Company Description
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland is a postgraduate medical training college dedicated to ensuring that doctors have the skills to provide patients with the best possible care. Founded in 1654, the college supports doctors to enhance their skills, competencies, and professionalism throughout their working lives.
Through its Faculties and Institutes, The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, offers medical training programmes, examinations, diplomas, and educational courses to equip doctors with the skills and knowledge they need to care for patients and run safe and efficient healthcare systems. It also offers a range of educational diplomas and courses for learners in the wider healthcare sector.
Job Description
Call for Expressions of Interest - External Examiner – Professional Diploma in Paediatrics.
The Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI) is seeking Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified professionals to serve as External Examiner for the Professional Diploma in Paediatrics.
External Examiners play a key role in assuring the quality, rigour, fairness, and integrity of our assessment processes. As independent experts, they support the enhancement of teaching, learning, and assessment and contribute to maintaining the high academic standards of RCPI programmes.
The appointment of the External Examiner is subject to RCPI Academic Board approval.
About the Programme
Programme: Professional Diploma in Paediatrics
Discipline / Specialty Area: Paediatrics
Programme Level / Award Type: Professional Diploma
Closing date: 11 May 2026 at 16:00
Programme Overview:
This Royal College of Physicians of Ireland Professional Diploma in Paediatrics, delivered in conjunction with iheed, is a nine-month online education programme focused on the diagnosis and management of important and common illnesses in children. It is designed to cater for busy healthcare professionals working anywhere in the world.
Drawing on the expertise of highly experienced Consultants in Paediatrics, the programme aims to teach how to manage common paediatric issues, including acute and chronic conditions and developmental difficulties. You will learn how to recognise the symptoms of, and manage, the critically ill child and when referral to tertiary paediatric care is required.
About the Role
The External Examiner for the Professional Diploma in Paediatrics will:
• Ensure assessment standards are appropriate, fair, and aligned to programme outcomes
• Provide impartial, expert feedback to the Programme Exam Board and RCPI
• Validate learner attainment and comparability across assessments
• Review assessment methods used within the programme, including single best answer questions and video formats
• Support enhancement of assessment and quality assurance practices
Key Responsibilities
The External Examiner will:
• Review programme aims, learning outcomes, syllabi, and assessment strategies
• Audit a sample of graded assessments and review grade distributions
• Participate in assessment QA as required
• Review major projects, theses, or dissertations where applicable
• Provide recommendations to enhance assessment quality and consistency
• Attend Board of Examiner meetings
• Submit formal reports to relevant RCPI teams
• Perform the duties of the role subject to the RCPI Assessment Policy (LID-Pol-076)
Requirements
Qualifications and Expertise
We welcome Expressions of Interest from individuals who:
• Demonstrate expertise in Paediatrics or similar
• Hold relevant academic, professional, or clinical qualifications
• Have experience in teaching, assessment, and/or programme quality assurance
• Are able to provide independent, impartial judgement
• Have no conflicts of interest with RCPI or the programme team
Term and Remuneration
• Term: Three years (renewable for one additional term subject to approval)
• Remuneration: Paid at the RCPI Teaching Faculty daily rate
• Hours must be documented and submitted for payment
Submit an Expression of Interest
• A short cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role
• Your current CV
• Any relevant supporting information
