SCIF Programme Manager at Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia – The MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of two research units established in sub- Saharan Africa by the Medical Research Council UK and is the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM’s single largest investment in medical research in a low and middle income country. MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM represents a unique concentration of scientific expertise and high quality research platforms in the West African region.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF) – Programme Manager

Location: Fajara, Gambia
Department / Division: Research Support Office
Grade: 2:31

Accountability

• The post–holder will be accountable to the Programme Lead for the Sustainable Climate Impact
• Fund (SCIF) with local management by the Head of Research Support Office.

Purpose of the Job

• The role of the SCIF Programme Manager is to oversee projects delivery, monitor projects performance, manage relationships with all stakeholder groups (including local communities, local and regional authorities, the voluntary sector and contractors/consultants), manage project resources and periodically report on the implementation status of projects.
• The post–holder will be responsible for the provision of Programme Management support which includes strategic project management, stakeholder management and administrative support to a portfolio of projects within the SCIF Programme.
• S/he will coordinate the management of all the activities of SCIF. In addition, s/he will have a holistic view of the SCIF programme of projects, ensure programme coordination, management, administration, compliance, and synergies.
• S/he will act under the guidance of MRCG at LSHTM policies and procedures and refer major project decisions to the Head of RSO, and the SCIF Lead.
• S/he will coordinate the daily activities of projects within the SCIF programme with the support of Project Officers, Administrators, contractors and consultants as relevant aimed at delivering a well–functioning management.
• The post–holder will have strong analytical, practical problem solving, project management skills as well as diverse people and stakeholder management skills on the job.
• He/she will have in–depth and a rich experience working in a resource constraint setting. The post holder will support, monitor, and report project performance to the Head of RSO and the SCIF Lead.

Introduction

• Established in 1947, the Medical Research Council The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 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; Vaccines & Immunity and Nutrition. These themes have been selected to target health needs of developing countries, to reinforce sub–regional and international collaborations and to address current priorities of the Millennium Global Health Goals.
• The SCIF is set up to develop and facilitate community–based initiatives which reduce, ameliorate, and avoid the environmental, social, and economic effects of climate change on rural communities in developing countries through targeted projects and interventions; and to foster improvements to the health and wellbeing of communities in low to medium income countries (LMIC), especially women and girls, by improving access to basic amenities and fostering economic empowerment for sustainable subsistence living.
• The Sustainable Climate Impact Fund (SCIF) is a subsidiary of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) for the development and delivery of a programme of projects in locations of interest and regions in and around its Uganda Medical Research Council (MRC) Units.
• These projects will be aimed at offsetting residual greenhouse gas emissions from LSHTM including the MRC Unit, and other partners wishing to secure carbon credits to offset their own emissions. The projects; must be based within local communities and benefit local communities, must address a need within the local community and must only go ahead with the assent of the community themselves. Therefore, the projects must be people–focused, able to address socio–economic as well as environmental issues within the communities.
• The role of the SCIF Projects Coordinators is to oversee projects delivery, monitor projects performance, manage relationships with all stakeholder groups (including local communities and contractors/consultants), manage project resources and periodically report on the projects implementation status.

Key Responsibilities
To coordinate the design and development of the framework for setting up and maintaining
cooperation networks with all stakeholders including local communities that the Unit is working
with, local government officials, local businesses, relevant regional entities including government agencies, NGOs and voluntary sector organisations in the area to:

