Chief Executive Officer (Africa Research Excellence Fund) at MRC Laboratories, The Gambia

The Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF) is a charity established in 2015, whose primary purpose is to provide professional opportunities for talented health scientists in Africa. For further information on AREF, please visit https://www.africaresearchexcellencefund.org.uk. 

The AREF team is hosted by the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine in The Gambia. We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced researcher or research management professional to lead the development and nurturing of the next generation of African Researchers as Chief Executive Officer of AREF based in The Gambia. The post-holder will be responsible for implementing the strategic direction of the charity as set by the Board of Trustees and develop its profile and reputation. You will develop, monitor and oversee innovative Awards and Academy programmes designed to build health research capacity across Africa. You will take responsibility for all operations, ensuring high standards and legal and regulatory compliance are maintained. 

Essential requirements: 

• PhD in a relevant science subject.
• Proven and strong track record of success at a senior level in an organisation.
• Significant senior level experience of health research funding or senior experience of research capacity development or researcher development.
• Proven record of health research.
• Proven track record of raising funds.
• Exceptional networking and relationship-building skills, preferably with international partners.
• Strong public speaker and inspirational communicator at all levels.
• The ability to inspire others on the importance of creating opportunities for Africans to undertake health research in Africa. 

An attractive salary and package commensurate with the qualifications and experience will be paid to the successful candidate. 

Please note that the salary will be paid in Dalasi. 

In addition, a generous displacement package will be provided for displaced staff including rent-free furnished accommodation, flights, displacement allowance for spouse and children, contribution to school fees for children and shipment of personal effects. 

We cannot accept applications from individuals who are currently, or were in the last six months, employed by The Gambia Government. 

The appointment is for 3 years initially and renewable by mutual agreement subject to a probationary period of 6 months.  

To apply, please visit www.mrc.gm to download an application form and job description for the role. 

Completed application forms and relevant documents should be sent by email via the ‘Apply’ button above.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 14^th July 2023. 

MRCG at the LSHTM is an equal opportunities employer and operates a strict no smoking policy. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.