Overall Purpose of the Job
The Project Manager
will provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Human
Health theme and more specifically the SYMBIOVECTOR Project—an innovative,
multi-institutional research and development initiative aimed at advancing
next-generation vector control solutions at icipe. This role is pivotal in
driving the execution of a high-impact scientific program with global health
relevance, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, donor
expectations, and regulatory frameworks. The incumbent will lead complex
programmatic functions including multidisciplinary team coordination, strategic
planning, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive implementation across diverse
field and laboratory settings. Acting as the principal operational liaison
between the Principal Investigator, internal teams, donor agencies and national
and international collaborators, the Project Manager will ensure the project
delivers scientific, technical, and policy-relevant outcomes on schedule and
within budget.
Key responsibilities include oversight of program monitoring and evaluation systems, compliance with scientific and ethical standards for novel biological interventions, and governance of regulatory approvals across multiple jurisdictions. The Project Manager will also steward financial and logistical operations, optimize resource utilization, and contribute to sustainability planning, including coleading resource mobilization and proposal development efforts with the research leadership.
Specific Duties
Project Planning and
Implementation
- Develop and oversee the project work plan, ensuring timely
delivery of milestones and objectives.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to
evaluate project progress and impact.
- Ensure compliance with international research ethics,
biosafety regulations, and national guidelines.
Team Leadership and Coordination
- Co-ordinate multidisciplinary team of researchers, field
staff, and administrative personnel.
- Assign roles, set performance expectations, and provide
mentorship to team members.
- Facilitate knowledge-sharing among project partners and ensure
seamless coordination between different workstreams.
Financial and Resource
Mobilization and Management
- Work with the project PI to develop proposals for continued
grant funding.
- Develop and manage the project budget, ensuring optimal use of
resources.
- Track expenditures and prepare financial reports for funding
agencies and internal stakeholders.
- Oversee procurement processes for field equipment, laboratory
supplies, and logistics.
Stakeholder Engagement and
Partnerships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders,
including national malaria control programs, regulatory bodies, funding
agencies, NGOs, and community leaders.
- Facilitate collaboration with local and international research
institutions for knowledge exchange.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and
Reporting
- Ensure robust data collection, analysis, and interpretation to
assess project outcomes.
- Lead the development of technical reports, publications, and
presentations for scientific and policy audiences.
- Provide regular progress updates to funders, government
agencies, and internal leadership.
Risk Management and
Troubleshooting
- Identify potential project risks (e.g., logistical,
regulatory, environmental) and implement mitigation strategies.
- Address project challenges proactively, adjusting plans as
necessary to maintain momentum.
- Ensure adherence to best practices in vector control,
biosafety, and ethical research conduct.
Requirements/Qualifications
- Masters in public health, entomology, epidemiology, vector
biology, environmental science, project management, or a related field.
- At least 6 years’ experience working in a relevant field.
- Experience gained in Research management, Vector control, and
Public health in either a research organization, company or university.
Core Competencies
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management
skills.
- Proactive problem-solving and sound decision-making abilities.
- Excellent skills in report preparation and presentation.
- High level of organisation, adaptability, and ability to
prioritise effectively.
How to Apply
