Associate Director Strategy and Planning, Cancer Center, Hem-Onc at Aga Khan University (AKU)

Job Summary

• The Aga Khan University is looking for a highly innovative and visionary individual to fill the position of Associate Director Strategy and Planning, Aga Khan University Nairobi’s Cancer Center. Reporting to the Director, Cancer Center, he/she will lead the strategic planning and administrative operations of the center's mission. This leadership role will be pivotal in advancing the Cancer Center’s goals towards ensuring a robust clinical trials program, a platform of peer reviewed grants, and alignment with institutional objectives. This position will also drive initiatives that cancer awareness, cancer prevention & control, cancer education, partnerships and community outreach. This is a full-time position to be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Lead the development and execution of the Cancer Center's strategic plan; identify and integrate trends in cancer research and clinical trials into initiatives; facilitate partnerships in research; oversee stakeholder engagement with faculty, staff, patients, and external partners; and engage pharmaceutical partners to advance clinical trial activities.
• Administrative Leadership: Oversee Cancer Center operations to ensure efficiency; mentor administrative staff, fostering excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Program Development and Implementation: Drive the creation and evaluation of new programs in cancer research, clinical trials, and prevention, ensuring they meet the established goals.
• Clinical Research Unit (CRU) Leadership: Provide strategic leadership for the CRU core facility; engage pharmaceutical sponsors to enhance clinical trial acquisition; collaborate with stakeholders to meet research needs; and implement policies promoting ethics, quality, and compliance.
• Strategy Execution: Translate strategic plans into actionable projects, developing metrics to monitor progress.
• Partnerships and External Relations: Build relationships with research partners, donors, and government agencies; represent the Center in institutional planning and community engagement efforts; and secure funding through grants and philanthropy.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation for operations and strategies.
• Leadership and Culture: Promote the Center’s values, fostering a patient-centered, inclusive, and innovative environment for staff and faculty.

The requirements

• A PhD in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or related field with at least 5 years of experience in leadership in a clinical research environment; or 
• An MD with clinical research experience and a leadership position in a clinical research unit for not less than 5 years; or
• A Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or related field, with at least 8 years of experience in senior leadership in a clinical research environment; or
• A Bachelor’s degree in a Clinical or Health related field with at least 10 years of experience in strategic management in the area of clinical operations, clinical research, and clinical trials;
• Proven experience in strategic planning, administration, and operations management in a clinical research environment in academia or pharma;
• Strong financial acumen and experience with budget management;
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage large, multidisciplinary teams;
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills; and
• Knowledge of oncology care, clinical research, and clinical trials operations.

Desired Personal Characteristics and Behaviour:

• Strategic and visionary thinker, adept at translating complex ideas into actionable strategies
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate others
• Collaborative and team-oriented, committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical standards.