Volunteer opportunity
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Australian Volunteers Program (AVP) is an Australian Government-funded initiative that supports global volunteering. AVP works with partner organisations across the Pacific, Asia and Africa to achieve locally led change and the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The program fosters strong, mutual relationships between Australia and communities globally to contribute to achieving equitable development outcomes.
AVI is an Australian non-government organisation that manages the AVP. AVI works with Australian organisations, such as RANZCOG, to support development initiatives in partner countries. AVP, RANZCOG, and Pacific partner organisations collaborate to create volunteer assignments that help develop capacity of the O&G workforce in Pacific Island countries.
AVP is recruiting an O&G Clinical Lecturer in the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) at Fiji National University (FNU) to support undergraduate and postgraduate O&G training at FNU. Based at Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH) in Suva, this 6-month volunteer assignment has the following start dates: February 2026, August 2026 and February 2027.
AVP covers flights and accommodation and provides a living allowance.
This assignment could suit a FRANZCOG Advanced Trainee seeking to gain experience working in a low- to middle-income country or a Fellow transitioning to retirement.
Only Australian citizens or permanent residents, and New Zealand residents in Australia with a Special Category Visa, are eligible to apply for AVP assignments. Volunteers must be aged 18 years and over.
ABOUT THE PARTNER ORGANISATION
The FNU CMNHS trains health professionals across a variety of medical and allied health disciplines. It delivers:
· Undergraduate programs for health practitioners, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, dentists, dietitians, physiotherapists, medical technicians and technologists, practitioners in health promotion and public health, and health service managers
· Postgraduate specialist training in a range of specialities, including the Postgraduate Diploma in O&G, and the Master of Medicine in O&G.
ABOUT THE ASSIGNMENT
The O&G Clinical Lecturer is a volunteer assignment in the FNU CMNHS that supports undergraduate and postgraduate O&G training at FNU.
Duties and responsibilities include:
· Teach obstetrics, gynaecology, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in the undergraduate (MBBS) and postgraduate (Diploma of O&G, Master of Medicine – O&G) programs at CWMH
· Support O&G trainees in the development and implementation of research projects in SRH
· Supervise medical students and O&G trainees at CWMH
· Care for patients in the context of providing bedside and clinical care training in O&G to medical students and O&G trainees
· Develop and/or maintain partnerships with local, regional and international organisations, local and national government, and professional and peer networks
Selection criteria include:
· Undergraduate medical degree (MBBS), FRANZCOG or current enrolment in FRANZCOG training program
· Minimum four years of O&G training. Advanced Trainees who are interested in applying for prospective approval for this assignment must have a satisfactory 6-month assessment at the assessment prior to application, and must not have had a learning development plan in the previous 12 months
· Eligibility for registration as a medical practitioner in Fiji
· Experience or strong interest in medical education, including supervision, support and mentoring of O&G registrars and undergraduate medicine students
· Demonstrated respect for diverse cultures and developed cultural sensitivity
· Commitment to teamwork, coaching and mentoring others
Additional information:
This assignment:
· Reports to Dr Andrew Brewin, FRANZCOG from Australia currently working in the FNU CMNHS O&G Department
· Does not involve staff supervision
· Involves working with FNU O&G trainees, as well as O&G consultants, nurses, midwives and other auxiliary staff of the CWMH O&G Department
· Works from 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday
· Allows 20 days leave per 12 months, unless advised otherwise. The same terms and conditions as local colleagues apply, including national holidays
· Requires professional indemnity insurance
LIVING AS A VOLUNTEER
The Australian Volunteers Program supports volunteers from preparing to go on assignment through to returning home. For a full breakdown of support provided, please visit: https://www.cognitoforms.com/RANZCOG/ApplicationFormForAustralianVolunteersProgramOGAssignments
A living allowance is paid for all AVP assignments. Allowance levels are based on the cost of living in the host country location. Allowances will be reviewed periodically and may increase or decrease.
Language support is provided during the in-country orientation period. Most often, additional resources for further development later in the assignment will be available if required.
Learn more about the host country location by reading the country profile: https://www.australianvolunteers.com/countries/fiji/
APPLICATION PROCESS
Apply here, https://www.cognitoforms.com/RANZCOG/ApplicationFormForAustralianVolunteersProgramOGAssignments
RANZCOG refers suitable candidates for O&G assignments to AVP, so applications must be submitted to the RANZCOG Global Health Unit. Applications must include a brief CV and cover letter with responses to key selection criteria and set questions.
A RANZCOG panel will review applications as they are received. If an applicant is considered appropriate for an assignment, they will be invited for an interview with the RANZCOG panel. Pending the outcome of the interview and referee check, RANZCOG will refer a suitable candidate for an assignment to AVP for consideration.
RANZCOG only refers candidates for O&G assignments and has no role in appointment. The final decision to appoint rests with AVP in collaboration with Pacific partner organisations.
For further information please contact the RANZCOG Global Health Unit:
Email: globalhealth@ranzcog.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9412 2926