Grants Administration International Network (GAIN) Program

Program Description

This Grants Administration International Network (GAIN) Program, developed by administrators from the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health (VIGH) and Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) [USA] in partnership with administrators from major foreign collaborating sites, promotes effective leadership in grants management by guiding administrative leaders in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in strengthening competencies to successfully administer sponsored projects, lead grant administration teams, and develop grants administration training programs at their institutions. In an age of increasingly dynamic and complex funding agency regulations, comprehensive grant management leadership and management skills are necessary to support research, faculty development, and organizational development.  

This program aims to strengthen the leadership skills of university and NGO grant administrators who have funded programs in collaboration with VUMC. Through an active learning course structure, participants will develop core pre- and post-award leadership competencies to increase their effectiveness as grant administrators.

Please note that the Vanderbilt GAIN training is an intensive 2-part course that involves both asynchronous learning through the materials herein and synchronous training with a participant cohort that supplements these materials. The items shared here are not meant to serve as standalone training, and only participants who complete all aspects of the GAIN training (both asynchronous and synchronous) will be considered for certification.

Program Structure

The Grants Administration International Network (GAIN) Program is designed to support active grant administrators to become administrative leaders. The program is taught through classes that will explore advanced topics in sponsored project management. Class topics will be introduced and discussed and case studies and other activities will be used to illustrate different competencies. These classes are designed to be interactive, and attendees are expected to participate in all group discussions and activities as well as complete the assigned readings and activities prior to the workshop.

The GAIN program will be separated into two components: 

  • Part 1 (Pre-award grants administration and team management) occurred in November 2021
  • Part 2 (Post-award grants administration and financial and regulatory compliance) occurred in May 2022

Program Readings and Activities

The GAIN program follows a flipped classroom model. Participants will be provided readings and videos to watch before each weekly class. Synchronous class time will include group discussion, case studies and/or panel presentations. Readings and activities for each class are expected to be completed before each class. They will be discussed and used as examples in the session, so it is mandatory that all participants are prepared. Some readings are marked as “Optional” and participants are encouraged to read those at their own pace. Instructors may use these readings as time allows. Following GAIN certification, participants will be granted access to all course materials in order to modify and replicate training at their respective institutions.

  • Schedule

    GAIN PART I

    Date/Time (Virtual)

    Introductions/ Tech check

    2 November

    8:00-9:00AM CST

    15:00-16:00 CAT

    Class 1

    9 November

    8:00-10:00AM CST

    16:00-18:00 CAT

    Research Office Introduction: Models, Roles, and Responsibilities

    Establishing Connections Between Principal Investigators and Research Professionals

    Class 2

    16 November

    8:00-10:00AM CST

    16:00-18:00 CAT

    Grant Lifecycle, Finding Funding, Understanding Funding Announcements

    Grant Components, Basic Proposal Development, Submission and Timelines, Submission Portals

    Class 3

    23 November

    8:00-10:00AM CST

    16:00-18:00 CAT

    Funding Agency Registrations, Biosketches, Other  Support

    Budget Basics and Allowable Costs

    Class 4

    30 November

    8:00-11:00AM CST

    16:00-19:00 CAT
    1. Cross-cultural Communication and Team Management
    1. Project Tracking Tools and Assessment of Progress
    1. Establishing Team Training Systems

    Welcome and Tech Check slide desk (password protected)

    Class 1: The Research Enterprise: Administrative Roles and Support Models

    Objectives: 

    • Discuss the goals and the research administrator's role in the research enterprise.
    • Discuss Research Office examples: Models, Roles and Responsibilities 
    • Discuss administrative support models- establishing relationship between principal investigators and research professionals

    Description: This class serves as a broad overview of grant administration support models and the roles and responsibilities of key players in the research enterprise. Attention will be given to participant’s grants administration practices and grants office models and time will be provided for self-reflection and group discussion activities. Participants will discuss their definitions of and experiences with grants administration and support models. Participants will evaluate different skills needed to work effectively with investigators as well as identify their personal roles and responsibilities and areas for enhancement in their organization’s research support system.

    Pre-Session Activities: 

    • Required readings (see below)
    • Prepare to discuss your organization’s research support structure in small groups

    Required Readings:

    Optional Readings:

    Class Slides

    Class 2: Pre-Award 1: Grant Lifecycle, Finding Funding, Understanding FOAs, Grant Components, Basic Proposal Development, Submission and Timelines, Submission Portals

    Objectives:

    • Understand the grant lifecycle
    • Know which organizations fund grants and their funding strategies
    • Understand where to find funding opportunities
    • Know how to read and understand an FOA
    • Understand grant components required for submission
    • Understand the proposal development process and how to create a timeline for your submission
    • Know the different online portals to submit a grant

    Description: This class will focus on tools and knowledge to support pre-award grants administration. The first part of class will be spent learning about the grant lifecycle, grant funders and their research priorities, portals to find funding opportunities, and understanding how to read and FOA. The second part of class will focus on the logistics of submitting a grant: grant components, timelines, and portals for submission. There will be a focus on NIH grants. Participants will practice reading FOAs, developing grant timelines, and discussing strategies for successful submissions. 

