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SOUTH AFRICAN MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL (SAMRC)
 
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation’s health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research.  It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression.  The organisation prides itself on six values: pioneering, partnering, excellence, respect, integrity and citizenship.
 
The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment. Should no feedback be received within 30 days of the closing date, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.
 
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: GRANTS, INNOVATION AND PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
5-year contract position
Unit/Directorate: Grants, Innovation and Product Development
Region: Cape Town Office
 
Closing date: 26 March 2021
 
The SAMRC Grants, Innovation and Product Development (GIPD) Directorate is at the heart of health research, innovation and development. This is achieved by funding of grants that lead to the development and transfer of innovative health products, medicines, therapeutics, devices, diagnostics and supporting services that create the opportunity for major improvements in health and healthcare. These objectives are accomplished through strategic, multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional partnerships and programmes, facilitated by an understanding of the South African Burden of Disease to ensure that Health research and development (R&D) addresses the health priorities of the country.
 
In order to drive and prioritize health innovation within the SAMRC we are seeking an Executive Director (ED) who will strategically manage the R&D funding, to enable the SAMRC to fund and support cutting edge research that impacts on the lives of South Africans. This ED will also seek funding and partnerships, manage and fund multidisciplinary innovation projects aimed at developing new diagnostics, medical devices, vaccines and drugs.
 
The GIPD ED will also be required to build strategic partnerships with research institutions, industry, government and international communities for the development and driving of innovations and to build potential income stream from its programs. The ED needs to create an alignment between all SAMRC external funding sources and maximize synergies with regards to innovation, continuity and review process to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used optimally.
 
 
Areas of responsibilities:
  • Implementation of a Health Innovation Strategy
  • Contribute to the leadership of the SAMRC in ensuring the long-term sustainability of health research development and innovation in South Africa
  • Securing and providing funding for health innovation and technology development
  • Lead the facilitation and transfer of SAMRC innovations derived from research activities
  • Execute executive leadership & management duties
  • SAMRC Strategic Plan and Annual Performance Plan items relating to GIPD.
  • Reporting to the SAMRC President & CEO, and work closely with the executive team to ensure that SAMRC fulfils its strategic goals
  • Risk Management
  • Any role that may be assigned by the line manager
 
 
Knowledge and skills required:
  • A strong network in academia and industry
  • A global network of finding partners preferable
  • Risk management
  • A good understanding of the PFMA and treasury regulations
  • Managing a broad range of (senior) stakeholders
  • Leading and managing sizeable budgets and staff
  • Communication, networking, influencing and persuading skills and the ability to gain respect through personal credibility, integrity and professionalism
  • Evidence of establishing research networks to grow programmes/platforms
  • Driving the development and commercialisation of products and services
  • Developing and maintaining strong ties with innovators and researchers
  • Familiarity with South African research institutions including HDIs 
 
Qualifications and experience
  • MBCHB or PhD (preferable in the life sciences)
  • Proven track record of fund-raising for health research
  • A minimum of six years' working experience in a similar role
  • Business related studies (an MBA or equivalent) would be preferable
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The SAMRC offers a competitive, all-inclusive remuneration package that will be negotiated in accordance with qualifications and experience.
 
In accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender and disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply.
 
PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R349A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS
 
Your application must be accompanied by certified copies of your ID and your highest University qualifications.
 
Please forward applications, comprising a full CV, covering letter of motivation outlining the reasons for your interest in the post of Executive Director: Grants, Innovation and Product Development and contact details of three referees by mail to Mrs Lee-Anne Louw, Human Resources Division, SAMRC, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505; or e-mail: recruitment@mrc.ac.za.