Overall, Purpose of the Job

The Project Manager – SYMBIOVECTOR Project will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of a novel vector control research and development initiative at icipe. The role involves managing research activities, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with project timelines, and liaising with national and international stakeholders. The Project Manager will work closely with the Principal Investigator and key project partners to facilitate the advancement of the SYMBIOVECTOR project. This includes project planning, financial oversight, field operations management, stakeholder engagement, and results dissemination.

The Project Manager will be responsible for monitoring and evaluation, ensuring adherence to research protocols, and managing regulatory approvals related to novel vector control interventions. The role also involves financial and logistical oversight to ensure efficient resource allocation and budgetary control. In addition, the Project Manager will support proposal development for resource mobilization.

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 Management

• 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

• Master’s in public health, entomology, epidemiology, vector biology, environmental science, project management, or a related field.
• At least 8 years experience working in a relevant field.
• Experience gained in Vector control / Public health in either a research organization or university.

Other Desirable Attributes

• Contributes to internal and external relations with stakeholders in relation to the scope of their activities.
• Experience in managing and supervising staff.
• High degree of problem-solving, planning, and control.
• Contributes to internal and external relations with stakeholders in relation to the scope of their activities.
• Ability to work with multi-disciplinary groups.
• Strong relationship-building skills and ability to adapt to changing circumstances while working with a variety of personalities and priorities and multi-disciplinary groups.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.