    Pre-Session Activity: 

    • Watch (2) required videos (see below)
    • Read (1) required readings (see below)

    Activities: 

    • Understanding Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs) activity
    • Discussion: Grant Submission Best Practices

    Required Readings/Videos:

    Optional Readings/Videos:

    Class Slides:

    Class Resources:

    Class 3: Pre-Award 2: Funding Agency Registrations, Biosketches, Other Support, Budget Basics and Allowable Costs

    Objectives: 

    • Discuss various funding agency registrations and learn how to register your institution
    • Understand the components of an NIH biosketch and how to create and optimize them 
    • Understand how to develop an NIH Other Support document
    • Understand the basics of grant budgets and development
    • Be able to differentiate between allowable and unallowable costs for funding sources

    Description: In the first part of this class, we will focus on understanding three essential components of grant submission and administration: funding agency registrations, biosketches, and other support. These components are critical for NIH grants but also utilized for some other US Government funding agencies. Participants will review the registration processes and practice developing competitive biosketches and accurate Other Support documents. The second part of this class will focus on the basics of grant budgets and how to determine whether costs are allowable for various funding sources. 

    Pre-Session Activity: 

    • Read two (2) required readings (see below)
    • Register with login.gov (see instructions below)
    • Secure a curriculum vitae (CV, resume) from an investigator at your institution - we will develop these into NIH biosketches together during the class

    Activities:

    • Activity: Check your institution’s registration status
    • Activity: Build and optimize an NIH biosketch from an existing CV 
    • Quiz: Costs- allowable or not?

    Required Readings and Resources:

    • “Other Support” for applications submitted after January 25, 2022.

    Follow instructions to create a Login.gov account: Create Your Account

    Class Slides:

    Class 4.a.: Cross-cultural Communication & Team Management

    Objectives: 

    • Understand cross-cultural communication challenges & tips for addressing them
    • Develop self-awareness of unconscious biases & microaggressions. 
    • Discuss team management & consider key support areas of influence

    Description: In this module, participants explore the challenges often faced in cross-cultural communication. Participants will develop self-awareness of their personal workstyle as well as unconscious biases and tendencies towards microaggressions. Through a panel of diverse research administrators, case studies and discussions, they will develop strategies to improve cross-cultural communication efforts and tips to combat unconscious biases. Time will also be dedicated to team management and four key areas of support to improve team effectiveness. 

    Pre-Session Activity: 

    • Watch (2) required course videos (see links below)
    • Complete the Communication Styles Questionnaire (see link below)

    Activities:

    • Discussion on results from Communication Styles Questionnaire
    • Cross-cultural communication panel
    • Discussion on level of influence over team management

    Required videos: 

    Class Slides: 

    Class 4.a.: Cross-cultural Communication & Team Management

    Class 4.b.: Project Tracking and Evaluation of Progress

    Objectives: 

    • Understand the importance of planning for project tracking and its role in proposal writing
    • Introduce metrics to evaluating progress and team effectiveness
    • Build awareness of several existing tools for project tracking 
    • Consider time management needs and explore approaches for efficiency 

    Description: In this module, participants will explore the role project tracking has in the pre-award process, diving deeper into metrics used to assess progress toward project milestones (e.g. workplan, work breakdown structure, and indicators). Participants will share experiences in project management, unpacking the challenges faced in tracking progress and sharing tips and tools for improved efficiency.

    Pre-Session Activity: 

    • Watch (3) required course videos

    Activities:

    • Review the role project tracking plays in proposal writing
    • Discuss SWOT analysis and participant feedback related to their team
    • Understand levels of Gantt chart structure for project tracking
    • Explore metrics for project progress based on workplan and indicator review
    • Review online project management tools
    • Discuss time management

     Required videos: 

    Class Slides:

    Class 4.b.: Project Tracking and Evaluation of Progress 

    Class 4.c: Establishing Internal & External Training Systems

    Objectives: 

    • Aid participants in designing their approach to applying this training material toward future trainings at their institutions
    • Build awareness of existing models for tracking research team training needs
    • Explore the potential need for internal employee training systems and standard operating procedures to ensure high turnover rates do not negatively impact upon the project

    Description: This module examines the need to establish training systems for utilizing the skills from this workshop and sharing them with faculty/ staff/ students (external training) as well as training within our teams to account for turnover and maintaining institutional memory (internal training). Participants will apply their local context toward assessing training needs and planning for next steps upon completion of this training series.

