African Genomics Centres of Excellence (GenCoE) Coordinating Centre Lead

Jhpiego Rwanda is supporting the implementation and operational coordination of the African Genomics Centres of Excellence (GenCoE) initiative, a collaborative effort aimed at advancing ethical human genomic data sharing and strengthening precision medicine and translational genomic research across Africa.

The African Genomics Centres of Excellence (GenCoE) Coordinating Centre Lead will serve as the central coordinating figure for collaboration across institutions, stakeholders, and industry partners. The position will play a key role in advancing ethical human genomic sequence data sharing to support precision medicine and translational genomic research across Africa.

Based in Rwanda and funded through the GenCoE initiative, the Coordinating Centre will oversee and support Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and Developing Centres of Excellence (DCoEs) through strategic and operational leadership.

The Coordinating Centre Lead will support activities including:

• Development of policies related to genomic data and sample sharing, intellectual property, and informed consent.
• Oversight of standardization processes for genomic data and sample collection.
• Coordination of training initiatives to strengthen local genomic research capacity.
• Translation of genomic research findings into policy frameworks within the African Union, local governments, and industry applications.
• Oversight and administration of RFA/RFP processes for Bioinformatics Core activities and CoEs/DCoEs.
• Coordination of governance structures including the Advisory Board, Executive Steering Committee, Steering Committee, and Financial Oversight Body.
• Driving implementation of the GenCoE strategy and monitoring progress toward strategic goals.

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to genomic Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and Developing Centres of Excellence (DCoEs).
• Support GenCoE leadership in identifying, recruiting, and onboarding key staff for the Coordinating Centre, including the Financial Manager, Human Resources Officer, Training Manager, Program Manager, Communications Officer, and Administrator.
• Develop and implement frameworks for secure, transparent, and ethical genomic data sharing.
• Ensure compliance with global standards, including data privacy regulations, informed consent protocols, and ethical guidelines.
• Foster collaborations that promote diversity and inclusion in genomic research.
• Oversee governance policies to safeguard sensitive genomic information while enabling scientific discovery.
• Prepare and manage donor reports, publications, presentations, and stakeholder communications.
• Represent the Coordinating Centre at meetings, conferences, and external engagements.

• Advanced degree (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) in genomics, bioinformatics, genetics, public health, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of 10–15 years of experience managing large-scale research programs or multi-stakeholder collaborations, preferably in genomics or life sciences.
• Strong understanding of human genomic data sharing policies, frameworks, and implementation challenges.
• Familiarity with global regulatory requirements including GDPR, informed consent procedures, and ethical standards in genomics.
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams and projects.
• Familiarity with genomic databases, biobanking systems, and bioinformatics tools.
• Knowledge of global genomic diversity initiatives and precision medicine programs.
• Demonstrated success building collaborations across academic, healthcare, government, and industry sectors.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making within complex research environments

The closing date for the vacancy is Friday, June 19^th, 2026 at 5 pm

Note:

Jhpiego is an equal opportunity employer. It does not discriminate in employment because of age, religion, tribe, race, color, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, military status, marital status, family responsibility, station of life, political opinion, health (includes HIV/AIDS, pregnancy), socioeconomic status, or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Employment and promotion for any position are based on an individual’s qualifications and merit. Jhpiego does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, orientation or any other fees).