Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist for PIH/IMB Oncology Program – Burera, Rwanda
Partners In Health (PIH), known locally as Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB), is recruiting a Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist to serve at the Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE) in Burera District, Northern Rwanda.
This is a senior specialist role focused on delivering high-quality cancer care to children while strengthening Rwanda’s pediatric oncology system. The deadline to apply is 9 March 2026.
If you are a pediatric specialist with advanced hemato-oncology training and a passion for equitable cancer care, this role offers both national impact and international collaboration.
About Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence (BCCOE)
Butaro Cancer Center of Excellence is Rwanda’s leading referral center for cancer care outside Kigali. It serves patients from across the country, especially those from rural and underserved communities.
The center provides:
- Chemotherapy services
- Diagnostic oncology services
- Pediatric oncology care
- Referral coordination for radiotherapy
- Training for healthcare professionals
Working here means contributing directly to Rwanda’s national cancer control strategy and expanding access to lifesaving care for children.
What Does a Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist Do in This Role?
Simple Explanation of the Job
In this position, you will:
- Lead pediatric cancer care at Butaro Hospital
- Manage hospitalized and outpatient pediatric oncology patients
- Supervise doctors and medical students
- Strengthen treatment protocols and quality systems
- Support oncology program development
You are not only a clinician, but you are a program leader and mentor.
Clinical Responsibilities
Inpatient Pediatric Oncology Care
You will:
- Round at least 3 days per week in the pediatric oncology ward
- Lead management of hospitalized children with cancer
- Make key decisions on chemotherapy and supportive care
Real-Life Example
If a child with acute leukemia is admitted with complications, you will:
- Assess lab results
- Adjust chemotherapy protocols
- Manage infections and supportive treatment
- Coordinate with nursing and pharmacy teams
Your leadership ensures timely, safe, and effective treatment.
Outpatient Pediatric Oncology Services
You will:
- Oversee pediatric oncology clinics
- Supervise general pediatricians
- Provide consultation on complex cases
- Accept referrals from outside facilities
You may also provide general pediatric care when necessary, especially in complex cases involving both cancer and other illnesses.
Teaching and Mentorship Role
Education is a core part of this position.
You will:
- Teach students from the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE)
- Provide bedside mentoring to physicians and nurses
- Deliver CME/CPD sessions
- Participate in national oncology training initiatives
Why This Matters in Rwanda
Pediatric oncology specialists are limited in Rwanda. By mentoring others, you help expand national capacity and improve long-term outcomes for children with cancer.
Programmatic and Administrative Responsibilities
This is not just a clinical job. You will also:
- Collaborate with the Director of Clinical Services
- Work closely with nursing, pharmacy, and lab departments
- Address logistical gaps in pediatric oncology care
- Participate in implementing PIH’s 5-year oncology strategy
- Expand oncology formulary access
- Strengthen radiotherapy referral systems
You will play a key role in improving care systems, not just individual cases.
Quality Improvement and Documentation
You will:
- Supervise chart audits
- Ensure accurate and complete medical documentation
- Improve chemotherapy safety standards
- Support oncology nurse educators
- Participate in Electronic Medical Records (EMR) development
- Reduce loss to follow-up among pediatric oncology patients
In Rwanda’s health system, strong documentation and follow-up systems are critical for improving survival rates.
Required Qualifications Explained
To qualify for this role, you must have:
Education
- Medical degree
- Specialization in Pediatrics
- Advanced Pediatric Hemato-Oncology training
Experience
- At least 3 years of clinical cancer care experience
Personal Attributes
- Strong leadership skills
- Teaching and mentoring ability
- Organizational skills
- Commitment to equity in healthcare
- Ability to live and work in rural settings
Rwanda-Specific Insights
Cancer in children in Rwanda includes:
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Wilms tumor
- Retinoblastoma
Challenges include:
- Late diagnosis
- Financial barriers
- Travel from rural districts
- Limited radiotherapy access
This role directly addresses these gaps by strengthening pediatric oncology systems at a national referral center.
Essential Skills for Success
Clinical Skills
- Pediatric chemotherapy management
- Infection control in immunocompromised children
- Hematologic malignancy expertise
- Supportive and palliative care knowledge
Leadership Skills
- Team coordination
- Decision-making under pressure
- Mentorship and teaching
- Multidisciplinary collaboration
Administrative Skills
- Data documentation
- Quality improvement
- Strategic planning participation
- EMR system familiarity
Interview Preparation Guide
Expect a mix of clinical, leadership, and programmatic questions.
Clinical Questions
- How do you manage pediatric leukemia complications?
- How do you adapt oncology protocols in resource-limited settings?
- How do you manage chemotherapy toxicity in children?
Leadership Questions
- How do you mentor junior pediatricians?
- How do you manage conflicts within a clinical team?
- How do you improve follow-up systems?
Preparation Tips
- Review pediatric oncology guidelines.
- Prepare clinical case examples.
- Demonstrate understanding of rural healthcare challenges.
- Highlight experience in training others.
- Emphasize commitment to equity and vulnerable populations.
Career Growth Opportunities
This role opens several long-term pathways:
1. National Pediatric Oncology Leadership
You may move into:
- National advisory roles
- Ministry of Health collaborations
- Oncology program leadership
2. Academic and Research Development
PIH provides:
- Research mentorship
- International expert collaboration
- Conference opportunities
3. International Exposure
You will receive mentorship from US-based pediatric oncology experts and collaborate with global institutions.
4. Long-Term Leadership Roles
Potential future roles include:
- Pediatric Oncology Program Director
- Clinical Services Director
- National Cancer Policy Advisor
Work Environment and Lifestyle
Working in Butaro means:
- Rural setting in Burera District
- High-impact community service
- Close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Meaningful patient relationships
It requires adaptability but offers strong professional fulfillment.
How to Apply
To apply:
Prepare:
- Updated CV
- Application letter
- Academic credentials (PDF or Word format)
Submit via the official PIH employment portal before:
9 March 2026
In your application letter, emphasize:
- Pediatric hemato-oncology experience
- Leadership roles
- Teaching experience
- Commitment to equity and social justice
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this role suitable for general pediatricians?
No. Advanced pediatric hemato-oncology training is required.
2. Is rural living mandatory?
Yes. The position is based in Butaro, Burera District.
3. Does the role include research opportunities?
Yes. You will have access to research mentorship and participation in oncology studies.
4. Is teaching required?
Yes. Teaching and mentoring are core responsibilities.
5. Is this a long-term opportunity?
While contract details are not specified, senior specialist roles often continue based on performance and program needs.
The Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist position at Partners In Health in Butaro is more than a specialist job. It is an opportunity to:
- Transform pediatric cancer care in Rwanda
- Train the next generation of doctors
- Strengthen national oncology systems
- Improve survival outcomes for vulnerable children
- Contribute to health equity
If you are passionate about pediatric oncology and committed to serving vulnerable populations, this role could define your professional legacy.
Application Deadline: 9 March 2026
Prepare thoroughly. Apply strategically. Lead pediatric cancer care advancement in Rwanda.
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