    Pre-Session Activity: 

    • Watch (1) required course videos

    Activities:

    • Exploration of key elements of planning a training event
    • Discussion on participant training experiences 
    • Consideration of training systems
    • Discussion on knowledge management

     Required videos: 

    Class Slides:

    Class 4.c: Establishing Internal & External Training Systems

     

  • Schedule

    GAIN PART II

    Date/Time (Virtual)

    Class 1

    3 May

    8:00-11:00AM CST

    Understanding NOGAs, Just-in-Time process, Other Support

    Monitoring of Sponsored Programs; Indirect Costing Principles

    Class 2

    10 May

    8:00-11:00AM CST

    Finances, Decision making/integrity, Basic financial reporting, Allowable costs, Contracting processes (prime/sub), Procurement/shipments

    Effort reporting and salary scales

    Class 3

    17 May

    8:00-11:00AM CST

    Overview of USG Compliance Rules

    FFR, Audit, Closeout

    Class 4

    24 May

    8:00-11:00AM CST

    RPPR

    Project Tracking & time management

    Class 5

    31 May

    8:00-11:00AM CST

    Graduation Ceremony and Debrief

     

    Class 1: Understanding NOGAs, Just-in-Time process, Other Support Monitoring of Sponsored Programs; Indirect Costing Principles

    Objectives: 

    • Understand Just-in-Time (JIT) requirements and how to respond to the funder, focus on NIH
    • Understand how to read and interpret a notice of award (NOA), focus on NIH
    • Understand NIH Other Support documents, how to develop and maintain them
    • Understand roles and responsibilities of key players responsible for sponsored programs monitoring and discuss organizational models.
    • Understand best practices and internal controls for monitoring of sponsored programs and discuss common pitfalls. 

    Description: Session 1 will give participants an overview of the processes associated with receiving a grant award, with a focus on the NIH process. The class will review the Just-in-Time (JIT) process, NIH Other Support documents and new requirements, and understanding the components of a notice of award (NOA).  

    Session 2 serves as a broad overview of sponsored programs monitoring and the roles and responsibilities of key players responsible for monitoring. Attention will be given to participant’s grants administration practices and time will be provided for group discussion activities.

    In-Class Activities:

    Class Resources:

    Class Slides:

    Class 2: Finances, Decision making/integrity, Basic financial reporting, Allowable costs, Contracting processes (prime/sub), Procurement/shipments; Effort Reporting, Salary scales

    Objectives: 

    • Understand budget components
    • Understand allowable and unallowable costs
    • Understand US Federal regulations and cost principles and where to find them
    • Understand monitoring requirements for management of sponsored programs
    • Understand the sub-award process and identify monitoring best practices
    • Understand effort reporting policies
    • Discuss common pitfalls and best practices related to management of effort reporting
    • Review challenges and discuss solutions in salary scale creation/ adjustment

    Description: This class will focus on tools and knowledge to support post-award grants administration monitoring. The first part of class will be spent learning about financial best practices and monitoring and compliance regulations. The second part of class will focus on managing effort reporting and creation of an appropriate, context-specific salary scale. There will be a focus on USG-funded grants. Participants will participate in case studies, practical exercises, and group discussions. 

    Required preparations: 

    • Confirm if your institution has an effort reporting system, and come prepared to discuss.
    • Confirm your institution’s salary/ payment scale for faculty and staff.

    Required videos:

       Additional Reading

       Additional Video

       Additional Resources

    Class Slides

    Class 3: Overview of USG Compliance Rules, Basic RCR/GCP training, Public Access, COI, Data Privacy FFR, Audit, Closeout

    Objectives: 

    • Discuss USG regulations and identify where to find them
    • Understand NIH Conflict of Interest policy and organizational and individual level compliance; Discuss organizational COI policies 
    • Understand NIH Public Access Policy and discuss best practices and tools for managing compliance
    • Understand Policies related to Human Subjects Research and discuss best practices and tools for managing compliance
    • Understand NIH Data Privacy regulation changes and discuss how it impacts global research partnerships
    • Understand the components of a Federal Financial Report (FFR) and best practices for completing FFRs
    • Understand the steps required for project closeout and the roles and responsibilities of key players responsible for project closeout
    • Understand audit requirements and standard procedures for internal and USG federal audits. Discuss organizational audit policies and practice. 

    Description: The first part of the class will focus on key USG and NIH policies and compliance pertinent to global collaborative projects.  The second part of the class will explore FFRs, closeout, and audit regulations and best practices. Participants will participate in group discussion.

