Unit Chief Operating Officer UCOO. MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit. Up to 80,000 per annum. Unit Director (and dotted line to LSHTM COO)

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION AND PERSON SPECIFICATION POST: DIVISION/DEPT/UNIT: GRADE: REPORTS TO: TYPE Unit Chief Operating Officer UCOO MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit Up to 80,000 per annum Unit Director (and dotted line to LSHTM COO) Full-time, permanent GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health. Our mission is to is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice. Founded in 1899, the School has expanded in recent years at its two main sites on Keppel Street and Tavistock Place. Our staff, students and alumni work in more than 150 countries in government, academia, international agencies and health services. Research income has grown to more than 110 million per year from national and international funding sources including UK government and research councils, the European Union, the Wellcome Trust, Gates Foundation and other philanthropic sources. The School s multidisciplinary expertise includes clinicians, epidemiologists, statisticians, social scientists, molecular biologists and immunologists, and we work with partners worldwide to support the development of teaching and research capacity. Our education provision has expanded to more than 1,000 London-based Master's and Research students, 3,000 studying postgraduate courses by distance learning, and 1,000 each year on short courses and continuous professional development. Our free online courses (MOOCs) are studied by more than 30,000 participants globally. The School performs well in various global university league tables. In the US News Best Global Universities Ranking 2017, we are ranked sixth in the world (together with Oxford University) in the fields of social sciences and public health. In the 2016 CWTS Leiden Ranking, the School was ranked fifth in the world for research impact across all disciplines, based on the share of institutions outputs within the top 1% of papers by citation in all areas of science and independent of size of output. The School was named University of the Year 2016 by Times Higher Education, in recognition of our response to the Ebola epidemic. The School is a member of the M8 Alliance of Academic Health Centres, Universities and National Academies, the Association of Schools of Public Health in the European Region, and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health. Page 1 of 7

2 ABOUT MRC/UVRI & LSHTM UGANDA RESEARCH UNIT (MRCU) The Unit was established in 1988 following a request from the Ugandan Government to the UK Government for assistance with research and control of HIV/AIDS. The Unit s main administrative and laboratory centre is based on the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) (Uganda Ministry of Health) campus in Entebbe. There are two key field stations at Masaka (peri-urban) and Kyamulibwa (rural) and a clinical/social science research facility in Kampala (urban) - the Mengo clinic. A new Uganda medical informatics centre (UMIC) was established on campus, in collaboration with the Wellcome Sanger Centre through a supplementary infrastructure award in The Unit, led by Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, receives an MRC core investment grant which supports five research programmes. The Unit provides a multidisciplinary concentration of scientific expertise and it has developed excellent and unique infrastructure and expertise. These include exceptional cohorts and population resources, with associated longitudinal data, and high quality facilities and capabilities in epidemiology, genomics, immunology, virology and bioinformatics. Whilst these resources have been developed to tackle the HIV epidemic, these are now offering opportunities for an expanded research scope including other infections and non-communicable diseases. The Unit has a close working relationship with the Uganda national programmes in HIV/AIDS, and a direct channel of communication to the Ministry of Health being embedded in UVRI, which provides significant opportunity for immediate policy impact and practice change. The unit has moreover harnessed its collaborations and expertise to contribute actively to the new research endeavours around outbreak pathogens including Ebola, Zika and Rift Valley Fever. THE ROLE This is a unique opportunity for an experienced manager to join the Unit, at an exciting time in its history. Since 1 st February 2018, MRCU has been part of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. The role holder will be expected to be a vital linchpin in further building the synergies in this new relationship. The Unit has a turnover of in excess of 5m per annum and employs core funded MRC staff, theme/programme leaders from LSHTM and other UK institutes and 400 locally employed staff. The Unit is looking for a leader who can develop the Unit internally and grow the Unit s profile externally amongst both the research and non-research communities. Building on the new integration with LSHTM to delivery of transformational change, thereby ensuring the Unit is structured to meet the research challenges of the changing health needs in Uganda, the East African region and globally. The Unit is supported by a substantial MRC grant and also has a growing portfolio of additional research grants. JOB PURPOSE Reporting directly to the Director, with accountability to the LSHTM COO, the role holder will be an integral member of the Unit s Senior Management Team, Head of the local Operations group and a member of LSHTM Management Board, the UCOO will be a high profile internal leader, responsible for the effectiveness and development of operational delivery at the Unit. The UCOO must also develop an external profile, building and maintaining the links critical to the delivery of the Director s research vision, consolidating and building on the opportunities of the LSHTM integration and the development of the Unit at local, national and international levels, increasingly networking with other research establishments in sub-saharan Africa. The UCOO is responsible for providing support and advice to the Unit Director in his leadership and management of the Unit. The post-holder leads and manages the Unit s operational services Page 2 of 7

