The position

Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi is looking for a highly visionary and dynamic individual to fill the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will be responsible for the smooth and efficient operation of the University Hospital. In this capacity, the COO carries the responsibility for integrating the strategic plan of the organization with the operations as well as providing management oversight for the development of high quality, cost effective and integrated clinical programs within the hospital.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

• Participate in the development of the overall strategic plan for the institution;
• Develop strategic plans for facilities and allied health divisions;
• Analyze the environment to ensure optimal strategic & operating plans and interventions;
• Oversee the strategic and operational aspects of the Outreach operations of AKUH and expand outreach activities and referral networks to ensure effective partnerships are formed which will facilitate the development of a comprehensive and geographically dispersed integrated health care system.
• In-charge of providing leadership in allied health and facilities management divisions:
• Oversee the facilities and plant management functions and enhance operational efficiencies;
• Work with the respective Directors and Managers to create and implement appropriate professional practice structures with appropriate monitoring indicators to provide oversight of allied health;
• Ensure all the medical and non-medical equipment in the institution are always in good working conditions;
• Lead the accreditation processes and procedures in these areas and ensure successful audits, accreditations and certifications.

Performance Management:

• Lead the goal setting process for the allied health, facilities management, and outreach division/departments;
• Ensure the implementation of the goals to realize the institution’s vision;
• Staff recruitment, retention, engagement and conduct performance appraisals;
• Identify training needs and ensure staff development is undertaken to close the gaps in performance;
• Developing functional teams well equipped to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

Networking and Marketing: 

• Participate in a regional healthcare system and enhance collaboration with the Aga Khan Health Service hospitals in East Africa;
• Develop referral networks for the outreach centers;
• Play a supporting role in marketing and communication activities;
• Coordination within AKDN institutions; and of patient care between the various care centers.

Financial Management:

• Contribute to developing annual operating and capital budgets;
• Monitor the budget: manpower, operating expenditure and capital purchases;
• Review utilization data/ indicators for all clinical sites, inpatient wards and clinics;
• Work to maintain the hospital on a financially self-sufficient basis that will cover operating costs and produce a surplus to be applied to ongoing capital needs of the hospital and other clinical and academic programs in East Africa;
• Work through the management team and medical leadership of the hospital, serving as a resource to help reduce costs, enhance revenues, achieve effective utilization and quality goals and objectives, analyze and utilize information to develop and support management decisions.

Develop and ensure a professional, client-centered, team-based, learning environment:

• Participate in the corporate service team, project teams or committees as appropriate;
• Participate in activities of organizational development;
• Liaise and help medical leadership in credentialing of faculty and for all clinical governance issues.

Oversee the collective bargaining agreement process and management of the union:

• Chair/co-chair the collective bargaining agreement meetings;
• Approve and implement decisions made through the collective bargaining process.

The requirements

• A Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration, or equivalent education in Business Administration or Finance;
• An undergraduate degree in engineering will be preferred;
• 20 years of professional experience of which at least 5 years in senior management position in healthcare institution(s). Experience in JCIA accredited hospital;
• Exemplary leadership abilities to lead, coach and mentor individuals and develop high performing teams;
• Superior interpersonal and communications skills with excellent verbal and writing skills;
• Ability to plan and execute mandate according to the strategic vision, mission and values of the institution;
• Demonstrated financial acumen with ability to manage cost and revenues;
• Demonstrated skills in planning, project managing and problem solving;
• Commitment to continued professional development and learning.