Reporting to: Director of Academic Affairs or Nominee

Base: 15 Hogan Place, Dublin 2 D02 DK23/ Hybrid working

Contract type: Fixed Term, 12 months

Hours of work: Job share – 3 days/ 21 hours per week

Days of work: TBC with occasional weekend and evening work

About the Irish College of GPs
The Irish College of GPs is the professional body for general practice in Ireland. Please visit our website for more information: Irish College of GPs

The Irish College of GPs is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We embrace diversity and inclusion as essential elements of our workplace culture and strive to create a supportive and respectful environment where all individuals are valued.

About the International Medical Graduate Rural GP Programme

The International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP programme is an important component of the multifaceted Irish College of GPs response to the severe GP workforce deficit in Ireland, especially in rural Ireland and the ‘commuter belt’. This workforce shortage has workload implications for our Irish College of GPs members, with profound implications for patient care and patient safety. The programme is supported by the Irish College of GPs, HSE, Irish Medical Council and GP medical indemnity organisations. The programme identifies, supports and integrates a cohort of GPs into the rural Irish GP workforce (outside the main cities). It incorporates two years of self-directed intensive education and supervised practice. IMG GPs are enabled to work in routine, daytime rural GP practice for two years, with some GP out-of-hours work.

For more information about our programme visit: https://www.irishcollegeofgps.ie/Home/Lifelong-Learning-PCS/IMG-Rural-GP-Programme

Job Purpose

In support of the implementation of the IMG Rural GP Programme, this role will jointly lead the team with another part-time Programme Manager to deliver key programme goals within associated timelines, quality requirements and budget.

The individual will focus on specific aspects of the IMG Rural GP Programme portfolio. The role involves stakeholder management, people management and the implementation of all assigned projects.

The role requires close collaboration with IMG GPs, GPs and Practice Managers, HSE and other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of the programme.

Key Result Areas

Manage and reconcile multiple projects.

Manage the ongoing recruitment and onboarding of IMG GPs.
Liaise with GPs and practice managers to identify and onboard IMG GPs.
Build and maintain strong professional relationships with general practice teams to support programme objectives and encourage engagement.
Monitor the programme progress, risks and performance indicators ensuring delivery withing agreed timelines and objectives.
Prepare submissions, including costings, that identify sources of funding to ensure long-term sustainability of the programme.
Manage and utilise resources across projects e.g. ensuring HSE programme funding, people, and resources are allocated and utilised effectively.
Work collaboratively with the Programme Manager for the Education Programme to develop and deliver the key workstreams.
Prepare reports, presentations and briefing materials for senior management, internal and external stakeholders as required.
Maintain accurate data on programme implementation and liaise with the programme team to provide updates and reports in a timely manner.

Provide strategic guidance

Represent Irish College of GPs with relevant external stakeholders and agencies e.g. HSE.
Advise the Clinical Director, Medical Director & Director Academic Affairs on matters pertaining to the programme to ensure that the programme is aligned to the overall Irish College of GPs strategy.
Lead the development and implementation of action plans arising from programme evaluations, audits and reviews.
Promote and support research into issues related to the overall programme and the different workstreams e.g. actively identify challenges, gather the right expertise, and use evidence and analysis to make better programme decisions and improve delivery.
Present on the International Medical Graduate Rural GP Programme at relevant meetings and conferences, as required.

Facilitate communication across the programme

Foster positive working relationships with colleagues, IMG GPs, GPs, practice managers and external stakeholders to support the effective delivery of the programme.
Participate actively in team meetings, planning activities and cross-programme projects.
Share knowledge, expertise and best practice to support colleagues and enhance team performance.
Liaise with the programme’s education group to develop and deliver the education programme for IMG GPs including the induction programme and structures to support doctors to undertake the MICGP Exams.
Lead and manage all staff appointed to the programme.
Support and encourage open communication, constructive problem solving and collaborative decision making. Participate in the Performance Management process.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications and experience

Relevant 3rd level degree/post-graduate qualification and /or relevant experience.
Experience of programme management, delivering change and/or quality improvement initiatives in a healthcare related environment or other complex service delivery organisations.
Experience of establishing and leading on the development of initiatives, from concept to programme plans on a cross-organisational and/or cross-functional basis, as relevant to the role.
Experience engaging and collaborating with clinicians, particularly GPs and practice teams.
Proven ability to build trust and manage key strategic relationships at all levels within a diverse stakeholder group.

Essential Knowledge & Skills

Must have an in-depth knowledge of the Irish healthcare system, in particular general practice.
Proven knowledge of change management principles.
Strong organisational and project management capabilities.
Effective problem solving and decision-making skills.
Strong interpersonal skills that include emotional intelligence, discretion, influencing strategies, negotiating skills and experience liaising with representatives of external organisations.
Ability to analyse data, prepare reports and support evidence-based decision making.
Excellent ICT skills, including MS Office, with capacity to maximise technology to increase efficiencies, for example, virtual learning platform, online record management systems.

Essential Behavioural Competencies

A high degree of adaptability and resilience.
Result focused, target driven and can work to tight deadlines.
Communication and presentation, both virtual and in person.

Desirable experience & knowledge

Experience of preparing and writing business cases and project management plans, and project methodology processes for quality improvement projects.
A proven track record of collaborating effectively with HSE personnel to support service delivery and programme objectives would be highly desirable.

Programme Manager - International Medical Graduate Rural GP Programme

Job Description