Birth Assistant (Doula) – Fixed term contract

Aga Khan Health Services: With community health programmes in large geographical areas in Central and South Asia, as well as East Africa, and more than 200 health facilities including nine hospitals, the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of the most comprehensive private not-for-profit health care systems in the developing world. Building on the Ismaili Community's health care efforts in the first half of the 20th century, AKHS now provides primary health care and curative medical care in Afghanistan, India, Kenya, Pakistan, and Tanzania, and provides technical assistance to government in health service delivery in Kenya, Syria and Tajikistan. More information...... The Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu (AKHK) is an Institution of the Aga Khan Health Service, Kenya, which is an Agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. The Hospital is part of a network of health facilities, which includes Hospitals and Outreach Health Facilities across East Africa. The Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu is in an exciting growth phase and has attained acknowledgment of its quality by achieving ISO 9001:2015 certification, ISO 15189:2022 accreditation for laboratory services, Safe Care level 5 accreditation and is at advanced stage of attaining Joint Commission International Accreditation. AKHK has Outreach Health Services at Kisii, Kakamega, Kitale, Bungoma, Kericho, Kibuye-Kisumu, West End- Kisumu, Busia, Homa - Bay, Migori, Bomet, Eldoret, Kimilili, Nyamira, Kabarnet and an upcoming Medical Centre in Lodwar.

The Hospital is seeking to attract interested and qualified candidates to fill the following position within the Nursing Department:

BIRTH ASSISTANT (DOULA) – FIXED TERM CONTRACT

The Birth Assistant (Doula) will provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers and their families before, during, and after childbirth. The role is aimed at enhancing the birthing experience and supporting mothers through pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide prenatal support, including childbirth education and birth planning.
• Conduct Lamaze sessions in collaboration with the Midwife.
• Offer continuous labour support, including emotional reassurance, comfort measures, and advocacy.
• Support mothers and their partners during childbirth.
• Provide postpartum support, including guidance on basic newborn care.
• Maintain effective communication with clients, families, and healthcare providers.
• Document client interactions accurately and maintain confidentiality at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES

• Certificate or formal training as a Health Care Assistant.
• Valid Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Prior experience in maternal and newborn care will be an added advantage.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and supportive in high-pressure situations.
• Flexibility to work on-call, including nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Basic knowledge of maternal and newborn care.