Job hunting

As the holidays proceed on, my thoughts are becoming more focused on finding a job when the boys go back to school in September. I am starting to make some good contacts now. The two main possibilities seem to be either in the private sector, probably doing HR Management, or in the health sector in the National Health Authority, possibly in a public health role. Either of these options will involve me moving away somewhat from roles I have done in the past but will use some of the skills I have.

Very sadly the disability sector does not really exist in a coherent way here. There are some good services that exist but some enormous gaps also with no obvious disability strategy, no whole of government approach, no child development service with links into schools and a very medical flavour to all of the discussions about disability. This in a country very concerned about disability services, as there is a high rate of congenital disability here attributed to the custom of marriage between first cousins in a small population. On the bright side there is ample opportunity to get in and be part of building strategies and services, just finding out where to get in is the tricky part.

As I have mentioned before, I also have to get my husband's permission to work here and register as a working woman. Here is a quote from the "Marhaba" (Qatar's information guide) on the process:

Women on family sponsorship (my situation) can work in Qatar...[and] must register in person at the Labour Department. There is a Women's section on the second floor, which is open from 7.30am - 2pm, Sunday to Thursday. When you have been offered a job, the company must send a letter to the Ministry of Civil Service Affairs and Housing Labour Department, stating the job available and requesting permission to employ you for it. Once permission is granted, you will need to take the following with you to the Women's Section:

• An original copy of your employment contract, which should run concurrently in English and Arabic. In case of a dispute, the court will only consider the Arabic version.
• A letter signed by your husband/father/brother (ie the family sponsor) giving his consent for you to work.
• Originals and photocopies of all passports and ID for you and your family sponsor
• Originals and photocopies of all your relevant academic and professional qualifications
• Two photographs. The work permit costs QR 300, paid in QR 100 stamps available on the first floor of the department.

Sounds like I'll need to start at 7.30 in the morning in the Women's Section to get through all that lot.