Senior Associate Director, Research

Summary:

The Senior Associate Director-Research (Sr AD-Research) directly assists the Director of the Guinea Worm Eradication Program in developing and implementing new tools to accelerate the eradication of Guinea worm disease. The Sr AD leads on research project conception, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Responsibilities include carrying out, coordinating and/or supporting applied research by internal/external partners, implementing and managing projects, contributing to program publications, leading subject matter expert (SME) and working group meetings, developing and executing project budgets, and staff supervision. 15-20% travel is expected. Due to the travel locations, Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) will be required. The Sr AD-Research focuses on the following:

(i) Providing technical and administrative leadership. The Sr AD-Research will be responsible for staff, project, and budget management, as well as assist in proposal development and support partner relationship-building to advance the research agenda.

(ii) Strengthening key research pillars. This includes driving and supporting project design, implementation and programmatic innovation to understand disease etiology and vectors, develop diagnostics, manage clinical trials, and maximize genomic applications. In addition, the Sr AD-Research is responsible for supporting technical working groups and routine cross-collaboration.

(iii) Supporting the program’s visibility and knowledge production overall and in key thematic areas through organizational reports, peer-reviewed publications, and active engagement and advocacy with partners. The Sr AD-Research will be responsible for facilitating, convening and disseminating findings in national and international fora.

Minimum Qualifications: A doctoral degree in epidemiology, infectious disease ecology, veterinary medicine or other public health-related field and seven of professional related international health research management experience post-training is required, along with a demonstrated proficiency in leadership, developing and implementing public/animal health activities in LMIC settings, staff supervision, budget preparation and execution, and partnership building or equivalent combination of experience, education and training.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage multiple complex research projects with diverse stakeholders from inception to completion.
• A history of working with community-based public health programs or community development in Africa.
• Dynamic team leader and team builder.
• Extensive professional network and demonstrated experience establishing public/private partnerships with multifaceted organizations.
• Effective writing, analytic, presentation and organizational skills.
• Ten years of related international health research management, grantmaking experience, along with a demonstrated proficiency in project management, developing and implementing activities, staff supervision, budget preparation and execution.
• Experience in infectious disease surveillance programs and diagnostics.
• Excellent verbal and communication skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in French is preferred.