Programme & Operational Lead (12 Month Contract)

This is a pivotal leadership opportunity to drive the strategic vision and operational excellence of a transformative healthcare initiative. As the Programme & Operational Lead you will translate ambitious strategic objectives into a compelling executable implementation programme whilst maintaining accountability for day-to-day planning coordination and delivery. Working closely with the Steering Committee you will shape the future of clinical data infrastructure and research capability across the region.

Your Core Responsibilities

You will lead the end-to-end delivery of this strategic programme with particular focus on:

• Translating strategic vision into a detailed executable implementation roadmap with clear milestones and measurable outcomes
• Driving centre recruitment and participation developing compelling engagement materials and managing the onboarding process
• Establishing and leading the development of a robust national clinical data platform that meets international standards
• Navigating ethics and regulatory processes ensuring full compliance with POPIA and institutional requirements
• Designing and implementing quality monitoring and reporting systems that drive continuous improvement
• Building a strong academic and research outputs framework to maximise the programmes impact
• Identifying and securing strategic partnerships and additional funding to sustain and expand the initiative
• Providing regular transparent progress reporting to the Steering Committee and stakeholders

Building Data and Implementation Infrastructure

You will establish the foundational systems and processes required for success including:

• Developing robust governance frameworks and managing contracting arrangements
• Securing ethics approvals and establishing comprehensive data governance protocols aligned with POPIA requirements
• Managing site recruitment and onboarding to ensure smooth integration into the programme
• Designing and implementing clinical data systems that capture quality indicators and support evidence-based decision-making
• Creating a research framework that enables collaboration and drives academic excellence
• Fostering strategic collaborations that enhance programme reach and capability

Driving Standardisation Accreditation and Regional Expansion

You will position the programme for sustainable growth and regional leadership by:

• Developing a comprehensive quality and accreditation programme including standards implementation pathways and clinical guidelines
• Creating and executing an expansion strategy to bring additional centres and neighbouring countries into the programme
• Building a research and clinical trials platform with associated training models and local expertise development initiatives

Operational Planning and Delivery

• Delivering a detailed 12-month implementation plan with clear timelines defined responsibilities and realistic milestones
• Identifying immediate priorities and securing the resources required to achieve them
• Developing comprehensive budgets for each phase and expansion activity

Centre Recruitment and Engagement

• Finalising the priority centre list based on strategic criteria and programme objectives
• Creating compelling centre engagement and onboarding materials that communicate the value proposition

Governance and Contracting

• Clarifying role descriptions and reporting structures to ensure clarity and accountability
• Participating actively in contracting and governance discussions with key partners
• Confirming working arrangements and establishing an effective South African presence

Ethics and Data Governance

• Reviewing and finalising ethics submissions (including Wits HREC) for the central database
• Establishing comprehensive data governance protocols POPIA compliance processes and patient information frameworks

Data Platform Development

• Defining the minimum dataset and quality indicators with appropriate numerators and denominators
• Specifying technical requirements for OncoDB and REDCap integration into the central repository
• Identifying data management needs and associated budget requirements

Academic Framework and Research Excellence

• Developing a strategic publication and academic work plan that maximises the programmes research impact

Funding Strategy and Sustainability

• Identifying and prioritising international and local funding opportunities aligned with programme objectives
• Preparing a comprehensive funding strategy with a prioritised target list to ensure long-term sustainability

You will work autonomously whilst maintaining close collaboration with the Steering Committee demonstrating exceptional project management stakeholder engagement and strategic thinking throughout the 12-month contract period.

Qualifications :

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters degree in one of the following:
  • Public Health
  • Health Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Epidemiology
  • Health Informatics
  • Clinical Research
  • Healthcare Management
  • Business Administration (MBA)

Preferred Qualification

• PhD or equivalent advanced degree in a healthcare or research-related field.
• Formal Project Management qualification (PMP PRINCE2 MSP etc.).

Experience Requirements

Senior Programme Leadership

• 10 years of progressive experience in healthcare clinical research public health or health systems strengthening.
• 5 years leading large-scale multi-stakeholder programmes or national initiatives.
• Experience translating strategic objectives into operational implementation plans.

Healthcare and Clinical Research Experience

• Extensive experience working within:

  • Clinical healthcare environments
  • Academic medical centres
  • Research institutions
  • National healthcare programmes

• Strong understanding of:

  • Clinical registries
  • Research governance
  • Ethics approval processes
  • Data management systems

Additional Information :

Note: The list of tasks / duties and responsibilities contained in this document is not necessarily exhaustive.  Deloitte may ask the employee to carry out additional duties or responsibilities which may fall reasonably within the ambit of the role profile depending on operational requirements.

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We are committed to employment equity and building a diverse and inclusive workplace across the African continent. Our recruitment processes are aligned with our Employment Equity Plan and the principles of the Employment Equity Act. Preference may be given to candidates from designated groups.

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Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Contract