3 (financial, administrative, HR, IT, technical and support departments) as well as ensuring governance and accountability in line with LSHTM and MRC policy and Ugandan legislation. The role also oversees logistics, procurement and project management. With accountability for the budget the role holder must be excellent at planning, resource management and managing capital investment. The UCOO is expected to develop and maintain positive and collaborative working relationships with local and international scientists working within the Unit and externally on the UVRI campus, at African Universities and research centres, within LSHTM and beyond. The UCOO is the senior focal point for financial/administrative/non-scientific technical communication with LSHTM and is expected to monitor and ensure compliance with applicable governance at the Unit. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader with a proven track record of operational delivery, creative problem-solving and transformational management to join the MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit at an exciting time. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES MANAGEMENT Advise and support the Unit Director in the leadership and management of the Unit, and in making efficient and effective use of all resources. Support the Director in delivering the 5 year scientific vision and strategy. Plan and lead organisational transformation to develop the capacity of the non-scientific support functions. Report and work closely and collaboratively with the LSHTM COO and the appropriate Directors of Professional Services. Membership of LSHTM Management Board Ensure the effective delivery of operational activities. Develop continuous improvement systems within the operational functions of the Unit. Foster partnership working within the Unit, while enhancing autonomy and self-reliance, across all sites at a team and individual level. Take managerial responsibility for all non-scientific operations. Ensure and develop effective internal and external management communications. Proactively lead, manage, mentor and develop staff under his/her responsibility, using a supportive and collaborative approach, monitoring and evaluating results. Ensure, within LSHTM and MRC policies and local statutory requirements that arrangements for career structures, pay and reward and other benefits are optimal to recruit and retain the workforce required to deliver the scientific strategy. Provide leadership and management in all aspects of the technical, business support and infrastructure activities. Manage significant projects and the capital investment plan. Ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Clinical Diagnostics Laboratories Services and other research functions. To include horizon scanning for technical developments, equipment requirements, succession planning and the management of service delivery. Act as a champion for initiatives such as staff wellbeing, mental health and equal opportunities. Page 3 of 7

4 FINANCE, COMPLIANCE AND GOVERNANCE Lead strategic financial planning, and maintain oversight of the Unit s overall budgetary resources (both from LSHTM, MRC and external funders), including planning, monitoring and reporting, in line with LSHTM and MRC policies and reporting timeframes. Ensure high standards of compliance and research governance in areas including: Health and Safety Data Security and data management Risk Management Intellectual Property Local legislative and statutory requirements Responsible for coordinating and maintaining business continuity plans. Support strategic planning for external funding applications, and ensure subsequent effective grant management and oversee the research support office. PARTNERSHIP AND COMMUNICATIONS Represent Unit Leadership at a variety of internal and external fora with staff, national Government, academic institutions and the international sector. This will include deputising for the Unit Director if required. Develop and maintain a collaborative, cooperative culture, between research groups, cross Unit research functions and administrative and operational activities. Plan, develop and oversee the Unit s communication and public engagement function. Oversee the research contractual agreements and relationships with external donors and stakeholders. The above list is not exhaustive and additional other duties, commensurate with this senior role, may be required. REPORTING LINES The UCOO reports directly to the Unit Director. The UCOO has a dotted line accountability to the LSHTM COO The UCOO has the following line management/functional responsibilities Clinical Diagnostics Laboratories Services Finance HR (including training and development) IT Facilities (encompassing Estates, Security, Field Stations, H&S and procurement) Grant Support Office (including Contract Management) Communications (Internal and External) Page 4 of 7

