Overall Purpose of the Job
The Project Manager will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Human Health theme and more specifically the SYMBIOVECTOR Project—an innovative, multi-institutional research and development initiative aimed at advancing next-generation vector control solutions at icipe. This role is pivotal in driving the execution of a high-impact scientific program with global health relevance, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, donor expectations, and regulatory frameworks. The incumbent will lead complex programmatic functions including multidisciplinary team coordination, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive implementation across diverse field and laboratory settings. Acting as the principal operational liaison between the Principal Investigator, internal teams, donor agencies and national and international collaborators, the Project Manager will ensure the project delivers scientific, technical, and policy-relevant outcomes on schedule and within budget.
Key responsibilities include oversight of program monitoring and evaluation systems, compliance with scientific and ethical standards for novel biological interventions, and governance of regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions. The Project Manager will also steward financial and logistical operations, optimize resource utilization, and contribute to sustainability planning, including coleading resource mobilization and proposal development efforts with the research leadership.
Specific Duties
Project Planning and Implementation
- Develop and oversee the project work plan, ensuring timely delivery of milestones and objectives.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate project progress and impact.
- Ensure compliance with international research ethics, biosafety regulations, and national guidelines.
Team Leadership and Coordination
- Co-ordinate multidisciplinary team of researchers, field staff, and administrative personnel.
- Assign roles, set performance expectations, and provide mentorship to team members.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing among project partners and ensure seamless coordination between different workstreams.
Financial and Resource Mobilization and Management
- Work with the project PI to develop proposals for continued grant funding.
- Develop and manage the project budget, ensuring optimal use of resources.
- Track expenditures and prepare financial reports for funding agencies and internal stakeholders.
- Oversee procurement processes for field equipment, laboratory supplies, and logistics.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including national malaria control programs, regulatory bodies, funding agencies, NGOs, and community leaders.
- Facilitate collaboration with local and international research institutions for knowledge exchange.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Ensure robust data collection, analysis, and interpretation to assess project outcomes.
- Lead the development of technical reports, publications, and presentations for scientific and policy audiences.
- Provide regular progress updates to funders, government agencies, and internal leadership.
Risk Management and Troubleshooting
- Identify potential project risks (e.g., logistical, regulatory, environmental) and implement mitigation strategies.
- Address project challenges proactively, adjusting plans as necessary to maintain momentum.
- Ensure adherence to best practices in vector control, biosafety, and ethical research conduct.
Requirements/Qualifications
- Masters in public health, entomology, epidemiology, vector biology, environmental science, project management, or a related field.
- At least 6 years’ experience working in a relevant field.
- Experience gained in Research management, Vector control, and Public health in either a research organization, company or university.
Core Competencies
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
- Proactive problem-solving and sound decision-making abilities.
- Excellent skills in report preparation and presentation.
- High level of organisation, adaptability, and ability to prioritise effectively.
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