Program Managers job at MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit
About the Organization
The MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit is an internationally recognized centre of excellence for research and training. The Unit was established in 1988 to improve the understanding and control of the HIV epidemic in Uganda and globally, following a request from the Uganda Government to the United Kingdom (UK) Government. After wide consultations, and in response to the changing public health landscape, Unit work has broadened beyond HIV to include other infections, neglected, endemic, emerging and re-emerging infections and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Job Description
The unit is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with cominant research themes in the areas or HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changi epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts.
The Unit is now seeking enthusiastic and experienced individuals to fill the following positions:
Job Purpose;
The post-holder will be responsible for providing Programme Management support for a portfolio of projects within a research theme. This includes strategic management, business development, research operations, and administrative support. They will coordinate research activities, supervise Grants Officers, and ensure harmonization of activities across projects to maximize outputs.
The post-holder will have a comprehensive view of the programme, ensuring coordination, management, administration, compliance, and synergies. They will act according to MRC/UVRI&LSHTM policies and refer major decisions to the Head of RSO and Theme Leader. Additionally, they will oversee daily project activities with the support of Project Officers and Administrators, serve as the interface between the research themes and the RSO, and lead pre-award activities.
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Duties and Responsibilities
Program Planning and Strategy
Define the program’s objectives, scope, and success criteria.
Develop a comprehensive program plan that includes timelines, budgets, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.
Align program goals with the strategic objectives of the organization.
Stakeholder Management
Identify and engage with key stakeholders, including senior management, project managers, team members, and external partners.
Facilitate communication between stakeholders to ensure alignment and address any concerns or issues.
Manage stakeholder expectations and provide regular updates on program progress and performance.
Project Coordination
Oversee and coordinate multiple projects within the program to ensure they are completed on time, within scope, and within budget.
Monitor project progress, resolve issues, and manage dependencies between projects.
Ensure that project managers adhere to best practices and organizational standards.
Resource Management
Allocate resources efficiently across projects, ensuring optimal use of personnel, budget, and technology.
Identify and address resource gaps or conflicts.
Ensure that teams have the necessary tools and support to succeed.
Risk and Issue Management
Identify potential risks and issues that could impact the program’s success.
Develop and implement risk mitigation and contingency plans.
Monitor and address risks and issues as they arise, ensuring minimal disruption to the program.
Performance Monitoring and Reporting
Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to track program performance.
Conduct regular reviews and assessments to evaluate progress and outcomes.
Prepare and present detailed reports on program status, including financial performance, risk management, and milestone achievement.
Change Management
Manage changes to the program’s scope, objectives, or deliverables.
Assess the impact of changes and develop strategies to manage and communicate them effectively.
Ensure that change management processes are followed and documented.
Leadership and Team Development
Lead, motivate, and mentor project managers and team members.
Foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
Provide training and development opportunities to enhance team skills and capabilities.
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Qualification, Experiences and Competencies
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, management, or a related field. Advanced degrees (e.g., MBA) are often preferred.
Professional certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), or Certified Scrum Master (CSM) are advantageous.
Experience
Several years of experience in project management, with a proven track record of managing complex programs.
Experience in leading cross-functional teams and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated ability to manage large budgets and resources effectively.
Project and Program Management Skills
Strong understanding of project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall, PRINCE2).
Proficiency in program management tools and software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Jira, Asana).
Excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills.
Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
Strong analytical skills to assess program performance and identify areas for improvement.
Ability to solve complex problems and make strategic decisions.
Experience with risk management and mitigation strategies.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing reports, presentations, and stakeholder communications.
Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
Ability to influence and negotiate to achieve program objectives.
Leadership and Team Management
Proven leadership abilities to guide and motivate teams.
Experience in developing and mentoring team members.
Ability to foster a positive and productive team culture.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.
Flexibility to manage multiple tasks and projects in a fast-paced environment.
Resilience to handle setbacks and challenges constructively.
Career Path and Progression
Entry-Level Roles: Starting positions might include Project Coordinator, Assistant Project Manager, or Junior
Project Manager.
Mid-Level Roles: Progress to roles such as Project Manager, Senior Project Manager, or Program Coordinator.
Senior Roles: Advance to positions such as Program Manager, Senior Program Manager, or Portfolio Manager.
Executive Roles: Potential to move into executive positions such as Director of Program Management, Vice President of Operations, or Chief Operating Officer (COO).
How to Apply
For detailed job descriptions and procedure for application, please follow the application link per position.
For future employment opportunities, please visit http://www.mrcuganda.org/jobs
The applications should be addressed to:
The Head of Human Resources,
MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit,
P.O. Box, 49, Entebbe, Uganda.
Only online applications through the link provided will be accepted. You will receive a notification in your email if your application has been successfully received. In the event you are selected as the best candidate for the job, it will be a requirement to present certified copies of academic documents prior to contracting
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