Director of Research and Training
Rwanda
JOB DETAIL
Description
Position Title: Director of Research and Training
Reports to: Head of Knowledge and Social Medicine Division
Position reporting to: Associate Director -Training, Associate Director – Oncology Research, Research managers (all), SOCOMED Manager.
Base Location: Cross-site – Rwanda, based in Kayonza
Department: Clinical
Start Date: 1st August, 2024 or earlier
PIH/IMB
Partners In Health (PIH), known locally as Inshuti Mu Buzima (IMB), is a globally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality healthcare to underserved populations. Our mission is to deliver modern medical science to those most in need and offer a powerful antidote to despair.
In 2005, at the invitation of the Government of Rwanda, PIH began its transformative work in the country. Initially focusing on rebuilding the decimated healthcare infrastructure in three rural districts following the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi, PIH has since developed and implemented impactful, innovative, and scalable healthcare delivery models. Many of these models have been adopted nationwide, enhancing healthcare access and quality across Rwanda.Today, each PIH-supported hospital in Rwanda serves as a Center of Excellence in one of the following Clinical Areas of Focus:
- Oncology
- Maternal-Neonatal-Child and Adolescent Health
- Non-Communicable Diseases, Mental Health, and Surgery
PIH’s comprehensive approach includes significant investments in biomedical engineering, infrastructure, laboratory strengthening, and the capacity building of healthcare providers. These initiatives ensure that each PIH-supported district exemplifies the highest quality of care, serving as a model for the entire nation.
In partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), PIH advocates for evidence-based policy changes to improve access to superior healthcare for all Rwandans. As PIH’s work in Rwanda continues to expand, the organization is taking on immense challenges and leveraging its increased visibility to influence global healthcare standards.
This is a pivotal moment for PIH, and we are looking for dedicated individuals who share our mission and values to join our dynamic team. If you are passionate about transforming healthcare and making a tangible difference, we invite you to become a part of our journey.
Summary Role:
The Director of Research and Training is a full-time strategic leadership and management position overseeing all research and training functions at IMB. This role is intended to lead strategic investments in research and training that translate into improved clinical care programming, enhanced data management capacities, and the growth of IMB and partner capabilities to optimize the impact of our outputs. Additionally, the Director ensures that PIH’s work is both visible and impactful.
At IMB, the majority of our research focuses on implementation science, integrated into our clinical programs to ensure scientifically sound and systematically structured implementation that produces actionable data. These competencies are also essential for our innovative programs and other important research projects implemented by IMB. Ultimately, the goal is to establish an independent research function and structure that challenges patient care practices and scientific findings, influencing policy and practices towards equitable, world-class programs.
In this role, you will lead the development of research ideas, write grants, manage research projects, and support research implementation and capacity building. Additionally, you will develop frameworks, guidelines, and processes that support research conducted at PIH-IMB, while providing dedicated mentorship to PIH/IMB staff and supporting resource mobilization.
At IMB, our training program aims to support quality knowledge, skills, and experience sharing, ensuring that IMB employees and partners have the capacity to meet their responsibilities and grow their outputs innovatively and prospectively. The department also aims to structure its training programs as certified and accredited courses that achieve training objectives and intended competencies.
In this key role, you will be expected to have day-to-day interactions with IMB administrative and program leadership, frequent meetings with MOH/RBC, other national and international research agencies, individual researchers, and their institutes. You will provide leadership in legal, ethical, and program partnership interests.
Specific Responsibilities
Administration
- Provide guidance and support to the administrative functions (research implementation, grant management, budget management, and human resources) for both the research and training departments. This includes overseeing grant proposal submission, grant management, project implementation and management, budgeting, reporting, regulatory compliance, evaluations, assessments, and allocation of staffing and resources.
- Lead the development of frameworks, guidelines, and processes that enable the Research and Training functions to be carried out at PIH-IMB with excellence.
- Lead strategic planning, resource generation, and achievement of strategic goals for the research and training departments.
- Guide ongoing studies and trainings, and support the growth of the research and training portfolio.
- Support capacity development for direct and indirect reports, including training in data management, research methods and practices, data dissemination, and curriculum and supporting document development.
- Serve as the point person for planning, preparation, and implementation of large training and research projects, particularly those involving multiple partners or funding institutions.
- Lead and expand IMB’s strategic interests through partnership growth and management.
- Act as the IMB liaison with the National Health Research Council and Rwanda’s National Ethics Committee, facilitating study applications and providing guidance on policies and procedures.
Technical Focus
- Provide strategic leadership in qualitative and quantitative implementation research programs.
- Enhance the scientific rigor of IMB programs by generating and utilizing quality, accurate, and timely findings for data-driven decision-making.
- Ensure the growth of resource generation and management practices within both the training and research departments.
- Collaborate with program leads to identify strategic priorities for implementation research programs that strengthen programming.
- Participate in research studies in a technical role (analysis, study management, project oversight), as appropriate.
Qualifications
- A health profession/medical sciences degree (e.g., MD, nursing, dentistry) with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, health information systems, policy and management, or equivalent. A PhD is highly desirable.
- Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Fluency in French is an advantage.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint is essential. Experience with STATA or SPSS is a plus.
- Experience in clinical research coordination, literature review, academic writing, and basic data analysis.
- Experience in personnel management or mentorship is a plus.
- Proven experience in grant application and management.
- Excellent time-management and coordination skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Strong critical thinking and complex problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a diverse team, demonstrating humility, respect, and team spirit.
- Willingness and ability to work and live in rural settings.
- Commitment to living the values of PIH/IMB: Ubumuntu (Humanity), Ubupfura (Integrity), Ubwubahane (Respect), Ubunyangamugayo (Honesty), Ubumwe (Unity), Agaciro (Dignity), Kugira ishyaka (Passion).
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