Project Manager, BrainSTART, Brain and Mind Institute

Project Manager, BrainSTART

Department
Brian and Mind Institute, East Africa

Introduction
Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous, and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents. An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network, AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact, and access.

The Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) is a trans-AKU entity that seeks to build capacity in the domains of mental health and neuroscience. In collaboration with partners, the Institute is advancing research leadership capacity and support service delivery across East Africa and South Asia, and other regions served by the AKU. The Institute supports a hub for scholarship exchange and action on mental health issues, as well as educational, clinical, and community-based programs. BMI's research focuses on the context of today's youth in Africa and South Asia, while our programmatic offerings address mental health related and brain health issues, including stigma and resiliency. A significant area of interest is the implementation of science-based programing in hospital and community settings that translate new discoveries into prevention and treatment programs.

Job Purpose/Summary 

The research Project Manager role, supervised by Principal Investigator(s), orchestrates the entire research project(s) lifecycle, from initiation to closeout. They meticulously plan, execute, and monitor project(s) activities, ensuring alignment with objectives and timelines. Through stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, risk management, and efficient communication, they navigate challenges and facilitate collaboration. Ultimately, their efforts culminate in successful project(s) closeout, delivering valuable insights that advance the Brain and Mind Institute's mission of promoting brain health and mental well-being

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Study pre-implementation Phase

• Create a comprehensive project(s) plan outlining timelines, milestones, tasks, and responsibilities.
   
• Identify key stakeholders, including team members, collaborators, project(s) sites, regulatory bodies, and participants.
   
• Ensure accurate translations/transcriptions through QA review.
   
• Obtain necessary approvals from ethics committees and regulatory authorities.
   
• Identify potential risks and challenges associated with the research project(s) and develop mitigation strategies.
   

• Set up communication channels and protocols for regular updates, meetings, and reporting.
   

  Study Implementation Phase    

• Implement the project(s) plan by overseeing and coordinating all project(s) activities according to established timelines and milestones.
   
• Allocate and manage project(s) resources, including budget, personnel, equipment, and materials, to support project(s) activities.
   
• Monitor and track project(s) progress against predefined metrics, milestones, and deliverables to identify any deviations or issues.
   
• Coordinate and facilitate communication and collaboration among project(s) team members, ensuring alignment with project(s) objectives and tasks.
   
• Maintain regular communication with stakeholders, including sponsors, collaborators, and regulatory bodies, to provide updates on project(s) progress and address any concerns.
   
• Ensure compliance with ethical, regulatory, and institutional requirements throughout the duration of the project(s).
   
• Identify and address any issues, challenges, or risks that arise during project(s) implementation in a timely and effective manner.
   
• Monitor project(s) budget and expenses, tracking spending against budget allocations and identifying any variances or discrepancies.
   
• Implement quality assurance and control measures to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and validity of research data and results.
   
• Maintain detailed documentation of project(s) activities, decisions, and outcomes, including meeting minutes, progress reports, and correspondence.
   
• Manage project(s) communications and reporting, including regular updates, status reports, and dissemination of project(s) findings to stakeholders.
   
• Continuously evaluate project(s) performance and outcomes against predefined objectives and criteria, making adjustments or revisions as necessary to ensure project(s) success.
  Study Close Out Phase    
• Ensure all project(s) documentation is complete and accurate.
   
• Conduct a final evaluation of the project(s) to assess achievements and identify areas for improvement.
   
• Ensure all regulatory requirements are met for project(s) closure.
   
• Coordinate financial activities to close project(s) budgets and reconcile expenses.
   
• Disseminate project(s) findings and outcomes to relevant stakeholders.
   
• Establish organized and accessible archives for project(s) documentation and materials.
   
• Conduct a session to capture lessons learned and insights for future project(s)s.
   

Educational Qualifications

• Preferred\: Master's level training (or higher) in a health science field.
   
• Acceptable related disciplines\: Psychology, Neuroscience, Data Science, Biomedical Sciences, Global Health, Public Health, or other fields with demonstrated relevance to mental health and brain research.
   
• Additional certification in project management (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent) is an advantage.

Relevant Experience

• Minimum 3 years' experience managing research projects, ideally in mental health, neuroscience, or clinical/biomedical research.
   
• Proven track record in multi-site, multi-partner project coordination, including hospitals, universities, and community-based research.
   
• Experience with scientific and operational management of international projects is desirable
   
• Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research ethics, and human subjects' protection.
   
• Experience supervising research staff and coordinating capacity-building activities.
   
• Educational or experiential knowledge of psychological and neuropsychological test administration

Personal Characteristics & Behaviour

• Ethical Conduct\: Commitment to upholding ethical standards and integrity in research practices, including confidentiality, data protection, and participant welfare.
   
• Cultural Sensitivity\: Awareness of and respect for cultural differences, with the ability to navigate diverse environments and collaborate effectively across cultures.
   
• Organization\: Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain efficient workflows to meet project(s) timelines.
   
• Communication Skills\: Clear and effective communication (English and Kiswahili) with team members, stakeholders, and collaborators, both verbally and in writing.
   
• Analytical Thinking\: Capacity to analyze complex information, interpret data, and draw meaningful conclusions to inform project(s) decisions and strategies.
   
• Flexibility and Adaptability\: Willingness to adjust plans and strategies in response to changing project(s) needs, unforeseen circumstances, or new information.
   
• Attention to Detail\: Thoroughness in reviewing project(s) documentation, data, and reports to ensure accuracy and quality.
   
• Team Collaboration\: Capacity to work collaboratively with diverse teams, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
   
• Resilience\: Ability to remain composed under pressure, handle setbacks or failures constructively, and persist in achieving project(s) goals.