Head of Operations at the Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia (MRCG)

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia - The MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of two research units established in sub- Saharan Africa by the Medical Research Council UK and is the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM’s single largest investment in medical research in a low and middle income country. MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM represents a unique concentration of scientific expertise and high quality research platforms in the West African region.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Operations

Location: Basse Field Station, Gambia
Start Date: Friday, August 5, 2022

Job Description 

• We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and qualified professional to provide strong operational leadership at Basse Field Station. 
• The post holder will be required to improve and maintain the quality of service delivery which provides a successful platform for the operations of scientific projects. 
• S/he will also manage the Field Station’s resources efficiently and effectively which includes overall management of the finances, human resources, accommodation, supplies, maintenance of equipment and the administrative co-ordination of field station activities, which requires strong coordination with Unit departments at Fajara.

Essential Requirements

• A University Degree in any relevant area and post-graduate qualification in Business Studies, Operations Management or related area of study
• Significant management-level experience in a post with operational and administrative responsibility
• Strong track record of impact and success, with sound financial abilities with a proven record of budget management
• Proven experience of staff management and influencing people
• Excellent skills in MS Word and Excel
• Excellent record keeping and report writing skills
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to work effectively with a variety of nationalities and personalities at all levels within the Unit
• Enthusiastic, energetic, diplomatic, tactful, flexible, adaptable and self-motivated with a heads-up, hands–on management style and ability to lead by example
• Ability to multi-task, manage a large workload and adapt to new situations quickly
• Ability to take tough decisions when required
• Willingness to live in a rural setting with limited facilities

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a health-related research field.

Salary and Condition of Service

• The salary will be paid in Grade 2, 37 Points of MRCG at LSHTM’s payscale at a minimum net monthly salary of 109, 579 Dalasi. This converts to a take home pay of $2, 191 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.
• The appointment is for 3 years initially and subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

Application Closing Date
31st August, 2022.