Uganda: PROGRAM MANAGER with HopeNet research study

MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL

Job Title: Program Manager Job number: 3014952

Department: Center for Global Health

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Global Health seeks an experienced program manager to work on the “Health Outcomes, Progressive Entrepreneurship, and Networks” (“HopeNet”) Study, currently part of the MUST (Mbarara University of Science and Technology)-MGH Global Health Collaborative (GHC) based in South West Uganda. HopeNet is an interdisciplinary public health research study and implementation project that aims to improve the lives and livelihoods of 5,000 residents of Nyakabare Parish in Mbarara District, Uganda.

The Program Manager will live and work in Mbarara. The position will function under the direct supervision of the Principal Investigators (PIs) as well as the Program Director (PD) of the Global Health Collaborative who is also based in Uganda. The ideal candidate will come either from a development/implementation background or a public health research background and will possess exceptional managerial skills in a cross cultural setting.

This is a two-year position with the possibility of renewal

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Management

• Ensure the smooth and effective implementation of all components of the HopeNet study, including quantitative and qualitative research and intervention projects


• Develop and monitor annual work plans with the assistance of the Project Coordinators (PCs) and PIs


• Develop a tracking system for project deliverables and agree on a detailed delivery schedule in consultation with the PCs and PIs


• Monitor project goals and provide timely reminders to the management team on necessary steps and activities


• Support the development and submission of key quarterly or semi-annual reports for institutional and private philanthropic supporters


• Fine-tune protocols developed by the PCs to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the HopeNet team


• Oversee development, revision and submission of documents to the MUST and MGH/ Partners institutional review boards


• Conduct weekly meetings with the management team, other collaborators, and contract employees


• Actively participate in MUST-MGH Research Collaboration meetings and activities and report important updates to the PIs

Personnel Management

• Direct supervision of PCs and Support Personnel (Finance Officer, Administrative Assistant, Data Manager and Project Driver)


• Indirect supervision of two field teams and other team members


• Support the hiring, technical training and ongoing professional mentorship of PCs and other staff as needed, including orientation to new implementation and research protocols, data collection instruments, and other efforts to ensure high quality project implementation, data collection and processing

Financial and Asset Management

• Develop and monitor annual budgets while ensuring optimal use of all resources


• Monitor and evaluate all related MGH subcontracts for HopeNet with Uganda-based contractors and vendors


• Approve and monitor HopeNet’s procurement and maintenance of equipment and supplies, including the project vehicle


• Approve and monitor use of petty cash under HopeNet’s activities and oversee study-specific financial accountability systems


• Liaise with MUST Grants Office to ensure smooth operation regarding budgeting, HR and other higher level administrative issues

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

• 2+ years experience in managing programs with multiple components is required; prior experience implementing these in sub-Saharan Africa is preferred


• Excellent administrative, communication, leadership, and team-building skills are required (spoken and written English); experience with mentoring and/or teaching is a plus


• Excellent facility with Microsoft Office suite applications is required; beginning to intermediate experience with specialty software (such as Stata or R) is a plus


• Ability to work independently, multi-task and deliver high quality work on time and with minimal supervision is required


• Candidate must have the social and cultural intelligence and flexibility to effectively engage and interact with diverse groups in Mbarara


• Ability to prioritize, be flexible and remain organized and detail oriented in a fluctuating environment is crucial


• The successful candidate will aspire to the highest standards of excellence, must be self-driven, and should bring a sustained level of high energy toward developing creative solutions to obstacles and achieving project goals

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree with significant experience required


• A Master’s degree in business administration, public health or related fields is preferred; substantial experience managing programs in sub-Saharan Africa may substitute

EXPERIENCE:

• 2+ years experience in managing programs with multiple components is required; prior experience implementing these in sub-Saharan Africa is preferred

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

All of the 15-20 members of the HopeNet study staff in Mbarara will report to the project manager, either directly or indirectly through the PCs.