Job opportunities at the MRC

Project Officer

EDCTP Secretariat
Cape Town
1 Year Contract

The European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) is a not-for-profit organisation with a European office in The Hague, Netherlands and an African office in Cape Town, South Africa. EDCTP is a partnership between European and African countries to accelerate the development of new clinical interventions against poverty-related diseases (HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis) in Africa which includes drugs, vaccines, microbicides and diagnostics. The organisation supports clinical trials, capacity strengthening and networking in Africa and Europe. Visit www.edctp.org for more information.

This career opportunity is ideal for a well seasoned individual who has excellent skills in project management with a scientific research background and international experience. The appointee will be employed by the Medical Research Council but seconded to the Africa office of the EDCTP.

Overall job function: The Project Officer will be part of the Calls and Grants team. The main function for this position involves administrative management of ‘calls for proposals’ functions and project management activities. The position will also require engagement with other teams in both EDCTP offices in order to contribute to the broader organizational strategic objectives and performance.

This function involves the following responsibilities: • managing the administration of the ‘calls for proposals’ process (this includes organisation, management and preparation of reports for scientific peer reviews for grant applications) • overseeing the finalisation of grant agreements in liaison with grantees, EDCTP Legal and Finance Departments • monitoring the administrative progress of EDCTP supported projects • serving as one of the main EDCTP contacts for applicants, grantees and peer reviewers • monitoring grants by using bespoke systems, including compliance and audit procedures • providing support to the EDCTP constituencies or advisory boards • contributing towards EDCTP publications such as annual technical reports • the Project Officer will primarily work with the Calls and Grants team and report to the EDCTP Director South-South and Head of Africa Office.

Qualifying competencies: • a Bachelor’s or Master’s university degree or equivalent in a life/medical/pharmaceutical science • at least 3 years’ research or project management work experience • knowledge of, and/or experience in, peer review processes • excellent project management skills and experience in writing scientific and business memos and reports • knowledge of, and practical experience in, MS Windows and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc) • familiarity with database systems, especially Microsoft Access • excellent organisation skills and attention to detail • excellent verbal and written communication skills in English • ability to prioritise and maintain a good balance between speed and accuracy for all deliverables • willingness to work long hours when necessary in order to meet deadlines. Demonstrable knowledge on the developments in the relevant scientific fields (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria) will be advantageous.

Employment conditions: • the employee will be stationed at the EDCTP Secretariat in Cape Town, South Africa • applicants must have a valid working permit for South Africa complying with the Medical Research Council of South Africa’s employment requirements • award and remuneration conditions will be in line with EDCTP employment terms • EDCTP has a multicultural work environment and uses English as the office language.

Reward and remuneration conditions will be in line with EDCTP’s employment terms

The MRC fully subscribes to the principles of Employment Equity and these principles will be applied in the appointment for this position. Disabled persons are welcome to apply.

Closing date: 20 August 2010

PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER: R236 IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS.  CERTIFIED COPIES OF YOUR ID AND HIGHEST FORMAL QUALIFICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THIS APPLICATION. SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT CONTAIN THESE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS, IT WILL UNFORTUNATELY NOT BE CONSIDERED.

If you do not hear from us within 30 days of the closing date,
kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.

The MRC retains the right not to make an appointment.