Ophthalmologist

About the Role:

cbm New Zealand, a member of CBM Global, is seeking an expat Ophthalmologist to support its work in Papua New Guinea. This role will be based in Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority, Goroka, Papua New Guinea. 

cbm New Zealand is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer. cbm operates from a Christian kaupapa. We welcome applications from those with disabilities

Rationale:

The prevalence of blindness and visual impairment throughout Papua New Guinea (PNG) is high. The leading causes of visual impairment and blindness are cataract and untreated refractive error, both are preventable. To help improve eye health services and contribute towards the reduction of avoidable blindness, CBM entered into partnership with Callan Services and the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA) in 1995. Since then, CBM has been providing funding support for running costs, equipment/instruments and consumable supplies to Goroka Eye Unit. The renovation and extension of the Eye Unit was also funded to accommodate the increasing number of patients that come to the Eye Unit for consultations and surgical treatment and support the training of national staff. From 1995-2019, CBM provided the services of seven expatriate ophthalmologist to the Eye Unit.

The Eye Unit provides eye medical and surgical services to Eastern Highlands Province and other neighboring provinces. The overwhelming cause of blindness here (prevalence 8.5%) is cataract (88.6% of the blind), and the backlog significant. In addition, they conduct regular outreach surgical trips to areas where eye care services are not available.

In 2016, CBM entered into a partnership with the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) to further establish and improve the training of national ophthalmologist through the secondment of a CBM Ophthalmologist for 4 years as a full-time lecturer. In 2020, the University appointed a national lecturer to ensure the continuity of the programme.

Beginning 2023, EHPHA has secured a full-time national ophthalmologist to work at Goroka Eye Unit. An experienced ophthalmologist is required to provide support in
establishing the national ophthalmologist in this Unit to support both service delivery and training in coordination with University of PNG.

Position Objective

To support the newly appointed national ophthalmologist at Goroka Eye Unit get establish, manage complex cases, and deliver high quality eye medical and surgical services. The position holder will also act as a mentor for eye clinic staff and provide advice to CBM and EHPHA to implement and sustain high quality inclusive eye health services in PNG. 

Duration

One-year contract with possible extension for another year. Minimum period of appointment would be nine months.

Accountability

The position holder will report to the Director of Curative Health Services, Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA) and CBM-NZ in matters of programmatic direction and human resources policies. EHPHA is the lead implementing partner of CBM-NZ in inclusive eye health.

Salary Range

The salary offered will be competitive, dependent on skills and experience, as well as the country of location.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide CBM and EHPHA quality assurance and advice on the current Inclusive Eye Health (IEH) programme and where needed, development of future IEH programme.
• Training and mentoring of national ophthalmologist(s), visiting registrars and selected paramedical staff to facilitate eye medical care in different provinces.
• Support and ensure the effective planning and implementation of base hospital and outreach clinical services.
• Provide oversight and support in developing cataract surgical outcome monitoring, electronic patients recording and inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Represent CBM and EHPHA in eye medical meetings and other related eye programmes in the country as required.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key national and international stakeholders in Inclusive Eye Health in PNG.
• Support the training of undergraduate medical students and postgraduate medical registrars in ophthalmology at UPNG, Port Moresby as required.
• Fulfil all EHPHA and CBM reporting requirements.

Key Outcomes

• High level of responsiveness to ensure high quality eye-patient care.
• Regular reporting milestones, and if applicable, recommendations on the skills and patient management of the newly appointed national ophthalmologist.
• In coordination with the IEH Coordinator, Eye Unit’s compliance with CBM and EHPHA’s reporting requirements, including systematic record keeping.
• Effective partnership with key international and national stakeholders in Inclusive Eye Health in the country.
• Project outputs and targets are supported to help improve access to inclusive eye health services in the country.

Professional Profile and Requirement

• A fully qualified ophthalmologist in the country of current registration
• Active medical license or registration
• Active participation in a recognized continuous medical education programme
• Board certification or equivalency in the country of current practice
• Available documentation of all relevant diplomas, certificates, and current programme participation
• Previous working experience as an Ophthalmologist for a minimum of five (5) years. Paediatric specialisation or experience is desirable.
• Extensive ophthalmic surgical and clinical experience in Cataracts and other eye diseases. High volume cataract surgical experience is an advantage.
• Proficiency in performing and teaching manual small incision cataract surgery
• Comprehensive clinical and surgical teaching and training experience
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent patient management skills

Personal Profile

• Intercultural experience, knowledge and sensitivity
• Positive development-oriented attitude and ability to problem-solve
• Excellent inter-personal and diplomacy skills.
• Good communicator with a proven ability to motivate people
• Ability to be flexible, innovative and exercise a higher degree of patience to carry on with the workload and its challenges
• Skills and experience in leadership of a team in both a base hospital and an outreach environment
• Experience in community development in a developing country
• Proven ability to perform in a multicultural working environment
• Ability to live in a country with limited facilities and to travel to remote places
• Good English (both oral and written)

The position holder will respect and undertake to adhere to CBM’s vision, mission and values as well as committing to CBM’s Safeguarding Policies.

Shortlisting and Interviews

CBM is an equal opportunities employer, committed to ensuring all applications are treated fairly.
All applications are subject to our shortlisting process; if you are shortlisted, we will contact you and invite you to attend an online interview. You will also be advised at this point if there will be any skills tasks to complete as part of the recruitment process.

Diversity Statement

Everyone has the right to be treated with consideration and respect. CBM is committed to achieving a truly inclusive environment for all, by developing better working relationships that release the full potential, creativity and productivity of each individual. CBM aims to ensure that all staff, volunteers, donors, partners, contractors, and the general public are treated fairly. This will be regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender re-assignment, marital or civil partnership status, race (including colour, nationality, ethnicity, or national origin), disability, medical status, age, religion or belief, political opinion, social or economic status, or ex-offender status.

Employment Checks

CBM is committed to the safety and best interest of all children and vulnerable adults accessing CBM supported services and programmes. Relevant background checks including working with children, and police, and reference checks will be completed prior to the preferred candidate’s employment being confirmed.
All applicants must have the right to work in the relevant country. All offers of employment are made subject to the following criteria: Proof of eligibility and satisfactory employment screening, and three references satisfactory to CBM.

To Apply

Please complete the Application Form and/or write a letter of application outlining your experience, relevant knowledge and skills against the above listed key responsibilities and your motivation to work with CBM; addressed the letter to Linabel Hadlee (International Programmes Director).

Send the documents by email to Diana Ureta at dureta@cbmnz.org.nz. Please state “CBM Ophthalmologist, PNG” in the email subject line.

Closing date: December 18, 2022.

For more information about cbm New Zealand, please visit the website: www.cbmnz.org.nz

For any queries or confusion, please write to recruitment.nepal@cbm-global.org