Chief Executive at Strathmore University

Basic job summary:

The Chief Executive’s role is to provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for SAIRC Research Network Secretariat, ensuring its continued growth, impact, and sustainability. The Chief Executive is responsible for the overall management and performance of the organization, fostering a collaborative and high-achieving culture, and representing SIARC to external stakeholders globally. The Chief Executive shall have charge of the day-to-day affairs of the Academy and its property and supervision of its agents, including staff assigned to undertake the administration of the business.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and articulate a compelling vision and strategic plan for the organization, ensuring alignment with its mission and goals. Lead the implementation of the strategic plan, monitoring progress and adapting as needed.
• Organizational Management: Oversee all aspects of the organization's operations, including research programs, finance, human resources, communications, and fundraising. Ensure efficient and effective resource allocation.
• Research Collaboration Management: Coordinate and oversee the activities of individuals or groups working together as research teams, leveraging various technologies and tools to facilitate effective teamwork and communication. Experience in setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, establishing regular check-ins, and avoiding overcommitment.
• External Relations and Fundraising: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with international partners, funding agencies, governments, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders. Lead fundraising efforts to secure diverse and sustainable funding sources.
• Research Excellence: Foster a culture of research excellence, innovation, and ethical conduct. Support and promote multidisciplinary collaboration and the translation of research findings into practical applications.
• Team Leadership and Development: Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing and diverse team of researchers and administrative staff. Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work environment.
• Financial Stewardship: Ensure sound fiscal and financial management, accountability, and compliance with all relevant regulations. Oversee the development and management of the organization's budget.
• Risk Management: Develop and follow through action plans of eliminating or mitigating against occurrence of and impact of risks across research programmes and projects.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure research processes completeness by way of strategies and policies that guarantee data integrity, quality, and reliability, and subsequent validation, monitoring and evaluation. Requisite oversight on compliance including Internal
• Review Boards (IRBs), accountable and transparent fund management, research execution and completion timelines.
• Governance and Reporting: Work closely with the Board of Directors, providing regular updates on organizational performance and strategic initiatives. Ensure effective communication and adherence to governance policies.
• Global Impact: Enhance the organization's global visibility and impact through strategic partnerships, dissemination of research findings, and engagement in relevant international forums.

Minimum Academic Qualifications:

• A PhD. or equivalent Academic Doctoral Degree
• A strong record of academic and research achievements in respective discipline.

Experience:

• 5+ years of Significant senior leadership experience in a research-intensive organization, academic institution, or international non-profit organization.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant funding from diverse sources.
• Experience in managing complex budgets and financial operations.
• Proven experience in building and managing international collaborations and partnerships.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors or similar governing body.
• Experience in Research Grants Management is highly desirable.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams is highly desirable.
• International (continental or global) research experience is strongly preferred. 

Competencies and Attributes

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate others towards a shared vision.
• Strategic Thinking: Proven ability to develop and implement effective strategic plans.
• Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of fiscal and financial management, budgeting, and fundraising.
• Understanding of the Research Landscape: Knowledge of international research trends, funding mechanisms, and ethical considerations. 
• Relationship Building: Exceptional interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Communication and Presentation: Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Decision-Making: Ability to make sound and timely decisions under pressure.
• Team Leadership and Management: Proven ability to build, lead, and manage highperforming teams in a multicultural environment.
• Negotiation and Diplomacy: Strong negotiation and diplomatic skills