• Identify and support local community–based initiatives for promoting renewable energy deployment, water quality and supply improvements that will benefit local households and businesses, thus improving health benefits and outcomes.
• Scope and define integrated grey/green/blue infrastructure projects within a comprehensive programme of works to enable the Unit increase its community outreach, research programmes and treatment services that will fast track the improvement of community health outcomes. These include:
  • Participate in Inter–governmental forums and other programmes which provide platforms for collaboration; including the ongoing Clean Energy Corridors and regional engagement in Sub–Saharan Africa;
  • Maintain close links with other zero carbon focused initiatives to identify synergy and interventions in line with priorities identified by communities and stakeholders;
  • Keep abreast of trends, key topics and initiatives in natural capital/ecosystem restoration and enhancement, renewable energy policy, and support measures relevant to the locality and gender equality through sustainable development;
  • Organise and prepare written progress reports and briefs for the SCIF Programme Lead, Board of Directors and other stakeholders;
  • Communicate strategy and delivery in a range of appropriate media to meet local community and stakeholder needs for information on the SCIF programm.
• Undertaking other duties in–country which is commensurate with the role or as directed by the SCIF Programme Lead.
• Provide overall direction and leadership to the SCIF projects ensuring they are implemented according to guidance from the SCIF programme lead and Unit Policy.
• Keep abreast of trends, key topics and initiatives in natural capital/ecosystem restoration and enhancement, renewable energy policy, and support measures relevant to the locality and gender equality through sustainable development.
• Coordinate strategic development and management of the SCIF Portfolio by ensuring that proposals are well aligned to the strategic direction of the programme, synergies are identified for existing projects, and efficiencies driven across the projects.
• Develop, organize participate and facilitate a network consortium forum which provide platforms for collaboration, to identify and support local community–based initiatives for promoting renewable energy deployment, water quality and supply improvements that will benefit local households and businesses, thus improving health benefits and outcomes.
• Undertake day–to–day management of the operations of the SCIF programme, including effective programme implementation and documents progress towards the achievement of outputs.
• Post holder will be required to budget and manage resources around logistics, costs and fees incurred as part of their duties, as well as other financial and reporting responsibilities commensurate to the role and to MRCG at LSHTM and funder policies and procedures.
• Ensure appropriate recording and accounting for documentation as required by programme and MRCG at LSHTM and for preparation of required reports.
• Facilitate transparent financial management of the programme that is able to stand up to regular audits and evaluation.
• Coordinate the design and development of the framework for setting up and maintaining cooperation networks with all stakeholders including local communities that the Unit is working with, local government officials, local businesses, relevant regional entities including government agencies, NGOs and voluntary sector organisations.
• Provide strategic advice, direction and direct technical input to SCIF Programme lead and keep the SCIF lead informed about emerging issues and trends.
• Ensure programme milestones and timelines are collected for effective monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
• Oversee the establishment of the monitoring and evaluation plan for SCIF projects and ensure its implementation aligned with overall programme monitoring and evaluation plan.
• Ensure that the management information system established in the department and within the Unit is utilized which allows for the efficient and effective collection, storage and analysis of data throughout the project life cycle and across the programme.
• Guide the development of the programme communication strategy in close collaboration with relevant partners.
• Ensure that Terms of Reference or scope of work are developed for all consultants/experts recruited and ensure proper delivery of technical services and submission of technical and other reports.
• Ensure proper coordination of the project implementation among implementing partners/collaborators promoting timely responses.
• Ensure the timeliness and quality of the outputs as well as timely preparation of reports, delivery of resources and results according to planned timelines and milestones.
• Where required, ensure that project/programme audits are carried out and audits report submitted.
• Plan and participate in the need assessment and dissemination of activities with the project/programme team through extensive community outreach and direct engagement with local communities.
• Promote identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned for organizational sharing and learning as part of knowledge building, management and transfer.
• Participate in knowledge networks and other fora to draw on best practice and lessons learned in other similar contexts.
• Work with the programme lead and Head of RSO to ensure that all regulatory compliance are met as well as compliance with relevant terms and conditions.
• Cooperates with Unit’s research governance and CTSO to ensure compliance internally where necessary.
• Maintain a master reporting schedule for projects within the programme.
• Lead the production of programme performance reports. Report will be analysed and discussed with the SCIF programme lead to ensure that appropriate action is taken to remedy issues, and where necessary, issues are appropriately escalated.
• Develop and executing solutions to various practical problems as they arise.
• Undertake further training commensurate with the needs of the post.
• Perform any other duties consistent with the remit of the post.
• Undertake all work following the relevant safety rules and regulations as laid down in the MRC Safety Manual.

Relationships:

• The post holder will be a full–time member of the MRC staff.
• The post holder will report to the Head of the RSO with line accountability to the
• SCIF Programme Lead.
• The Head of the Research Support Office is Mr. Amulai Touray.
• The Chief Operations Officer is Dr. Davis Nwakanma.
• The Unit Director is Professor Umberto D’alessandro.

