Consultant, LN – Nephrology Services Consultancy NEW

Title of Project

Consultancy in Nephrology services to support establishment of a fully functional Kidney dialysis unit and training of local staff on dialysis-related procedures to allow haemodialysis Treatment accessible to Vulnerable Population in Garowe district at Garowe General Hospital, Puntland Somalia.

Reports to: Director, Medical International Medical Corps, Somalia.

Duration: From18th May 2025 to 31st May 2025.

Place of Assignment: Garowe General Hospital. (Garowe Somalia)

Travel: 25%.

Detail: To travel from wherever he/she is, to Garowe General Hospital and back to his/ her original locations after tasks.

Services required from International Medical Corps to support assignment

International Medical Corps will provide project proposal for consultant to refer to, e.g. on services and indicators that IMC is committed to. Consultancy fees is all inclusive and consultant are expected to sort out their travels, accommodations, food, health and security.

BACKGROUND TO THE ASSIGNMENT:

With the support of KSRelief, International Medical Corps UK (IMC-UK) is undertaking establishment of Renal dialysis unit at Garowe General Hospital, the proposed activities include rehabilitation, construction, equipping, and provision of renal dialysis services at the Hospital. The project’s immediate outcome is to enable the Somali Health Authorities in the targeted region to reach 17% of the population in need of dialysis services by strengthening the country’s public health centres to deliver safe, affordable, accessible, and effective dialysis services. The project will expand IMC’s coverage in Puntland state in line with its strategic interest and objective of providing specialised care in Somalia.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Consultant Nephrologist supports in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of kidney-related diseases and conditions in department of Renal Medicine. The role involves providing expert medical care to patients with acute and chronic kidney disorders, including hypertension, electrolyte imbalances, and renal failure. The Nephrologist will also oversee dialysis treatments, manage kidney pre & post-transplant care, and provide consultations for complex renal cases. He/she is to provide training, both classroom and on the job for local staff in all aspects of renal car. As a consultant he/she is to share a consultancy report.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation.

SCOPE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

a) Patient Care:

• Diagnose and treat acute and chronic kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and renal failure.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans tailored to patients’ specific needs and conditions and considering limited resources common in humanitarian environments.
• Provide comprehensive care for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), including pre-dialysis education and management.
• Coordinate with dialysis centers to ensure optimal care for patients undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, considering logistical challenges.
• Manage complications related to kidney disease, such as anemia, bone mineral disorders, and cardiovascular risk factors.
• Conduct pre- and post-kidney transplant evaluations and ensure seamless coordination with transplant teams, where available.
• Educate patients and families on lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and fluid management, to slow disease progression, with special emphasis on local dietary habits.
• Provide palliative care and support for patients with advanced kidney disease when appropriate.
• Delivery of inpatient care for those patients under the care of the Department of Renal Medicine along with the provision of consultation support across the hospital, adapting to resource-limited settings.
• Delivering outpatient support to patients receiving renal replacement therapies including peritoneal dialysis, hemodialysis and pre and post renal transplant care both within the Renal Dialysis Unit and Outpatient Clinic.
• Working with the relevant subspecialty to enhance the provision of subspecialty care in the hospital, fostering local capacity building.
• Undertaking clinical duties in a professional, timely, and responsible manner, considering the urgency and scarcity of medical resources.

b) Medical Procedures

• Perform or supervise dialysis procedures, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, with an understanding of equipment availability.
• Conduct kidney biopsies and interpret diagnostic imaging and lab results, adapting to potentially limited diagnostic tools.
• Prescribe and manage medications related to renal care, aware of drug availability and cost.

c) Collaboration and Consultation:

• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including dietitians, social workers, and primary care physicians, to provide holistic care in resource-constrained settings.
• Provide consultations to other physicians regarding kidney-related complications, enhancing local healthcare practices

d) Education and Training:

• Educate patients and their families about kidney health, disease prevention, and treatment options, tailored to cultural and educational levels.
• Mentor and train medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals, contributing to long-term healthcare development.

e) Research and Development

• Stay updated on advancements in nephrology and integrate evidence-based practices into patient care, considering applicability in low-resource settings.
• Participate in or lead clinical research projects to improve renal care outcomes, focusing on contextual relevance.

f) Administrative Duties:

• Maintain accurate and detailed medical records, crucial for continuity of care in challenging environments.
• Ensure compliance with medical regulations, hospital policies, and ethical standards, adapting to local health governance.
• Share consultancy report at the end of the assignment.

g) Consultancy report:

• Share consultancy report at the end of the assignment.

