Director of Administration and Operations - Military HIV Research Program

Job Description

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Director of Administration and Operations to support activities based out of the US Embassy in Abuja, Nigeria.
The incumbent is responsible for the HJF/HJFMRI Ltd. Gte component of WRP-N admin and ops including but not limited to, staff supervision, finance, acquisitions, contracting, facilities, IT, travel, communications, and HR. Serve as the POC between the HJFMRI Ltd. Gte, the US Embassy in Abuja, and HJF program and home office stakeholders. This includes supporting activities and multiple stakeholder interests including MHRP, Research and PEPFAR, EIDB, and PMI Position is subject to required vaccination requirements as per the CDC, state and local authorities.

Responsibilities:

• Supporting the administrative and operations (A&O) of Walter Reed Project – Nigeria (WRP-N) by directly supervising all A&O Unit Leads: Finance, Acquisitions, Information Technology (IT), Human Resources (HR), Travel and Communications. Direct, coordinate and conduct HJFMRI and HJF personnel actions and furnish guidance and assistance as needed to all program staff. (20%)

• Closely engage and coordinate with Global HR to assess current and future A&O staffing and training needs and make recommendations to ensure adequate staffing levels and training. Assess local labor conditions and provide informed recommendations for employment packages as well as support for staff recruitment efforts.(20%)

• Provide A&O support to WRP-N in all aspects of coordination and communication with stakeholders: DoD, State Department (Inclusive of US Embassy), President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) , United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Overseas Strategic Counseling (OSC), Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other relevant USG (US Government) agencies.(20%)

• Assess current and future A&O staffing and training needs and make recommendations to ensure adequate staffing levels and training. Assess local labor conditions and provide informed recommendations for employment packages as well as support for staff recruitment efforts.(20%)
• Ensure United States and Nigerian government policies and regulations are followed. Review, amend, design, and develop Standard Operating Procedures where appropriate. Report to Program leadership on behalf of the WRP-N Country Director and Deputy Director as necessary and appropriate for program operations. (15%)
• Oversee execution of agreements, contracts, and legal issues with the assistance of Program and HJF Home Office. Provide senior oversight and accountability where appropriate for the HJF/Henry Jackson Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) Ltd. Gte component of WRP-N program. Represent HJF/HJFMRI Ltd. Gte in collaborative work meetings with third party, indigenous, private, educational, and/or Government of Nigeria ministries. (15%)
• Provide collaborative assistance to the other program personnel and research scientists that require the incumbent’s expertise. Maintain a safe work environment and support a productive team environment. Provide routinized mentoring and professional development support to all staff under his/her purview. (10%)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Administrative program management experience and training in international settings.
• Highly skilled and proficient inn managing procurement, finance, contracting and administrative policies.
• Knowledge of US Government procurement and contracting practices and policies – Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), etc.
• Demonstrated abilities in leadership and management of complex issues in a multi-stakeholder organization.
• Knowledge of medical research and development as well as PEPFAR implementing activities is preferred.
• Program management experience within a life science focused organization highly desired.
• Ability to communicate effectively, including excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to assemble and manage an interdisciplinary team; ability to interact with various governmental and non-governmental organizations and institutions across sectors.
• Ability to independently troubleshoot administrative and operational tasks and challenges to promote US best practice standards within the context of Nigerian culture.
• Ability to adapt in a high-pace work environment with multiple, and often competing expectations and directions from different stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel to sites is required.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree is required. Masters degree is preferred.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements: Minimum of 9 -10 years of work experience is required. Minimum of five years field experience preferred.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: PMP preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct authority to make decisions on the following: employee hiring, disciplinary action, starting salaries and merit increases; conduct employee performance evaluations and directs work activities.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.

About the Organization

HJF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike.

Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.