Unit Director at South African Medical Research Council

The SAMRC seeks to appoint a UNIT DIRECTOR for a Unit based in Cape Town but serving the national interest, who will lead, manage and expand the research portfolio of Heath Systems Research, Universal Health Coverage, NHI and Evidence Synthesis within the SAMRC.

The position calls for the leadership of a portfolio of Health Systems multidisciplinary research, involving generating ideas and protocols for novel research, building and leading collaborative teams, national and global networking, income generation, leading evidence synthesis and research studies, guiding and mentoring staff, writing of peer-reviewed publications, disseminating research findings to relevant stakeholders and building relationships with key stakeholders locally, nationally and globally. Building recognition as a global leader in an aspect of Health Systems research.

The successful candidate for this position will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to HSRU, developing and implementing a programme of cutting-edge health systems research and evidence synthesis to support developments within the South African health system, including NHI, with an integrated transformation, capacity and skills development programme and diversity management for HSRU staff, promotion of responsible conduct of research, risk management, and to ensure that the business of the Unit is aligned to the SAMRC mandate, legislative and policy mandates and strategic goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Lead and manage all aspects of the Health Systems Research Unit and its research programme and staff in line with SAMRC objectives.
• To build networks locally, nationally and globally to support the dissemination of research, evidence syntheses and guidelines to maximise impact on health and health/health service policy and practice.
• Development and implementation of a strategic approach to Unit leadership.
• Applying governance principles throughout the Health Systems research unit.
• Driving the transformation agenda of the HSRU Unit.
• Write and secure grants and contracts to undertake research prioritised for the Unit.
• Stakeholder Management and scientific research.

KEY REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE:

• A PhD in Epidemiology or Public Health. MBChB would be an advantage.
• At least 10 years research experience.
• Knowledge of the South African health system and cutting-edge developments in the policy arena thereof, and issues in health systems globally
• Knowledge of research methods in Health Systems, Evidence Synthesis, Epidemiology, Public Health, Health Economics or a related field
• At least 2 years’ experience in management.
• Acknowledged as an expert both nationally and internationally in an area of the field of Health Systems research and/or evidence synthesis
• NRF rating or evidence of international recognition in a focal area within Health Systems research and/or evidence synthesis.

Evidence of having:

In research

• Led a programme of research (at any time having multiple conceptually linked projects) in an area of health systems research and/or evidence synthesis
• Written successful research grant applications to support a research programme
• Designed and led health systems research and/or evidence synthesis projects
• Presented research findings to international and national conference audiences
• Led papers published in peer-reviewed journals, with multiple publications as a first author

In capacity strengthening

• Strong interest in capacity strengthening
• A track record of capacity of emerging scientists through graduating students and training staff in relevant research methods

Stakeholder engagement

• A track record of working effectively with the National DOH, Provincial Departments, other relevant government departments, international partners, funders and other stakeholders to include health sector policy and services, understand national and regional health system research priorities and disseminate research evidence
• Strong engagement with national and regional HPSR priorities

Leadership

• Leadership and scientific experience within internationally and nationally recognized research settings
• Problem-solving

Human resource and financial management

• Excellent interpersonal relations and communication skills
• Experience in leading a unit or department
• Staff management experience
• Financial and risk management experience

The SAMRC offers a highly competitive, all-inclusive remuneration package, which is negotiable depending on experience and qualifications.