Director, Consortium of Medical Schools–Africa (COMS-A)

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 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