Programme Manager - Vaccine R&D and Workforce Development at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB DIMENSIONS: 

The primary responsibility will be to support a set of activities aimed at strengthening vaccine R&D in Africa, including workforce development, annual vaccinology courses in Africa, quarterly vaccinology webinars for students in universities and other higher learning institutions in Africa, vaccine R&D internships at manufacturing facilities globally, and other activities. The post holder will be highly motivated, self-driven and expected to take leadership in championing the further development and strengthening of the vaccine R&D and manufacture ecosystem in Africa.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish and implement programmatic goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures
• Take responsibility for day-to-day operational and financial management of the vaccine R&D and workforce development initiative  
• Plan and track capital, operating budgets and expenditures in liaison with the finance and grants departments of the KWTRP and project partners
• Arrange and implement legal and contractual agreements as required to facilitate the workforce development programme
• Oversee controls and problem resolution in line with KWTRP’s policies and procedures
• Maintain a register of risks and implement strategies to mitigate risk
• Represent the workforce development programme to relevant internal committees, project partners, funding agencies and external organizations
• Preparation of reports, presentations and other project outputs and liaison with the funder(s) and other key stakeholders

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• A Master’s in Business Administration/Strategic Management/Project Management/Statistics or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Minimum Ten (10) years overall experience, five (5) years of which were at managerial level with some experience of R&D in Africa
• Degree in scientific field - biological sciences/pharmacy/veterinary medicine is an added advantage
• Exceptional project management skills with evidence of managing multiple large projects simultaneously, proficiency in using project management tools / Prince 2 qualification in project management
• Significant skills in leadership, organization, prioritisation, problem-solving and decision making.  
• Financially literate with sound knowledge of budgeting methodologies and resource management concepts including proven experience of preparing and monitoring budgets and financial reports 
• Demonstrable experience in writing high quality reports and presentations in English, with evidence of being attentive to detail. 
• Ability to network, communicate, be diplomatic and maintain strong local and international relationships within a multi-cultural environment and wide diversity of people, and have experience in resolving disputes. 
• Proven programme leadership including planning, managing and delivering international programmes.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Relevant experience in the design and implementation of learning and development programmes in Africa
• Experience in management of vaccine research and development Programmes

COMPETENCIES:

• Financial management skills with experience of managing significant programme budgets to demanding deadlines and to deliver to set timelines
• Confident communicator with track-record of prioritising and delivering on a varied and extensive workload to tight deadlines across multiple partners in a global network
• Experience of managing a team and managing good working relationships across a range of cultures at both an individual and institutional level.
• Competence in the design of learning and development programmes
• Strategic thinker with a well-organised and efficient approach to the application of project planning and controls including, staff development, project risk management and value for money
• Ability to build productive and collaborative relationships with varied stakeholders, and to work within a team in a multi-cultural environment
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated high levels of confidentiality and integrity

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

• Office based
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel as required