies, assessments, and teaching resources.

Ensure integration of community-based learning, ethical practice, and equity-focused content.

Contribute to quality assurance processes as needed.

Support curriculum review for SCM modules, ensuring alignment with Social medicine principles, HEC curriculum standards an the MGHD program learning outcomes.

B. Teaching & Learning Delivery

Deliver high-quality teaching in SCM modules as defined in the curriculum.

Use innovative, evidence-based, and learner-centered teaching methods (case-based learning, field-based inquiry, reflective practice).

Provide structured academic advising and mentorship to MGHD students.

Contribute to teaching in other core MGHD modules and across additional CHSM programs including the MBBS CBE program and the Global CBE program.

Support other UGHE academic units as needed.

C. Field-Based Practicum

Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of the field learning sessions and practicum.

Contribute in training and supervising field preceptors, community faculty, and site-based mentors.

Participate in field visits to ensure quality learning experiences and alignment with program objectives.

Support student projects that generate actionable evidence for local health partners.

Practicum support in social medicine and Community health for other students

D. Assessment, Evaluation & Quality Assurance

Design formative and summative assessments in line with HEC expectations and UGHE assessment policy.

Ensure alignment with module learning outcomes and MGHD program competencies.

Participate in internal and external program evaluations, curriculum reviews, and accreditation follow-up including for the MBBS CBE program, the Global CBE and other academic units at UGHE.

E. Research, Scholarship & Community Engagement

Develop, conduct and publish own research in social medicine, community health systems, health equity, or related fields.

Contribute to knowledge generation aligned with UGHE’s mission.

Support student research projects, including proposal development, ethics applications, and dissemination.

Strengthen community partnerships that support participatory research, implementation science, and evaluation.

Contribute to community engagement initiatives in Butaro and beyond.

Develop grant proposals for research, community engagement and other relevant projects

F. Institutional Service

Serve on departmental, school, or university committees.

Support faculty development, including training of adjunct faculty and community-based educators.

Contribute to the development and maintenance of partnerships for the CHSM department and UGHE, as needed.

Contribute to other initiatives of the CHSM Department and of the university as needed.

4. Required Qualifications

Essential

Master’s degree (PhD or equivalent terminal degree preferred) in social medicine, family medicine, community health, global health, public health, health systems, or related disciplines.

Medical degree or its equivalent is an added advantage

At least 5 years of academic teaching experience at postgraduate level.

Demonstrated experience in curriculum design, assessment, and educational leadership.

Strong research record in community health, social medicine, equity, or qualitative/implementation research.

Experience working in community-embedded or field-based programs in Africa.

Excellent communication, facilitation, and mentorship skills.

Desirable

Experience managing or supervising postgraduate practicum programs.

Prior collaboration with ministries of health, NGOs, or district health systems.

Strong publication record and evidence of successful grant writing.

5. Competencies

Deep understanding of social medicine, equity, and community health systems

Ability to integrate social theories, ethics, and practical field methods

Expertise in participatory methods and community-based inquiry

Strong pedagogical innovation and learner-centered teaching

Cultural humility and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams

Leadership in community partnerships and stakeholder engagement

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple modules simultaneously

Commitment to UGHE’s mission, vision and values

6. Supervisory Responsibilities

Module assistants, teaching assistants, and field preceptors

Student research and practicum supervision

Coordination with adjunct and visiting faculty

7. Expected Outputs

Updated and high-quality SCM module syllabi, teaching materials, and assessments

At least two SCM modules led or co-led per year

Effective supervision of practicum students and field faculty

Peer-reviewed publications, policy briefs, or implementation research outputs

Contribution to annual program reviews and accreditation documentation

Strengthened community-based education frameworks and partnerships

8. Application Requirements

Cover letter

Updated CV with publications

Teaching philosophy statement

Sample of curriculum or teaching materials developed

List of references