Project Officer 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 position holder will assist the Programme Manager/Project Manager in delivering comprehensive project management services. Anticipating, planning, and responding to project needs to maximize resource use for optimal results, ensuring efficient and accurate management of the Unit's external grants portfolio. Providing project management support across various projects as assigned by the Program Manager. Overseeing project implementation in coordination with the research team and Principal Investigator (PI), serving as the main contact between the project and other support services, and providing operational support for project activities.

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.