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Associate Director Strategy and Planning, Cancer Center, Haematology/Oncology

Entity

Aga Khan University

Location

Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

The Aga Khan University is a pioneering institution of higher education whose mission is to improve the quality of life in the developing world and beyond, through world-class teaching, research, and healthcare delivery. AKU educates students for local and global leadership from campuses and teaching hospitals in six countries, primarily in Asia and Africa. Aga Khan University generates new knowledge to solve problems that affect millions of people, especially the most vulnerable. The University is a private, not-for-profit institution and part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) - (https://the.akdn/en/home)

About the AKU Cancer Center
The Aga Khan University Cancer Center promotes translational research that contributes to multi- disciplinary, high quality oncology care that is patient-centered, evidence based, and research oriented. The mandate of AKU’s Cancer Center is to train and support a new generation of oncologists and cancer researchers in East Africa and to equip them to engage in innovative clinical trials geared towards reducing cancer morbidity, mortality and disparity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Cancer Center boosts one of the few Clinical Research Units (CRU) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The CRU was established in 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic as part of the Experimental Therapeutics Program of the Cancer Center. International clinical trials have historically not been conducted in Sub-Saharan countries with the exception of trials of infectious diseases. The CRU successfully transformed that paradigm; starting with no clinical trials conducted at AKUHN in 2020, today we have over 16 studies conducted with a recruitment of over 500 participants over the past 4 years.

Responsibilities

  • Strategic Planning: Lead the development and execution of the Cancer Center's strategic plan; identify and integrate trends in cancer research and clinical trials into initiatives; facilitate partnerships in research; oversee stakeholder engagement with faculty, staff, patients, and external partners; and engage pharmaceutical partners to advance clinical trial activities
  • Administrative Leadership: Oversee Cancer Center operations to ensure efficiency; mentor administrative staff, fostering excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Program Development and Implementation: Drive the creation and evaluation of new programs in cancer research, clinical trials, and prevention, ensuring they meet the established goals
  • Clinical Research Unit (CRU) Leadership: Provide strategic leadership for the CRU core facility; engage pharmaceutical sponsors to enhance clinical trial acquisition; collaborate with stakeholders to meet research needs; and implement policies promoting ethics, quality, and compliance
  • Strategy Execution: Translate strategic plans into actionable projects, developing metrics to monitor progress
  • Partnerships and External Relations: Build relationships with research partners, donors, and government agencies; represent the Center in institutional planning and community engagement efforts; and secure funding through grants and philanthropy
  • Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure regulatory compliance and risk mitigation for operations and strategies.
  • Leadership and Culture: Promote the Center’s values, fostering a patient-centered, inclusive, and innovative environment for staff and faculty.

Requirements

  • A PhD in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or related field with at least 5 years of experience in leadership in a clinical research environment; or 
  • An MD with clinical research experience and a leadership position in a clinical research unit for not less than 5 years; or
  • A Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Public Health, or related field, with at least 8 years of experience in senior leadership in a clinical research environment; or
  • A bachelor’s degree in a Clinical or Health related field with at least 10 years of experience in strategic management in the area of clinical operations, clinical research, and clinical trials
  • Proven experience in strategic planning, administration, and operations management in a clinical research environment in academia or pharma;
  • Strong financial acumen and experience with budget management
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and manage large, multidisciplinary teams
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills; and
  • Knowledge of oncology care, clinical research, and clinical trials operations

Desired Personal Characteristics and Behaviour
  • Strategic and visionary thinker, adept at translating complex ideas into actionable strategies.
  • Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
  • Collaborative and team-oriented, committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
  • High level of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical standards.

To Apply

​If you meet the above listed criteria for this position, please email your Application Letter, a detailed Curriculum Vitae, and the contact information of three professional referees, addressed to: The Senior Manager, Executive Search, Human Resources, Aga Khan University at hr.recruitment@aku.edu to reach us no later than close of business on 29th November, 2024.

You MUST quote the title of the position (Associate Director Strategy & Planning, Cancer Center, AKU) in the subject line of your application email, and in the reference line of your cover/application letter.  

No hard copy applications will be accepted. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

The Aga Khan University is an equal opportunity employer. Canvassing or direct lobbying to be recruited will construe to an automatic disqualification.


Applications should be submitted latest by November 29, 2024