COMMITTEE/HONORARY
APPOINTMENT
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Role Title
Reporting to
Duration and Dates of
Appointment
Chair of Global Health Project Development Committee
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Global Health Board, RCOG
Senior Vice President, RCOG
3 year term (reviewed annually)
Main Responsibilities
The RCOG Global Health Unit works closely with the RCOG’s membership, other professional
associations and NGOs to raise awareness and develop educational resources and courses
focusing on global maternal and infant mortality, with a particular focus on the Sustainable
Development Goals. By working with other organisations the RCOG champions the rights
of women and their families at all levels. As a membership organisation for professionals at
the front line of maternity care, RCOG experiences the problems of maternal and infant
mortality first, making it an ideal advocate and partner for action to prevent maternal
deaths.
The remit of the Global Project Development Committee is to get projects to a commissioning/pilot
stage and work alongside (and hold meetings in conjunction with) the Global Health
Implementation Committee (currently chaired by a senior clinician). Project proposals developed
and submitted by Fellows/Members/Trainees/International Representative Committees and
Liaison Groups etc. are initially vetted by the Director/staff of Global Health Unit following which
they are circulated to the broader Global Health Faculty Team for RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rates.
If the project is rated amber or green then the Development Committee reviews the project
proposals. Approved proposals are then passed to the Implementation Committee, which has
responsibility for ensuring and reviewing implementation and evaluation. The Development
Committee also has a number of external members and acts as the College’s formal body for
horizon-scanning and networking in the global health arena.
The Development Committee Chair will be expected to:
1. Work closely and personally with the Senior Vice President, International Council
Representatives, other Global Health Committee Chairs and the Global Health Unit to seek
out new projects and activities in accordance with the RCOG’s Global Health Strategy.
2. To comment upon and provide global health and clinical (and where possible) geographical
expertise on specific proposals – to steer project proposers.
3. Following Development Committee meetings, to advise the proposers by giving feedback,
ideas for next steps and an indication of the RCOG’s level of commitment.
4. To maintain and demonstrate an ongoing interest and network in global health.
5. To undertake occasional RCOG/donor-funded visits abroad, to visit projects, hold
discussions with external partners etc.
6. To represent the Senior Vice President for Global Health at appropriate ad hoc
conferences/events overseas or in the UK.
7. To promote the RCOG’s responsibilities in global health with our global network of Fellows
and Members to encourage them to make an effective contribution to improving sexual and
reproductive health care, and in particular to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and
morbidity.
8. To assist in the drafting of consultation documents, grant applications etc.
9. To be an active and engaged member of the RCOG’s global health network, supporting and
working alongside other members of the global health faculty, committee chairs,
International Council Reps etc.
Time Commitment
Ability to attend the following meetings:
 Global Health Development and Implementation Committee (held consecutively on the
same day) – 4 times a year
 Global Health Board – 4 times a year
 Any other relevant meetings to support Director of Global Health Unit
 Variable, but a couple of hours a week to monitor/respond to emails and potential
availability for ad hoc trips (1-2 a year), lasting 4-7 days.
.
Evaluation of the Role and Succession Planning
This role reflects the present requirements of the post. As the Global Health Strategy develops and
duties and responsibilities change and develop the role description will be reviewed and be
subject to amendment in consultation with the post holder.
The role description will be re-evaluated at the end of the term.
A new Chair should be appointed before the end of the current holder's term of office and they
should work closely together during this time in order to facilitate a smooth take-over period.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications / Training
Essential
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If an O&G clinician, MRCOG/FRCOG with experience of working overseas on women’s health
development projects, ideally across a number of different countries/contexts.
We would also consider applications from non O&G clinicians or non-clinically-trained lay
applicants from development/global health professionals.
Candidates should show experience at a high level of working successfully with other
agencies ideally including NGOs, government and other institutions.
Candidates should demonstrate leadership and influence particularly in some aspects of
Global and Public Health and share the vision of the RCOG in improving women’s
healthcare worldwide.
Key Skills / Attributes
Essential
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Proactive and collaborative approach towards the development of global health projects.
Able to maintain confidentiality and security.
Punctuality and ability to complete tasks by prescribed deadlines.
If a practicing clinician, registered with a licence to practise with GMC, in good standing
Ability to travel occasionally (1-2 times per year) – in UK or internationally
An active interest and commitment to the role of the RCOG in global health
A strong understanding of development principles
A good knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals
Desirable
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Previous experience of being involved in development projects for women’s health in a
low-resource context
Previous experience of working with or on a project funded by large international donors
Passion for advocacy for women’s rights and their right to health
Applications are invited for this post and should be sent to:
Committee Vacancies
President/CEO Directorate
RCOG, 27 Sussex Place
London, NW1 4RG
Email: committee.vacancies@rcog.org.uk
Contact: Hannah Mackenzie
Tel: +44 20 7772 6317
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Wednesday, 20 January 2016 – 10.00am
INTERVIEW DATE: Thursday, 4 February 2016
Any potential candidates interested in hearing more about the role can contact
bpatel@rcog.org.uk or rcooper@rcog.org.uk in the RCOG Global Health Unit.