Appraisals:

• Appraisals are held at least annually.

Length of Appointment:

• The appointment is for two years and is subject to a probationary period of six months.

Generic Duties and Responsibilities of all MRCG at LSHTM employees:

• This job description reflects the present requirements of the post but may be altered at any time in the future as duties and responsibilities change and/or develop providing there is full consultation with the post–holder.
• The post–holder will carry out any other duties, tasks or responsibilities as reasonably requested by the line manager.
• The post holder will be responsible and accountable for ensuring all School and Unit policies, procedures, regulations and employment legislative requirements are adhered to including Equality and Diversity and Health & Safety.
• This job description is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder.
• The specific objectives of the post holder will be subject to review as part of the individual performance review (appraisal) process.

Person Specification
This form lists the essential and desirable requirements needed by the post holder to be able to perform the job effectively. Applicants will be shortlisted solely to the extent to which they meet these requirements below: 

Education, Qualification and Training
Essential:

• University Degree in areas covering environmental management and community engagement, this can include but not limited to; environmental and natural resource management, renewable energy, community development or a related field with project management and monitoring and Evaluation skills.

Experience
Essential:

• Significant progressive experience in community outreach and project delivery works.
• Experience of working with local governance, civil society, voluntary sector organisations, multilateral agencies community and business networks.
• Experience of managing and collaborating with wide range of stakeholder groups.
• Experience of working in low–resource settings. Ideally should have lived in, or lives in sub–Saharan Africa and/or be knowledgeable of the region/locality where the MRC Unit is based.

Desirable:

• Experience of dealing with: community development, human rights, women’s rights, health equity, and human rights issues with multilateral agencies.

Knowledge
Essential:

• Knowledge of local planning and land rights.
• Knowledge of local agricultural and environmental development policies and planning.

Desirable:

• Good knowledge of renewable energy technologies and/or sustainable infrastructure and construction as well as related local regulations.
• Understanding of and experience of socio–economic and health issues prevalent across the locality and region.

Personal Qualities:
Professionalism:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and work well with a team; Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; Remains calm in stressful situations; High professional and personal standards for probity and integrity.

Communications:

• Amiable personality with exceptional interpersonal and networking skills and a proven ability to create good working relationships and a good listener; An excellent two–way communicator, speaks and writes clearly and effectively in format to match specifics audiences; Excellent drafting skills and ability to prepare reports that are clear, concise and meaningful; Demonstrates openness in listening to ideas and concerns from others, communities and stakeholders alike; Willingness to share information and keep people informed; Competency with Microsoft Office packages (including word, powerpoint and excel files), and social media platforms (including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).

Planning and Organising

• Ability to develops strategies and set clear goals and objectives; Ability to prioritise activities and assignments and adjusts priorities as
• required; Ability to allocate adequate amount of time and resources to tasks; Ability to anticipate risks and allows for contingencies when planning; Ability to manage multiple  projects concurrently to meet milestones and strategic objectives; Ability to collaborate extensively across departments, cultures, and time zones; Ability to make
• travel plans and be prepared to travel within the region at short notice.

Accountability:

• Strong financial planning and budgeting ability; Accountability for the accuracy and completeness of information and the handling of the information in a discreet and confidential manner where required.

Remuneration

• The salary will be in Grade 2:31 Points of MRCG at LSHTM’s payscale at a gros monthly salary of 66,927 Dalasi. This converts to a take home pay of $1,338 approximately per month using the prevailing Dalasi/USD exchange rate.
• Please note that the salary will be paid in Dalasi and that the USD figure quoted is only given as a guide.
• For displaced staff the package will include rent-free furnished accommodation, flights, displacement allowance for spouse and children, contribution to school fees and shipment of personal effects.

Deadline: 26th August, 2021.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should please download the “Application Form” below. Completed application forms and documents should be e-mailed to: recruitment@mrc.gm using the Job Title as the subject of the mail.

Click Here to Download Application Form (Ms Word)

Click Here for More Information

Note

• We cannot accept applications from individuals who are currently, or in the last six months, employed by The Gambia Governments.
• The appointment is for 2 years in the first instance and is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.
• MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM is an equal opportunities employer and operates a strict no smoking policy.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.