The Makerere University-Johns Hopkins (MU-JHU) Research Collaboration | MU-JHU Care Limited, a Kampala–based equal opportunities Clinical Research and Service Delivery Organisation with more than 350 employees is seeking an interested, committed and reliable senior professional with the described qualifications to apply for the position of Director Strategic Planning and  Partnerships in support of MU-JHU Care Ltd studies/programs to be implemented in Kampala, Uganda.

Job Title:      Director Strategic Planning and Partnerships

Reports To:  Executive Director

Job Location: MU-JHU Research House, Upper Mulago Hill Road, Kampala.

Description and purpose: 

The successful person will be responsible for identifying and managing strategic partnerships within the health research, care and funder fields in Uganda and abroad, including managing the grants portfolio and serving as a lead liaison and advocate on behalf of MU-JHU with major funders and partners and ensuring regular and effective communications for a wide range of stakeholder communications.  

Required qualifications and profile:

A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Development, Public Health, Public Policy, Finance, Business or Public Administration. The candidate will demonstrate a minimum of seven years successful experience in strategic planning, grant solicitation, grant management and stakeholder relations in the clinical research and/or health care field in Uganda or a similar setting. General management and communications experience, including project and personnel management, is essential. The candidate should be a self-starter with exceptional communication skills, both written and oral, well-developed interpersonal skills and presence to interact at the most senior corporate, funder and academic levels, experience in strategic planning and in identifying and evaluating potential partner relationships with related organizations. Proven success in resource solicitation and management, funder cultivation and acknowledgement, skilled in general management, including personnel management, basic knowledge of clinical research with a focus on the improvement of the health and well-being of women and children. Knowledge of HIV, TB and vaccine preventable infectious diseases would be an advantage. High level ability to implement short- and long-term goals, ability to foster a cooperative work environment, sensitive to cultural issues and language differences, proficiency in computer systems are core skills. Advanced proficiency in use of Microsoft applications, desktop publishing and willing to travel and work irregular hours will be added advantages.

The holder of this position will work under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, and will be responsible for the following duties:

 Strategic and Operational Planning and Development

• Consult closely with the Executive Director and Core Management Team to identify areas for strategic program and related infrastructure (space, equipment, resources) expansion that are consistent with the goals and objectives of the organization.
• Design, develop and implement short and long term resource development plans and strategies that make possible both the strengthening of the specific programs/components of MU-JHU core competencies (across Research, Program Services and related Capacity/System Strengthening) as well as expansion into approved strategic directions and niches.
• Work closely with the MU-JHU Executive Director and Board in developing and reviewing high quality MU-JHU Strategic plans over 5 year cycles.
• Working in support of the MU-JHU Executive Director, liaise with all stakeholders to ensure the interests of these major stakeholders are appropriately reflected in MU-JHU planning.
• Regular communicate the elements of the Strategic Plan to the Division Directors/Senior Management and coordinate the annual operational planning and reporting cycle aligned to this Strategic Plan.
• Analyse, prioritize and pursue funding opportunities among the potential funders that are consistent with the goals and objectives as defined in the Strategic Plan.
• Identify and address critical knowledge and skill gaps in middle, senior and executive management staff related to strategic and operational planning processes.

Grants portfolio, partnership and communications leadership

• Lead in the development and implementation of the Strategic Resource Generation component of the MU-JHU Strategic Plan.
• Leads in the formation and implementation of policies regarding development and resource generation.
• Serve as the Authorised Business Official and lead the MU-JHU grants administration office including supervision of the Grants Administration Manager and grants and contracts portfolio. 
• With MU-JHU Executive Director, prepares regular reports on development activities and status funder-defined projects underway.
• Represents MU-JHU management at various community, funder, stakeholder and board meetings.
• Ensure MU-JHU communications reflect MU-JHU’s strategic plan and promote visibility with MU-JHU’s diverse stakeholders including supervision of the Communications Specialist and communications portfolio.  

Risk management

• Work closely with the Board, Executive Director and Director of Administration and Finance to establish and resource effective risk management processes including internal controls and with appropriate separation of duties and accountability to the Board.

Applications with complete C.Vs, including 3 referees and their full addresses or contact Tel No.’s, copies of academic certificates and testimonials, should be sent by email to hr[at]mujhu.org or hand delivered to: MU-JHU Human Resource Manager, through the reception on first floor, MU-JHU 1 Building – not later than January 15, 2021 by 5.30pm. Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.