MRC UNIT THE GAMBIA
Job Description
Project Support Manager (Research Training and Career Development)
1. Job title: Project Support Manager (Research Training)
2. Introduction:
Established in 1947, the Medical Research Council The Gambia has an international reputation for ground-breaking research into some of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the tropics. Achievements include a large trial showing the efficacy of Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine in The Gambia and the subsequent near elimination of the disease, pioneering studies of the impact of insecticide treated bed nets as a preventive measure against malaria leading up to their worldwide use, studies demonstrating the impact of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines on pneumonia and child mortality and the demonstration of a dramatic reduction in the carriage of Hepatitis B in The Gambia due to the effects of vaccination.
To reflect changes in national and global health priorities and new international funding opportunities a new research portfolio has been organized under three themes: Disease Control & Elimination; Nutrition and; Vaccine and Immunity. These themes have been selected to target health needs of developing countries, to reinforce sub-regional and international collaborations and to address some of the major current priorities that will enable the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Research Training and Career Development are important in achieving the mission of MRCG in producing highest quality science that will have regional and international impact. The training department therefore engages in regional and international collaboration to support training and research career path development for MRC staff and young scientists from international collaborating institutions.
In the drive to provide a well-functioning training management services, the Unit seeks to recruit persons with experience in project management to manage training programs within the Department of Research Training and Career Development and to liaise with collaborating partners to implement joint international training activities.
3. Purpose of the Job:
The post holder will provide Training and Career Development management support to the Staff Development Manager and to Head of Training and Career Development; advice and deliver activity plans within the Unit and at our collaborating centres in the region. Post holder will also manage and supervise a number of support staff aimed at delivering a well-functioning training management services for the unit.
4. Grade: 4, 21 Points.
5. Appointment:
The post holder will be a full-time member of the MRC and will report to the Head, Research Training and Career Development (Dr Assan Jaye). The Unit Director is Professor Umberto Dalessandro and the Director of Operations is Mr Joan Vivestomas. The appointment is up to 3 years in the first instance and is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.
6. Key Responsibilities:
The post holder will be responsible for accomplishing the following:
6.1 Training Management
Post holder will develop appropriate tools for training management and utilise these to ensure that the different components of training programs are organised, monitored and delivered within time and budget. Post holder will manage a portfolio of Training programs for the Unit directly and where necessary be provided appropriate support through the Staff Development Manager. These training programs include:
- Training partnership with African institutions through the Deltas program (DALGEME, MARCAD and WACCBIP) and WANETAM-2; required to manage the increasing number of externally funded PhD, Post doc and cross-cutting training Programs at MRCG and institutions of collaborating partners
- Oversee and supervise the various developed online training courses from MRC Head Office (UK), mandatory and to be implemented for staff of the Unit
- To implement and monitor the Researcher Leadership training through the UK vitae and Manchester collaboration.
6.2 Programme planning
The post holder will implement a Training program planning cycle within the Training Department. In this function he/she would seek to ensure that programme needs and expectations are managed in an open and transparent principle, plans developed to meet these and resources are collectively managed to deliver maximum benefit.
Ensure training plans are completed with quality assurance system and ensure compliance with Audit recommendations.
Ensure that appropriate Training information is escalated to the Staff Development Manager aimed at developing holistic solutions across training policies and activities.
6.3 Production of performance reports within the Department
Post holder will in collaboration with the Staff Development Manager see to the implementation of specialised training programs, monitor activities and production of unit performance reports on the training programs.
6.4 Provide support to Trainees
Within the set of training programs, the post holder will be point of contact for trainees in order to provide support and advice that trainees would need to smoothly undergo their individual programs.
6.5 Supervision of the junior staff
Post holder together with Head of development Manger will define the relevant level of administrative and managerial support required and post holder will be responsible for the work of these staff and ensure that as a composite group high quality management support is provided within the Department
6.6 Project specific communication
Post holder will work with the PIs, Head RSO, Training Committees and Communications to ensure that appropriate level of communication is maintained with all stakeholders. In this vein a communication plan will be developed that will be constantly monitored.
7. Others
Ensure that all purchases, and financial transactions for training activities and within the Department are undertaken in line with relevant MRC policies and procedures.
To undertake further training commensurate with the needs of the post
To perform any other duties consistent with the remit of the post.
8. Appraisals:
Appraisals are held at least annually.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Title: Project Support Manager
Essential
· A first degree or other professional qualification in a relevant field.
· Ability to multi task and work to tight deadlines.
· A demonstrable ability to contribute effectively as a member of a team providing coordination across the projects.
· Excellent communication skills both verbal & written.
· Excellent MS Office skills.
· The ability to work co-operatively in a team.
· An ability to take the initiative.
· A willingness and ability to work flexi time which will include weekends and public holidays.
· Evidence that they have actively enhanced their personal development on an on-going basis.
Desirable
· Previous experience working in project management and an administrative role
· Previous staff supervisory experience
· A willingness to work anywhere in The Gambia as required
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