he Aga Khan University (AKU), an institution of academic excellence and innovation, was established in East Africa in 2004 with a vision to transform health care and education. The Medical College, part of this broader vision, is committed to advancing the highest standards of training for health professionals who will drive forward patient care, research, and policy development across the region and globally. Operating in Nairobi, Kenya, the university serves as a regional hub for excellence in medical education and health services.
Aga Khan University aims to foster leadership in healthcare through an integrative model combining clinical practice, research, and teaching. In alignment with this mission, the Department of Paediatrics & Child Health is pleased to announce a new full-time faculty opportunity for an Adolescent Health Specialist to join its academic and clinical team.
This is an exciting and impactful position offering the successful candidate the opportunity to contribute to the care and well-being of adolescent populations, educate the next generation of healthcare professionals, and engage in meaningful academic work that influences policy and practice across the region.
Position Title: Adolescent Health Specialist
Department: Department of Paediatrics & Child Health
Entity: Aga Khan University Medical College
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Type: Full-time Faculty
Job Status: Regular
Job Posting ID: 250001SP
Closing Date: Ongoing
Job Summary
The Adolescent Health Specialist will play a dual role in the department—clinical service delivery and medical education. Reporting to the Section Head of the Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, the specialist will be responsible for providing adolescent health care services, contributing to the training of medical students and residents, and participating in research and institutional quality improvement initiatives.
This role includes working with patients admitted through both the university team and private admitting doctors. While the specialist will exercise clinical autonomy, they will also be expected to seek multidisciplinary input for complex diagnoses and management plans. The specialist will supervise medical trainees and nurses involved in the delivery of patient care and will play a vital role in maintaining and improving clinical standards.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Responsibilities
- Consistently review and examine adolescent patients by taking detailed case histories, performing physical examinations, and requesting necessary laboratory and radiological investigations.
- Admit patients under the adolescent health care programme, either independently or in consultation with other specialties when warranted.
- Conduct daily ward rounds to monitor patient progress and coordinate care among various caregivers and service providers.
- Respond to paediatric emergencies and provide timely, appropriate interventions within the inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, and paediatric casualty department.
- Initiate and maintain open lines of communication with patients and their caregivers to ensure mutual understanding of diagnoses, treatment plans, and care expectations.
- Prescribe and implement evidence-based treatment regimens while maintaining up-to-date knowledge on emerging adolescent health concerns.
- Supervise junior staff and trainees, providing clinical mentorship and feedback as needed to promote high-quality learning experiences.
- Ensure clinical documentation and patient records are complete, accurate, and updated in a timely manner.
Educational and Academic Responsibilities
- Provide instruction, guidance, and mentorship to medical students and postgraduate trainees during ward rounds, outpatient clinics, and formal lectures.
- Engage in curriculum development and contribute to the enhancement of adolescent health education within the Department of Paediatrics & Child Health.
- Participate in continuous medical education (CME) activities, academic discussions, and journal clubs.
- Encourage student involvement in research projects and quality improvement initiatives aligned with departmental goals.
- Contribute to the academic output of the department through publications, presentations, and collaborative research efforts.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration and Policy Development
- Collaborate with consultants and departments including psychiatry, obstetrics and gynaecology, nutrition, social work, and public health to offer a holistic approach to adolescent healthcare.
- Facilitate coordinated care for adolescents dealing with complex or multifactorial health issues, including chronic illness, mental health challenges, and substance use.
- Initiate the development and regular review of clinical policies and protocols to ensure they reflect current best practices and regulatory requirements.
- Actively engage in institutional committees focused on health services improvement, clinical governance, and patient safety.
Research and Quality Improvement
- Participate in departmental and institutional research projects related to adolescent health and development.
- Utilize clinical experiences to formulate research questions that contribute to regional and global knowledge on adolescent medicine.
- Lead or contribute to audits, surveys, and outcome evaluations aimed at improving care delivery.
- Encourage evidence-based practices and promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the clinical team.
Community Engagement and Advocacy
- Represent the Department of Paediatrics & Child Health in community outreach initiatives, policy forums, and collaborative health programmes with schools, NGOs, and government agencies.
- Advocate for adolescent-friendly services, improved access to healthcare, and awareness on youth mental and reproductive health.
Qualifications and Requirements
Applicants for the position must meet the following qualifications and competencies:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.Ch. B) or equivalent from a recognized university.
- Master of Medicine (MMed) in Paediatrics from an accredited institution.
- Certified and verifiable specialized training in Adolescent Health from a recognized university.
- Registered and in good standing with the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board.
- Valid Emergency Paediatric Life Support (EPLS) certification or an equivalent.
- Demonstrated ability to use clinical equipment relevant to hospital and outpatient settings.
- Strong clinical judgment and ability to manage adolescents with complex needs independently or collaboratively.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including sensitivity to adolescent-specific communication.
- A professional attitude characterized by integrity, compassion, and respect for patient diversity.
- Willingness and ability to engage in teaching, research, and service improvement activities.
Employment Conditions
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Organisation: Aga Khan University Hospital Kenya
- Employee Type: Full-time, regular appointment
- Department: Paediatrics & Child Health
- Reporting: Reports to the Section Head, Department of Paediatrics & Child Health
- Start Date: As soon as mutually agreed
- Duration: Permanent (subject to probation and performance review)
- Remuneration: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Why Join Aga Khan University
At Aga Khan University, we foster an inclusive and collaborative environment where professionals thrive. You will be part of a forward-thinking academic medical centre with access to state-of-the-art facilities, outstanding colleagues, and ample opportunities for professional development and international collaboration.
AKU’s presence in multiple countries and its affiliation with the Aga Khan Development Network provides unmatched avenues for regional impact. By joining AKU, you contribute not only to clinical excellence but also to the shaping of future healthcare professionals and advancement of research tailored to the needs of low- and middle-income countries.
How to Apply
Applications for this position are ongoing. Interested individuals who meet the criteria outlined above are encouraged to submit their application along with a detailed CV, cover letter, and contact information of three professional referees to:
Email for Application: [email protected]
Please indicate the job title “Adolescent Health Specialist – Department of Paediatrics & Child Health” in the subject line of your email. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Join us in our mission to lead the future of healthcare education and adolescent health services in East Africa. Be part of a purpose-driven team making tangible impact across communities and the region at large.
