The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is seeking an experienced Epidemiology and Demography Departmental Manager. The successful candidate will lead the Epidemiology and Demography Department (EDD) Operations team at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) in Kilifi. Currently, this diverse team comprises 11 staff with expertise in HR, Finance, Communications, Community Engagement, Procurement, Administration, and Data Management. This role is crucial in driving the strategic development of the department, building strong relationships with central administrative divisions, local stakeholders, and international collaborators, and providing comprehensive administrative and financial leadership.
Key Responsibilities
- Operations Leadership: Lead the EDD Operations team and provide line management to key staff, including the Department Accountant, Community Liaison Officer, Executive Administrative Officer, and Project Manager, while offering professional and pastoral support to the wider department.
- Strategic Development: Collaborate with the Head of Department and EDD Management team to strategically develop the department, strengthening linkages between the main Kilifi campus, Nairobi, and satellite/partner sites.
- Stakeholder and Partner Relations: Build and maintain collaborative relationships with KWTRP central support departments (Facilities, Transport, HR, IT, Procurement, etc.) and establish strong partnerships with external stakeholders, including the Kilifi County Ministry of Health, the University of Oxford, and the Wellcome Trust.
- Financial Oversight: Manage all EDD grants, collaborating with the Department Accountant and Principal Investigators to oversee budgeting, expenditure monitoring, financial reporting, invoicing, and tracking payments.
- Regulatory Compliance: Oversee regulatory processes, ethics submissions, and protocol renewals for departmental studies, ensuring compliance with funder rules such as open-access publishing.
- Grant Support: Assist EDD scientists at all levels (Masters, PhD, Post-doctoral, and Mid-to-Senior career) with grant and training fellowship applications, ensuring adherence to internal requirements and funder guidelines.
- Communications & Engagement: Champion communication initiatives in coordination with the central Communications Department, including managing major virtual, hybrid, or in-person events.
- Staffing & Recruitment: Oversee recruitment, induction, professional development, and performance management within the department, as well as transitions for contract completions.
- Deputisation: Support and deputise for the Head of Department as needed.
Requirements
- Education: A Master's degree in Business Administration, Project Management, or equivalent professional training from an accredited institution (Mandatory). An undergraduate degree in a science discipline (Mandatory).
- Experience: Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years at a managerial level (Mandatory). Experience managing a large and diverse organization or department in a similar setting is mandatory.
- Skills: Exceptional project management, leadership, prioritization, financial literacy, budgeting, and decision-making skills (Mandatory).
- Desirable: Strong scientific background, health/science-related management background, and experience with major global health funders (e.g., Wellcome Trust, MRC, BMGF, NIH).
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online by visiting the KEMRI e-recruitment portal at erecruitment.kemri.go.ke. Alternatively, you can access the application link directly via KEMRI Online Application Portal.
