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 ResponsibilitiesYou 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 outcomesDriving centre recruitment and participation, developing compelling engagement materials and managing the onboarding processEstablishing and leading the development of a robust national clinical data platform that meets international standardsNavigating ethics and regulatory processes, ensuring full compliance with POPIA and institutional requirementsDesigning and implementing quality monitoring and reporting systems that drive continuous improvementBuilding a strong academic and research outputs framework to maximise the programme's impactIdentifying and securing strategic partnerships and additional funding to sustain and expand the initiativeProviding regular, transparent progress reporting to the Steering Committee and stakeholders Building Data and Implementation InfrastructureYou will establish the foundational systems and processes required for success, including:Developing robust governance frameworks and managing contracting arrangementsSecuring ethics approvals and establishing comprehensive data governance protocols aligned with POPIA requirementsManaging site recruitment and onboarding to ensure smooth integration into the programmeDesigning and implementing clinical data systems that capture quality indicators and support evidence-based decision-makingCreating a research framework that enables collaboration and drives academic excellenceFostering strategic collaborations that enhance programme reach and capability Driving Standardisation, Accreditation and Regional ExpansionYou will position the programme for sustainable growth and regional leadership by:Developing a comprehensive quality and accreditation programme, including standards, implementation pathways, and clinical guidelinesCreating and executing an expansion strategy to bring additional centres and neighbouring countries into the programmeBuilding a research and clinical trials platform with associated training models and local expertise development initiatives Operational Planning and DeliveryDelivering a detailed 12-month implementation plan with clear timelines, defined responsibilities, and realistic milestonesIdentifying immediate priorities and securing the resources required to achieve themDeveloping comprehensive budgets for each phase and expansion activity Centre Recruitment and EngagementFinalising the priority centre list based on strategic criteria and programme objectivesCreating compelling centre engagement and onboarding materials that communicate the value proposition Governance and ContractingClarifying role descriptions and reporting structures to ensure clarity and accountabilityParticipating actively in contracting and governance discussions with key partnersConfirming working arrangements and establishing an effective South African presence Ethics and Data GovernanceReviewing and finalising ethics submissions (including Wits HREC) for the central databaseEstablishing comprehensive data governance protocols, POPIA compliance processes, and patient information frameworks Data Platform DevelopmentDefining the minimum dataset and quality indicators with appropriate numerators and denominatorsSpecifying technical requirements for OncoDB and REDCap integration into the central repositoryIdentifying data management needs and associated budget requirements Academic Framework and Research ExcellenceDeveloping a strategic publication and academic work plan that maximises the programme's research impact Funding Strategy and SustainabilityIdentifying and prioritising international and local funding opportunities aligned with programme objectivesPreparing a comprehensive funding strategy with a prioritised target list to ensure long-term sustainabilityYou 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.