DELIVERABLES DESCRIPTION:

1. Provide diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic kidney diseases, including glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and renal failure including individualized treatment plans, pre-dialysis education and management, managing complications related to kidney disease, and pre- and post-kidney transplant evaluations for both patients at Kidney dialysis unit and in patients’ departments.
2. Provide hands-on training both classroom and on the job for medical students, residents, and other healthcare professionals, on renal pathology and management contributing to long-term healthcare development.
3. Share training schedule prior to training report and share training report after the training.
4. Educate patients and families on lifestyle modifications, kidney health, disease prevention, and treatment options, tailored to cultural and educational levels and train the staff on how to do the same.
5. Perform or supervise dialysis procedures, including haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, with an understanding of equipment availability.
6. Conduct kidney biopsies and interpret diagnostic imaging and lab results, adapting to potentially limited diagnostic tools.
7. Prescribe and manage medications related to renal care, aware of drug availability and cost.
8. Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, including dietitians, social workers, and primary care physicians, to provide holistic care.
9. Provide support to other physicians regarding kidney-related complications, enhancing local healthcare practices.
10. Maintain accurate and detailed medical records, crucial for continuity of care, and train staff on the same.
11. Train staff on how to comply with medical regulations, hospital policies, and ethical standards, and adapting to local health governance.
12. Share consultancy report at the end of the assignment.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT DELIVERABLES.

The deliverables will be implemented by the consultant in line with the scope of the assignments, and deliverables, this will be done in Garowe at Garowe general Hospital, the consultant will provide technical support to unit staff, management and other relevant stake holders and share his/her report by the end of consultancy period. The tasks will be done during consultancy period in May 2025. This will be done through provision of services by attending to the patients, classroom and on the job training for the unit staff and engagement of management and supervisors on cross cutting tasks like reporting, stock management and patients follow up and educations.

TRANSFER OF SKILLS (IF ANY)

The consultant will transfer his/her skills to local unit staff through training, who will continue provision of services with gained skills and knowledge post consultant departure, facility management team and supervisors will also do follow up training, assessment and supervision to ensure skills are maintained and services provided. The consultant is to do to pre and post-test assessment during training to gauge how much knowledge is gained and as well do oral assessment during on-the-job training to assess skills gained.

Consultant Specifications

To perform this consultancy successfully, an individual must be able to perform each task with or without reasonable accommodation.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• Medical Degree (MD or equivalent) with specialization in Nephrology.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in provision renal pathology related services including case management, capacity building and general management required.
• Valid professional practice license from a recognized body in Somalia or globally.
• Experience in a similar setting or experience with humanitarian medical aid is highly desirable.
• Strong clinical skills in managing renal diseases, with an ability to work with limited resources.

Competency

• Excellent communication and cultural sensitivity skills to work effectively in Somalia’s diverse environment.
• Ability to work in a team and lead when necessary, showing flexibility in a dynamic and challenging setting.

Language(s)

• English required.
• Somali desireable.

Code of Conduct

As applicable to this position, an individual must promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps’ and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards. Staff are also responsible for preventing violations to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any violations to the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Safeguarding Policy, you have an obligation to report. If this is a supervisory position, one must set an example of ethical behavior through one’s own conduct and oversight of the work of others; ensure that those who report to you have sufficient knowledge and resources to follow the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct & Ethics; monitor compliance of the people you supervise; enforce the Code of Conduct & Ethics and International Medical Corps’ policies, including the Safeguarding Policy and the Protection from Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace Policy, consistently and fairly; support employees who in good faith raise questions or concerns.

Safeguarding

It is all staff shared responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom we work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children. This includes safeguarding from the following conduct by our staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, adults at risk, and any form of trafficking in persons.

Equal Opportunities

International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

Tagged as: International Medical Corps, Somalia