Employment

The Director, Research, Africa Office, provides leadership, management and oversight in support of Family Health International (FHI)'s research and research utilisation activities in the region.  The Director of Research works under the strategic and technical supervision of the Senior Vice President, Research and the direct supervision of the Senior Director of the Africa Regional Office, Global Operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.       As a senior member of FHI’s global research team, participates in planning and developing   clinical, epidemiological, health service, behavioral and other research projects and activities, particularly those undertaken in the Africa Region.

2.       Consistent with FHI’s Strategic Plan and global research priorities provides scientific leadership, establishes regional research goals and objectives and manages the development, implementation, and evaluation of research systems, projects and services within the region.

3.       Directly supervises research and research utilization staff based in the Africa Region.

4.       Working in concert with FHI scientific and technical staff at the US, regional and country levels, helps establish and coordinate systems for providing needed technical assistance on research and research to practice findings and methodologies and directly provides technical assistance as needed.

5.       Assists in mentoring scientists in the regional office and within countries and ensures staff working on research and research utilization projects and activities within the region has access to high quality technical support, training, and assistance, mentoring and library and information services.

6.       Ensures information exchange in regard to research priorities, progress of activities, achievements and operational issues. This includes regular meetings and teleconferences with research staff in the region and senior FHI research management staff globally.

7.       Assists and supports efforts of organizational partners in research planning and implementation

8.       Ensures appropriate program monitoring and reporting for all research activities in the region consistent with FHI and sponsor requirements.

9.       Contributes to research resource development efforts including identifying resource development opportunities and leading or participating in the proposal development process.  

10.   Assures FHI researchers and research in the Africa Region are in compliance with FHI operating procedures, FHI Global Research SOPs, adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP),  and research ethics and regulatory guidelines.

11.   Perform other duties as assigned. 

CONTRIBUTION:

1.             Participation in strategic planning to develop global and regional research goals and strategies.

2.             Development of Africa regional plans and provides technical input into country research work plans and budgets. 

EXPERTISE AND COMPLEXITY:

1.             Demonstrated knowledge of clinical and other research methods and operations.

2.             Experience designing and executing research protocols.

3.             Excellent knowledge of regulatory guidelines for conducting clinical research.

4.            Proven skills in management, supervision, leadership and networking.5.             Demonstrated excellent ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with colleagues and external research organizations.

6.             Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the political and ethical issues surrounding public health issues.

7.            Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communications.

TYPE AND NATURE OF CONTACTS:

1.             Routine coordination with FHI employees, on-site and in the field, partner organizations, government officials, research investigators, health care providers, subcontractors, consultants, and recipients of assistance.

2.             Represents FHI research activities, findings, experience and achievements to governmental and nongovernmental funding agencies, professional organizations and collaborating organizations.

3.             Participates in management team meetings and other appropriate forums. 

 4.            Represents FHI at professional meetings and conferences. 

SUPERVISORY AND BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:

1.       Supervise staff as assigned.

2.       Oversee division/program that includes interviewing, selection, training, establishing performance expectations/work plans and conducting performance assessments.

3.      Develop and oversee divisional/program budgets.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to travel internationally at least 25%.