Deputy Director, Clinical Services

Role Overview

This senior leadership position within the Ministry of Health is accountable for directing the national clinical services framework, ensuring that all clinical officers operate within the legal mandates of the Clinical Officers Act. The role combines regulatory enforcement, policy development, and strategic management, with day-to-day oversight of standards, quality assurance, training, and departmental performance. By aligning clinical practice with national health priorities, this position directly influences the safety, ethics, and accessibility of clinical care delivered across both public health institutions and community settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and compliance monitoring of the Clinical Officers Act No. 20 of 2017 across all health facilities and community programs.
• Develop, review, and update clinical service policies, procedures, and guidelines to reflect current evidence, emerging health trends, and national priorities.
• Establish and enforce professional standards, ethics, and quality assurance mechanisms for clinical officers in all service delivery contexts.
• Oversee the delivery of clinical and clinical-related services, ensuring adequate coverage, competence, and responsiveness in both institutional and community-based settings.
• Formulate medico-legal standards and guidelines to govern clinical practice, protecting both patient rights and practitioner accountability.
• Identify priority research areas related to critical clinical health issues and translate findings into actionable policy and practice improvements.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to design, implement, and evaluate referral strategies and guidelines that ensure seamless patient pathways across care levels.
• Plan and direct training and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the clinical workforce and address skills gaps.
• Manage departmental budgeting, resource allocation, and performance reporting to achieve strategic objectives and meet regulatory requirements.
• Guide the development, dissemination, and monitoring of strategic and work plans for the clinical services department.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of service as an Assistant Director of Clinical Services, or an equivalent role in the public or private sector, with demonstrated leadership and administrative competence.
• A Bachelor's degree in Clinical Medicine and Community Health from a recognized institution; or a Bachelor's degree in a related field such as Community Health and Development Psychology, Public Health, Medical Education, Health Systems Management, Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery, or Sports Medicine, combined with a Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery.
• Alternatively, a Higher Diploma in Clinical Medicine and Surgery in a recognized specialty including ENT, Head & Neck Surgery, Audiology, Speech & Language Pathology, Emergency and Critical Care, Oncology & Palliative Care, Ophthalmology, Pediatric Emergency & Critical Care, Nephrology, Cardiology, Perfusion, Mental Health, Child Health, Anesthesia, Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery, Chest Medicine, Epidemiology, Chronic Disease Management, Reproductive Health, Medical Education, Dermatology, Family Health, Sonography, or an equivalent qualification.
• A Master's degree in a relevant discipline such as Clinical Medicine, Public Health, Oncology, Maternal and Reproductive Health, Tropical Medicine, Forensic Medicine, Medical Education, Health Systems Management, Healthcare Management, International Health, Community Health, Child and Adolescent Health, Health Economics, Epidemiology, Human Anatomy, Emergency Medicine, Medical Sociology, Human Physiology, Psychology, Medical Biostatistics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Family Health, Disaster Management, or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Registration with the Clinical Officers Council, along with a valid professional practicing license.
• Completion of a recognized leadership course lasting at least four (4) weeks.
• Proficiency in computer applications relevant to health information management, data analysis, and office productivity.
• A proven track record of outstanding professional competence and successful management of clinical services functions, including policy implementation, quality improvement, and team leadership.