Managing Director, Center of Excellence in Military Health Research

ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

Comprising 26 hospitals and multiple medical service centers, the Ministry of Defense Health Services (MoDHS) is the second largest healthcare provider in Saudi Arabia after the Ministry of Health. The MoDHS healthcare system not only serves active-duty military personnel, but also retired personnel, military families and dependents. In addition, the network also supports civilians as and when referred by other healthcare systems.

The Scientific Research Center within the MoDHS plans, coordinates, conducts and manages the research portfolio of the MoDHS. Realizing the need for a stronger scientific base to significantly improve patient outcomes, the MoDHS is in the process of enhancing the current research center into a Center of Excellence in Health Research with vastly expanded capability, resources and infrastructure. The new CoE in Health Research (Research CoE) will:

• Serve as the central authority for military health research for the MoDHS ecosystem under the General Directorate of Health Services (GDHS) and as a nationally leading center for Clinical Research,
• Lead the development and oversight of clinical research in a range of national priorities,
• Establish and operate the required research infrastructure including physical and technology infrastructure,
• Oversee workforce development through structured training, certification, and fellowship programs,
• Promote research and innovation, across the ecosystem and build key partnerships,
• Lead dissemination of research outcomes and translation into clinical practice, and
• Enable national research alliances for achievement of its strategic goals.

ABOUT THE JOB

This is a rare opportunity for a senior, highly accomplished healthcare research and innovation  leader to establish enduring legacy as a founding co-leader of a high-impact military health research institution in Saudi Arabia. As a Joint Managing Director of the envisioned Center of Excellence, and advisor to MoDHS Leadership on health research, the candidate will work closely with the appointed Managing Director (Saudi national) and take shared responsibility of the establishment and operation of a world-class Center.

• Location: MoDHS, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Contract type: Full-time (preferred); Part-time acceptable only if the candidate is already in the Middle East region and is willing to travel to Riyadh to spend 2-3 days every week in Riyadh.
• Contract Duration: (6 months initially, with a view to become a 2-to-3-year long engagement) 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as an executive coach and mentor to the appointed Managing Director, while simultaneously taking joint responsibility and accountability for the establishment and operation of the MHCoE.
• Shared responsibilities may include, but not be limited to:

1. Develop and implement a robust strategy to achieve the leadership’s vision for excellence in military health research,
2. Evaluate and elevate the operational excellence and overall performance of the MoDHS research and innovation system,
3. Strategic audit of all functions, including research planning, budgeting, intermural and extramural research funding, research execution, infrastructure management, dissemination of research results etc.,
4. Identify and engage leading institutions around the world as strategic partners,
5. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess and improve operational performance, and
6. Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure seamless integration of operational functions across the organization.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate must:

• Have demonstrated leadership in establishing and managing a reputed health research center (military health research center experience is preferred)
• Hold advanced degrees such as PhD/ MD/ D.Sc. etc. with extensive research experience.
• Have at least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in health related research, including 8+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Demonstrate extensive research experience, with a focus on military medicine, infectious diseases, trauma, or related areas (preferred).
• Have leadership experience in research institutions, academia, or government agencies and membership in professional organizations,
• Display strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and motivate dynamic teams and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Possess data-driven decision-making skills and experience managing complex organizations.
• Be flexible and adaptable to thrive in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Be able and willing to engage in a fixed (6 month) contract initially with a view to engage for a longer period of 2-3 years.
• Be fully vested in building leadership capability locally through hands-on coaching and mentoring.