Closing date:17/05/2026 23:59:00
Salary
Grade 2 – 1 Points
Location
Fajara
Job Information
MRC is looking for a Programme manager. The post-holder will be responsible for the provision of Programme Management support which includes strategic management, research operations and administrative support to a portfolio of projects within a research theme. S/he will coordinate the management of the research activities within a research theme with the support of project managers, officers and administrators. S/he will guide and supervise project management staff to facilitate harmonization of activities across projects and with external stakeholders to maximize project outputs. In addition, s/he will have a holistic view of the programme across a research theme and ensure programme coordination, management, administration, compliance and synergies. S/he will act under the guidance of MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM policies and procedures and refer major project decisions to the Head of RSO, and Theme Leader. S/he will coordinate the daily activities of research projects with the support of Project Officers and Administrators aimed at delivering a well-functioning management service within a research theme. S/he will be the interface between the theme with the RSO and will lead in initiating all pre-award activities with the pre-award team.
Essential Requirements
• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Significant experience in research or project management.
• Self-guided, strong organizational and planning skills. Ability to work independently and under pressure. • Excellent programme coordination, project management and time management skills.
• Excellent financial management skills.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to extract, manipulate, analyse, interpret, and report on complex data from different systems.
• Must have excellent negotiation skills and skilled in drafting research contracts.
• Must be able to produce data in different formats to support operational and strategic decision-making.
• Advanced knowledge of operations management and operational requirement of research projects.
• Must be familiar with research environment and managing post award research activities.
• Must be result-driven and service-oriented.
• Excellent at leading and motivating a diverse and multi-functional team.
• Must have excellent understanding of budgeting and preparing forecasts for research projects.
• Excellent communication skills – both written and oral, coaching and facilitation skills. Must be meticulous to detail.
• Must be able to communicate to a diverse set of people on multiple media platforms.
• Must be able to dig-deep strategically and think outside the box
• Advance resource management skills.
• Able to build strong relationships with implementing partners and stakeholders focused on strengthening strategic alliances and reporting project progress.
• Actively work towards continuing personal learning and development;
• Promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office through leadership and personality.
Desirable
• Previous experience of managing grants awarded and interacting with the following funders will be an advantage: EU/EC and European funding, EDCTP, UK funding, US federal and NIH funding, Pharma and Philanthropical funding.
• Experience in understanding and interpreting funder terms and conditions to ensure grant compliance
• Be able to be flexible, adaptable and prioritise high workloads, multiple tasks and work with a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced work environment.
• Prince 2 practitioner certified or similar project/programme management certificate.
Additional Information
The appointment is up to 31st December 2027 initially and subject to a probationary period of 6 months. A competitive salary and allowances commensurate with qualifications and experience will be paid. We cannot accept applications from people who are currently or in the last 6 months employed by The Gambia Government.