Head of Health, Safety & Environment at Medical Research Council Unit - The Gambia

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia - Established in 1947, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine is a leading research centre in sub-Saharan Africa. Research is carried out by three major Research Themes (Disease Control & Elimination; Vaccines & Immunity; and Nutrition & Planetary Health) that benefit from the core-supported strategic platforms and of the research services.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Head of Health, Safety & Environment

Location: Fajara, Gambia
Duration: The appointment will be 3 years initially and will be subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

Job Description

• We are looking for an experienced professional to lead our Health, Safety and Environment Department at Fajara.
• The post-holder will provide strategic leadership in health, safety and environment across the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM in establishing HSE framework, robust systems, and processes for the effective management of HSE across the Unit.

Essential Requirements

• M.Sc in any Medical Science-related programme or Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Management.
• A Post-graduate qualification or certification in Environmental management.
• Proven work experience in HSE at a senior position in a large organisation.
• Significant experience of working in a scientific research environment and working closely with researchers.
• Knowledge of all relevant Health & Safety legislation.
• Experience in introducing policies, procedures and codes of practice effectively.
• Experience in delivering and managing training.
• Experience in managing staff.
• The willingness and flexibility to manage and respond quickly and efficiently to unanticipated requests.
• Ability to work independently and/or within a team environment as well as a demonstrated ability to interact effectively and collegially with a diverse clientele daily.
• Investigative, analytical and interpretative skills and have the ability to determine the most effective course of action.
• Ability to deal assertively with difficult situations, maintain discretion and confidentiality.
• Team-player (with the ability to act autonomously).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy.

Desirable:

• Willingness to travel when required.
• Willingness to work outside of working hours if the need arises.
• Understanding the limits of their own HSE competence and seek external expert support when required.

Remuneration

• The salary will be paid in Grade 2, 33 Points of MRCG at LSHTM’s payscale at a minimum net monthly salary of 73, 529 Dalasi. This converts to a minimum take home pay of $1,470 approximately per month using the prevailing Dalasi / USD exchange rate.
• Please note that the salary will be paid in Dalasi and that the USD figure quoted is only given as a guide.
• For displaced staff, the package will include rent-free furnished accommodation, flights, displacement allowance for spouse and children, contribution to school fees and shipment of personal effects.

Application Closing Date
17th September, 2021.