Program Manager, The George Institute Partnerships in Africa

• Casual opportunity
• Flexible contract period (potentially up to 8-months)
• Flexible working arrangements available
• Respected global research organisation
• Make an impact on global health outcomes

The George Institute (TGI) is 700+ people around the world, all focused on improving the health of millions of people worldwide. As a medical research institute affiliated with leading universities and with projects in approximately 50 countries, we are challenging the status quo in healthcare to:

• Find better treatments for the world's biggest health problems
• Transform primary health care to support better health for more people
• Harness the power of communities, governments and markets to improve health

Our innovative commercial enterprises help maximise our impact. Please visit 'what we do' to read more about how we are addressing the world's biggest health problems.

The George Institute has been able to achieve some impact in Africa through research collaborations that have arisen organically. With the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and injuries (NCDIs) on the continent, and an increasing government and donor funding to tackle NCDIs in Africa, formalised alliances and strategic partnerships in Africa will enable an increase in the impact and global reach of our research, products and services.

The guiding principles these formalised alliances will include creating and maintaining authentic partnerships with health researchers and institutions in Africa in a sensitive and respectful manner, enabling local capacity for addressing unmet needs. In line with the Institute’s other major research priorities of better treatments, better care and healthier societies, these partnerships will take a multi-faceted approach to improving the health of people in Africa (that is, through research, policy, and advocacy). 

This Program Manager opportunity has been established to provide support for TGI’s upcoming partnerships in Africa, facilitating internal coordination and engagement within TGI, as well as with external stakeholders.

Duties and Key Responsibilities

• Identifying and managing a database of key relationships between TGI-based researchers and African partners, to assist in the implementation of activities in line with the guiding principles for this initiative
• Building and maintaining key stakeholder relationships with external organisations working in Africa including:
  • Negotiating a formal partnership agreement with an African research institution (initial discussions have already happened between TGI and a potential partner in Africa)
• Building and maintaining key stakeholder relationships with internal teams
  • Work with the Advocacy, Thought Leadership, Communications teams, and Operational excellence team to support Africa related activities
  • Writing a business case for the initiative for beyond FY22 and regular reporting to the Research & Investment committee
• Organise (conceptualise and implement) thought leadership/engagement events (e.g. webinars, face to face sessions, coffee with series, panel discussions) aimed at increasing awareness for our research projects in Africa, as well as identify mutual learning needs for TGI and partners in Africa.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

• Background and expertise in health and medical research and/or health policy
• Experience in project management
• Strong presentation and communications skills
• Experience working in multidisciplinary teams, managing relationships with external partners, and engaging with internal stakeholders
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and with a variety of teams.

 The closing date for applications is Tuesday 16th November 2021. We do, however, reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found.