Job Description

Additional information:

• The MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt) is an exceptional health and population research centre in the Wits School of Public Health. The Unit supports a major research infrastructure underpinned by a health and socio-demographic surveillance system (HDSS), a form of longitudinal population registration, covering a substantial portion of the Bushbuckridge sub-district of rural Mpumalanga Province adjacent to Mozambique that has been in operation since 1992 coupled with observational and interventional studies along the life course.
• The Wits-Agincourt Unit will participate in an EDCTP-funded project addressing the management of Paediatric Pneumonia (a significant contributor to under-5 mortality) and Antimicrobial Resistance. This is a multi-PI, Pan-African-EU consortium, anchored by the Wits-Agincourt Unit. The project will deploy cutting-edge technology (mobile phone/tablet-based Ultrasound devices) in low-resource settings (in South Africa, Tanzania, and Senegal) to bridge gaps in access to medical diagnostics. It will also address skills gaps through the development of AI tools for ultrasound interpretation as well as clinical decision-making. The project will establish a Randomised Controlled Trial, followed by an Implementation Research Project, as well as concurrently run an Economic Evaluation of the Intervention.
• The project will be undertaken by a diverse consortium, including Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), University of Dakar (UCAD), African Institute of Mathematical Science (AIMS), University of Stellenbosch (SUN), Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (SwissTPH), University of Bern (UBern), University of Rotterdam, EPFL, and Yale University. The successful candidate will join a talented and hardworking team addressing some of the country and regions most pressing health and development challenges. The Wits-Agincourt Unit offers an intellectually rich working environment with excellent opportunities for academic and professional growth.
• This position will suit an individual with insight into the above-mentioned research fields, good report-writing skills, good interpersonal communication skills and sound managerial experience.

Main purpose of the job:

• Project development, implementation, and management (including management of training, audits and quality assurance)

Location:

• Tintswalo Hospital, Acornhoek, Bushbuckridge (Mpumalanga Province)

Key performance areas:Project development and implementation:

• Identify and implement project needs including preparation of scope of work - this will be done in close collaboration with the Wits-PI and online with other institutional PIs
• Coordinate activities and provide day-to-day high-level support to the Wits-PI (based in Bushbuckridge), assisting in the implementation of robust project management processes and protocols, in line with best practice, as well as deputising for the Wits-PI as appropriate
• Audits, training, procurement, technical support, EQA management, QC monitoring, testing, ethics, data management and budgeting
• Convene key meetings and deliver project events, such as research collaboration meetings, road-mapping workshops and seminars, and coordinate appropriate publicity
• Ensure minutes are taken/recorded at all required meetings, prepare and distribute agendas, collate any other supporting documentation for required management meetings
• Consolidate all Coordination & Consortium Committee meetings minutes and action grids and track delivery and progress accordingly
• Monitor project progress regularly and report to project PIs
• Maintain relevant office systems such as electronic and manual filing systems
• Ensure administrative oversight of all Committee and Chairing roles held by the Wits-PI/Project coordinator to ensure administrative and operational requirements are timeously and effectively met
• Ensure compliance with quarterly, annual and ad hoc funder reporting requirements in coordination with technical and WHC teams. Support the review of project costing and other strategic programme documents to support the effective implementation of the project
• Providing executive-level personal assistance in project-related activities for the Wits-PI based in Bushbuckridge

Quality assurance:

• Co-ordinate and monitor Quality Control and Quality Assurance

Required minimum education and training:

• Masters Degree or equivalent level of professional qualifications and/or experience (An appropriate scientific qualification would be a strong recommendation)
• Project management and/or financial/grant management-related qualifications would be an advantage

Required minimum work experience:

• 2 - 4 years of relevant experience within a research, educational, or similar environment

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Prior research records (such as a publication output or conference presentation) in an appropriate field will also be an advantage
• High level of computer literacy including proficiency in MS Programmes
• Demonstrated managerial experience
• Track record of successful project planning and management experience
• Effective time management and general management
• Sound knowledge of financial oversight procedures (and evidence of or willingness to learn Wits/WHC systems)
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to work independently and under pressure in a small team
• Demonstrated written, presentation, and communication in English, as well as organizational skills
• Strong confidentiality and impeccable work ethic
• Excellent facilitation, interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to communicate with stakeholders of different seniority (including international collaborators) and maintain and develop good relationships with all Wits-Agincourt stakeholders

Demands of the job:

• Travel will be required within and outside of the country
• Ability to work in a high-pressured environment with overlapping priorities
• Must be able to handle stress with tact and empathy
• Will be required to be available outside of traditional working hours to provide support for the project if needed

TO APPLY:

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please Apply Online.
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• The closing date for all applications: 02 April 2024.
• Note AJ Personnel is fully POPI compliant.
• Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Please note:

• AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.

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