5 GENERIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIED OF ALL MRC/UVRI & LSHTM EMPLOYEES This job description reflects the present requirements of the post but may be altered at any time in the future, as duties and responsibilities change and/or develop providing there is full consultation with the post-holder. The post-holder will carry out any other duties, tasks or responsibilities as reasonably requested by the Director or COO. The post holder will be responsible and accountable for ensuring all School policies, procedures, regulations and employment legislative requirements are adhered to including equality and diversity and health and safety. This job description is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder. The specific objectives of the postholder will be subject to review as part of the individual performance review (appraisal) process. CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS The UCOO will be expected to support the Unit Director and in association with LSHTM COO to ensure effective leadership and management of the Unit. Responsible for the management and planning of operational services, the post holder will ensure compliance with policies and procedures, manage Unit budgets, and assist the Unit Director in planning and implementing the business strategy for the Unit. The post holder should have experience of delivering transformational change, and be able to evidence strategic alignment and optimal service delivery and organization. The post holder will be a strong strategic and operational manager and will need to be highly credible leader. Direct reports and teams will look for inspirational leadership, so candidates should evidence staff development, creativity and autonomy. The UCOO will be based at the research facility in Entebbe, but will also spend time at the field stations. The successful candidate will be employed by LSHTM on UK Contract terms and conditions. The post holder will report to Unit Director for the delivery of operational services. Where appropriate the post holder will work jointly with members of the LSHTM Management Board, in the development and delivery of the Unit s objectives and requirements. As well as the unique personal and professional opportunities this role presents, you will be rewarded with generous overseas allowances, accommodation provision, annual flights home and relocation support and other benefits including excellent holiday entitlement and a final salary pension. Page 5 of 7

6 PERSON SPECIFICATION Qualifications The successful candidate should have: Essential/ Desirable Tested by* A relevant first degree Essential A Additional qualifications such as a higher degree or relevant professional qualifications in key areas of responsibility Desirable A Accounting experience and qualifications Desirable A, I Background, Experience & Knowledge The successful candidate should have: Clear operational delivery experience, ensuring efficient and effective systems and practices are in place Essential A, I Proven strategic business planning and project management experience Essential A, I An ability to deputise for the Director and support his vision Essential A, I Experience of representing an organisation at the highest level externally. This will include relationships across the Unit s sites, as well as funding bodies and international research collaborators Essential A, I Delivery within governance structures relevant to scientific research, the UK public sector, and comprehensive understanding of statutory requirements Essential A, I Political sensitivity and cultural awareness, with understanding of the particular challenges of research within an East African setting Essential A, I Experience of working in a senior management role in an academic, medical or health research enterprise; a scientific background Desirable A, I Skills & Competencies The successful candidate should demonstrate: Proven senior leadership and management skills at a similar level, exercised in challenging situations Essential A, I Demonstrable experience of leading, planning and coordinating change and transformation Essential A, I Excellent inter-personal and negotiating skills, with an ability to nurture internal and external partnerships across different sites and departments Essential A, I Strong strategic financial planning and commercial focus Essential A, I The ability to present ideas and information in a clear and persuasive manner Essential A, I Good written and verbal communications skills including the ability to succinctly provide information for briefings etc Essential A, I SALARY AND CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT The post is full-time and permanent. The salary is up to 80,000 per annum The post will be subject to the LSHTM terms and conditions of service. Annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year, pro rata for part time staff. In addition to this there are discretionary Director s Days. Membership of the Pension Scheme is available. Page 6 of 7

7 Applications should be made on-line via our website at Applications should also include the names and contacts of 2 referees who can be contacted immediately if shortlisted. Online applications will be accepted by the automated system until 10pm of the closing date. Any queries regarding the application process may be addressed to jobs@lshtm.ac.uk. Please quote reference MRC-MRC The supporting statement section should set out how your qualifications, experience and training meet each of the selection criteria. Please provide one or more paragraphs addressing each criterion. The supporting statement is an essential part of the selection process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered. An answer to any of the criteria such as "Please see attached CV" will not be considered acceptable. Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date it may not be possible to offer you an alternative date. ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION STATEMENT The School will comply with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, which requires all employees to provide documentary evidence of their legal right to work in this country prior to commencing employment. Candidates will be required to a copy of their passport (and visa if applicable) to HR prior to their interview and if appointed will be asked to bring the original documents in to be copied and verified before their start date. Applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK will be considered alongside other applications. Applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK will have to satisfy UK Visas & Immigration regulations before they can be appointed. Further information about Certificate of Sponsorship and eligibility to work in the UK, can be found at: Page 7 of 7