Chief of Party at HJF Medical Research International

HJFMRI is seeking to recruit a Chief of Party for an anticipated U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cooperative agreement for Advancing Public Health Research in Kenya. The purpose of the consortium is to conduct and/or facilitate epidemiologic studies and surveillance, clinical research, clinical trials, laboratory, and operations research on infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and environmental health in Kenya to better understand disease burden, risk factors, and effective interventions to influence policy and decrease morbidity and mortality.

Candidates for this position should be senior-level professionals with a proven track record of successfully implementing and managing large scientifically or research focused awards/projects in Africa. The COP will be responsible for oversight of the entire project, will be required to work with various stakeholders, including high level government and CDC officials and will serve as the lead for HJFMRI’s Consortium for Advancing Public Health Research in Kenya (HJFMRI Consortium).

The COP will provide overall technical and administrative leadership and expertise over the program, ensuring an integrated vision among different components and actors, and a focus on achieving the results defined in the cooperative agreement. S/he will serve as the primary liaison with CDC Kenya on management and technical matters. The COP will be responsible for management of all aspects of activity implementation for the purpose of meeting the objectives of the award including, but not limited to, technical, administrative, operational, and logistical management of project activities and reports sent directly to the designated CDC representative. This individual will be expected to identify issues and risks related to program implementation in a timely manner and suggest appropriate program adjustments. This individual shall act as the key liaison between CDC/Kenya and collaborators and stakeholders involved with work executed through the cooperative agreement. The position requires significant coordination skills, broad general and technical knowledge in the areas of surveillance, basic and clinical research, experience in developing countries and skills to ensure coherence and consistency of execution and achievement of deliverables against urgent deadlines.

Job Summary

1. Establish and foster relationships with a broad network of research organizations/principle investigators, government representatives and scientific leaders;
2. Direct overall management and strategic direction for the execution of work under the cooperative agreement, overseeing technical and operational functions for achieving the goals of the award;
3. Serves as the lead for the HJFMRI Consortium, consisting of all sub awardees under this cooperative agreement and the CDC, other in country and international stakeholders, and local and national government bodies;
4. Responsible for the financial management and accountability of all project deliverables;
5. Supervise all project personnel, consultants, and other personnel as assigned;
6. Monitor award activities for results and maintaining frequent contact with the home office, informing about project progress and actual or potential problems;
7. Oversee the development of the annual research and operational plans, budgets, and other deliverables;
8. Ensure that managerial, administrative, and financial procedures directly executed and through subawards and contracts comply with CDC policies and procedures and that the project is implemented according to HJFMRI business principles, policies and procedures; bring any issues of risk, liability, or fraud to the immediate attention of the appropriate staff at the Home Office;
9. Ensure fundamental elements of safety and security management are fulfilled, including a basic level of training for all project staff and;
10. Oversee all financial affairs of the project, including budgets, adherence to effective internal financial controls and review of monthly financial reporting.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in related scientific research
• At least 10-12 years’ in executing clinical studies or associated research
• 8-10 years’ experience of directing and managing large research studies and programs
• Demonstrated ability to successfully lead and manage challenging projects involving both public and research sector stakeholders;
• High level of leadership, interpersonal, technical and analytical skills, including a demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a broad range of public and private sector counterparts and other key stakeholders.