Director, Consortium of Medical Schools-Africa (COMS-A)
Partners In Health
kigali, rwanda
Posted on Sep 21, 2025
Description
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
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 bold, continent-wide initiative launched in March 2025 at the MedEd25 Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. Bringing together more than 115 medical schools from 34 countries, COMS-A provides a unified, African-led platform to strengthen medical education, research, harmonize curricula, foster collaboration, and shape policy in alignment with continental and global frameworks.
Position Summary
The Director, Consortium of Medical Schools–Africa will serve as the leader of the Consortium, leading its Secretariat and driving the implementation of COMS-A’s vision and strategy. The Director will oversee all operations, programs, and partnerships, acting as the primary ambassador and fundraiser for the organization. This role requires a dynamic leader with a strong academic and management background, capable of uniting diverse stakeholders, securing resources, and delivering impact across Africa’s medical education ecosystem. The director will be reporting to executive committee through the president of the COMS-A
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Provide overall strategic direction and leadership for COMS-A, aligned with its vision, mission, and core values.
- Lead the design, implementation, and monitoring of COMS-A’s strategic plan and annual work plans.
- Represent COMS-A in external engagements with governments, donors, multilateral organizations, universities, and global partners, working in alignment with the COMS-A Executive Committee and serving as a liaison to advance the mission and strategic priorities of COMS-A.
- Build a continental understanding of the various contextual and regional realities to support an increasing membership for COMS-A
Organizational Management
- Establish and lead the COMS-A Secretariat, building and managing a high-performing professional team.
- Ensure effective governance by supporting the Executive Committee and Standing Committees.
- Develop and implement policies, systems, and procedures to ensure organizational 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 efforts to secure sustainable funding from governments, foundations, bilateral and multilateral partners, and the private sector.
- Cultivate strong relationships with donors and partners, ensuring alignment with COMS-A’s strategic priorities.
- Manage grants and financial resources responsibly, ensuring donor compliance and reporting.
Advocacy & Partnerships
- Position COMS-A as the leading voice for African medical schools in continental and global forums.
- Build and sustain partnerships with regional and international associations
- Promote COMS-A’s role in policy dialogue, advocacy, and academic leadership at all levels.
Qualifications
Education
- MD, MBBS or its equivalent is mandatory
- PhD is an advantage; Master’s degree (MSc/MPH/MEd or equivalent) required.
- Background in health professions education, effective clinical experience in medicine, global health, public health, or related fields.
Experience
- At least 8-10 years of progressively senior leadership experience in academia, medical education, or global health.
- Proven success in leading organizations or large-scale initiatives, preferably across multiple countries.
- Strong track record in fundraising, grant management, and donor engagement.
- Demonstrated ability to design and implement strategy at scale.
- Experience in managing diverse teams and working across cultures.
- Familiarity with African health and health professions education systems and global health policy environments.
Skills & Competencies
- Visionary leadership with strong diplomatic and negotiation skills.
- Excellent organizational management and team-building capabilities.
- Outstanding communication and advocacy skills, both written and spoken.
- Financial acumen and ability to oversee multimillion-dollar budgets.
- Commitment to COMS-A’s values: Excellence, Equity, Collaboration, Integrity, Sustainability, and Social Accountability.
- Fluency in English required; proficiency in French or Portuguese is highly desirable.
Terms of Employment
- Full-time position, prefereably 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 your interest in UGHE and relevant experience. Please upload these under the ‘Additional Files’ tab on the application page.
University of Global Health Equity is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 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 leaders in health care delivery. The university launched in Rwanda in September 2015. Through an academic experience uniquely rooted in the values of equity, students are empowered to both ease suffering at the bedside and drive transformational, systemic changes to the health system.
UGHE is an initiative of Partners In Health (PIH), an internationally recognized non-profit organization whose mission is to provide a preferential option for the poor in health care. In over nearly three decades of operating alongside public sectors in countries around the world, PIH has developed a model to deliver high quality healthcare to some of the world’s most marginalized communities. Nowhere has this impact been more profound than in Rwanda, where Inshuti Mu Buzima—PIH’s sister organization—and our government partners have driven innovation for a decade.
Members of the UGHE community are tenacious and resolute in our drive to attain social justice, make common cause with those in need, listen to and learn from others, and operate with honesty and humility as we uphold academic integrity and intellectual curiosity. The University of Global Health Equity seeks individuals committed to these values to join the team.
Commitment to Safeguarding and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Sexual Harassment:
At UGHE, we are committed to ensuring that those who benefit from our work- including community members – as well as our students, contractors, staff, and visitors to our campus are treated with dignity and respect and protected from sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment and any form of systemic abuse, whilst reducing risk and vulnerabilities. A range of pre-employment checks will be undertaken in conformity with UGHE’s policy.
UGHE will request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of fraud, harassment, sexual harassment and any form of systemic abuse or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.