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 School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) at the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) to support undergraduate and postgraduate O&G training at UPNG. Based at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), this six-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 UPNG SMHS trains health professionals across a variety of medical and allied health disciplines. It delivers:

• Undergraduate programs for health practitioners and support staff, including doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, dentists, medical technicians and technologists.
• Postgraduate specialist training in a range of specialities, including the 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 UPNG SMHS that supports undergraduate (approximately 60 MBBS students) and postgraduate O&G training (approximately 20 trainees) at UPNG.

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 PMGH
• Support O&G trainees in the development and implementation of research projects in SRH
• Supervise medical students and O&G trainees at PMGH
• 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. This assignment may contribute to the completion of the FRANZCOG Training Program, subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria.
• Eligibility for registration as a medical practitioner with the Medical Board of PNG
• 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 the UPNG SMHS Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
• Does not involve staff supervision
• Involves working with O&G trainees of the UPNG SMHS and PMGH, as well as O&G consultants, nurses, midwives and other auxiliary staff of the PMGH O&G Department
• Works from 8am to 4pm 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/about/countries/papua-new-guinea/

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