Introduction:
Founded in 1983, the Aga Khan University (AKU) was Pakistan’s first private university and quickly became a leading health sciences centre. It has expanded into disciplines like education, media and communications, Muslim civilisations, and arts and sciences. Since 2000, AKU has broadened its presence to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom.
AKU, an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), focuses on health, education, culture, rural development, institution-building, and economic development. Its mission is to improve quality of life in the developing world through teaching, research, and healthcare delivery. The University empowers women and the disadvantaged, supports pluralism, and collaborates with local and global partners.
The Aga Khan University Medical College in Karachi produces healthcare professionals who become leaders in their fields. Its programmes meet international standards, aiming to develop clinical competencies in community settings and hospitals. The goal is to produce health professional leaders through training programmes, strong research, and strategic partnerships.
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology provides high-quality care for women’s health needs. It offers inpatient and outpatient services in Karachi and Hyderabad. The department has a strong academic portfolio, including undergraduate and postgraduate training, and offers residency and fellowship programs in Uro-Gynaecology, Gynaecological-Oncology, and Fetal Maternal Medicine. It is involved in hospital-based and community-based research.
Collaboration
The department collaborates with the Centre of Excellence Women & Child Health to advance medical knowledge and patient care. It has published numerous studies in national and international journals and supports participation in medical symposia, seminars, and workshops. Research interests include medical education, general obstetrics and gynecology, fetal and maternal medicine, gynecological oncology, uro-gynecology, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries.
Education
The Aga Khan University Hospital has multiple specialities under one roof, ensuring customized treatment for women's health care needs. The department offers residency and fellowship programs in sub-specialties like Uro-Gynaecology, Gynaecological-Oncology, and Fetal Maternal Medicine. It is actively involved in hospital-based and community-based research.
Research
Since 2007, the department has published 20 chapters in books, 34 articles in international journals, and 37 articles in national journals. Current research interests include medical education, general obstetrics and gynecology, fetal and maternal medicine, gynecological oncology, uro-gynecology, infertility, and minimally invasive gynecological surgeries.
Leadership
The Chair will provide strong leadership for both the medical college and hospital, working with other chairs, associate deans, and hospital chief officers. They will chart the direction of the institution in line with the strategic vision of the university and the core principles of IQRA – Impact, Quality, Relevance, and Access.
Clinical Services
The University health network includes the 710-bed Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, four women and child hospitals with over 200 beds, and approximately 300 outreach medical centres in 126 cities. The NICU provides care for high-risk and prematurely delivered babies. Over the past 3 years, the average number of patients seen in clinics was approximately 60,000, inpatient care was provided to 540 patients, an average of 4,800 deliveries, and 1,410 gynaecologic surgeries were performed.
Job Summary
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 oversee the departmental strategic planning to improve the quality of the clinical, educational, and research programs that aligns with the overall vision of the University, the Medical College, and the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
The Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health collaborates with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology to provide top-tier clinical care, innovative research, and specialized services, focusing on high-quality education, research, and training to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Clinical Service:
- Develop and apply quality management methods, including practice guidelines and audits.
- Support the CEO and SLT in developing annual business plans and budgets.
- Establish risk management principles and a patient satisfaction feedback system.
Administration and Advocacy:
- Lead the development of clinical, educational, and research activities.
- Manage departmental administration, including space, finances, and mentoring.
- Serve as a role model through participation in governance and committee activities.
Educational Strategy and Support:
- Provide leadership in curriculum planning and innovation at all education levels.
- Ensure educational quality for University-affiliated students.
- Set standards for training residents, interns, fellows, and other learners.
Human Resource Planning:
- Oversee faculty and staff performance in academic endeavors.
- Manage faculty appointments, promotions, and exits according to policies.
- Promote career progression, equity, and a respectful work environment.
Research:
- Encourage a research environment focused on knowledge creation and capacity building.
- Oversee safe and efficient conduct of research by faculty members.
- Ensure research meets ethical and professional standards.
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.
In addition, the ideal candidate would have the following qualifications, experience and skills:
Qualifications & Leadership
- MBBS/MD degree from an accredited institution with completion of a residency program in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
- Suitable postgraduate medical qualifications with at least seven years of 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 Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
- Demonstrated expertise in teaching medical students and residents.
- Proven record of high productivity in securing research funding, publishing, teaching, training, and delivering clinical services.
- Ability to engage teams effectively and manage multiple organisational priorities.
Clinical:
- Detailed understanding of research, education, and clinical practice in obstetrics and gynaecology.
- Extensive clinical experience, including complex cases and surgical procedures.
- Record of anticipating and creatively responding to challenges in women and child health.
Operations and Financial Management:
- Outstanding organisational and administrative abilities.
- Understanding of financial pressures in academic medical centers and healthcare delivery organisations.
- Strong financial, budgeting, and resource management skills.
- Experience with philanthropic efforts is advantageous.
HR Management:
- Experience in recruiting, mentoring, and retaining top faculty, fellows, and residents.
- Commitment to promoting equity and respect in the workplace.
Academic and Research Support:
- Strong commitment to research and successful grant-funded research.
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
- Ability to articulate a clear research vision and provide mentorship.
- Proven track record of developing robust clinical programs and managing complex initiatives.
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 with whom it works with including children and vulnerable adults. It expects all employees, trainees, and partners to share this commitment.
Comprehensive employment reference checks for the finalists will be conducted.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Applications should be submitted at the latest by April 20, 2025