    Pre-Session Activities: 

    Class Slides:

    Class 4: RPPRs; Project Tracking and Time Management

    Objectives: 

    • Understand the required components of an RPPR
    • Understand how to complete and submit an RPPR as a prime awardee
    • Understand common issues with RPPRs and how to address them
    • Understand the importance of routine project tracking 
    • Review indicators use to evaluate progress 
    • Review Gantt chart and practice creating one
    • Review online project tracking and practice Asana

    Description: Session 1 will focus on the NIH Research Performance Progress Report (RPPR). We will review the components of an RPPR, understand how to complete and submit an RPPR, and go through common issues awardees face with RPPRs and how to address them.  In Session 2, participants will explore the role project tracking has in the post-award process, diving deeper into metrics used to assess progress toward project milestones (e.g. indicators and workplan monitoring). This training will include hands-on practice in building a Gantt chart as well as operating the online project tracking application, Asana. Overall, participants will share experiences in project management, unpacking the challenges faced in tracking progress and sharing tips and tools for improved efficiency.

    Pre-Session Activities: 

    Class Slides:

    Class Resources:

    Class 5: Training Systems, Graduation Ceremony and Debrief

    Class Slides: Establishing Training Systems

  • hollyHolly Cassell, MPH (Assistant Director for Collaborations and GAIN Course Director, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health), has 18 years of pre- and post-award administration experience developing and directing global public health grants and programs in academic institutions. She is the founder and director of VIRDE, Vanderbilt’s highly successful annual grant development and ethics workshop for LMIC faculty. She has trained and mentored grant administrators from Africa and Asia and she has experience conducting training workshops in grant writing and administration.



     

    headshotMarc Crosby, MBA joined Vanderbilt in 2014 and leads the Business Education Research team.  His primary focus is on process improvement within the research community at Vanderbilt.  His focus is on Grant and Research compliance and the classes he teaches include the Financial Foundations DMS series, Leadership classes, VPRAD, eSMART, Clinical Trials Reconciliation, Direct Charge Guidelines, and Effort Reporting. Marc's experience prior to joining Vanderbilt includes 8 years working in Higher Education where he served as Campus President, Campus Director, Director of Finance, and Finance Manager for proprietary colleges throughout the Southeast.

     

    shaneShane Crounse, Ed.D., M.S. (Principal IT Project Manager- Vanderbilt Office of Sponsored Programs), is a research administrator, trainer, and IT project manager with 20+ years of experience at research universities and academic hospitals. Shane leads the technology team within the Vanderbilt Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP). He also teaches in the Vanderbilt Program in Research Administrator Development (VPRAD), a 12-week long, immersive training program covering all major areas of research support and compliance for Vanderbilt research administrators.

     

     

    headshotVanessa du Preez (Core Risk Management, Wits Health Consortium) - 2022 marks 24 Years with Wits Health Consortium. Over the years Vanessa has built meaningful professional relationships with many of the Principal Investigators of the almost 190 Divisions / Research Units under the Wits Health Consortium Banner. Vanessa leads the Core Risk Management department team, who is responsible for compliance, risk, audits, and assessments including sub-award assessments and banking. Vanessa is skilled at Grant Compliance and Risk Management demonstrating competency with USAID, NIH, CDC, EU and various other donors. Vanessa does site audits, including advising and training sites on controls required regarding the complex rules and regulations pertaining to the various sponsors.
     

    annAnn Green, MPH (Lead Program Manager and GAIN Course Director, Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health) is a public health professional with over 16 years of global health experience in 10 countries in Africa, South America, and Asia. She has led pre- and post-award grant administration as well as program implementation and evaluation at both community and health facility levels, managing projects funded by the NIH, CDC, USAID, WHO, UNICEF and several other non-governmental organizations. Her current focus is on training and education in the areas of grant administration, research utilization, research ethics, implementation science, medical simulation and lab capacity in LMICs, and research on HIV, TB, viral hemorrhagic fevers and respiratory viruses.

     

    donnaDonna Ingles, MS, MPH (Associate Director of Research Development, Office of the Vice Provost for Research, Vanderbilt University and GAIN Course Director) has more than 15 years of pre- and post-award experience in research administration, development, and implementation, including domestic and international drug and vaccine clinical trials and training programs. She currently manages programs in partnership with international collaborators in 20+ countries in Africa, South and Central America, and Asia.


     

    headshotLinda Kampata, BSN MPhil International Health (Faculty - University of Zambia, School of Public Health), is a public health professional with 13+ years of work experience as a manager and researcher. She has extensive pre- and post-award administration expertise at research universities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Linda has managed a portfolio of local and international technical assistance, cooperative agreements and grant projects funded by CDC, EU, WHO, NIH and others. She is passionate in building capacity of health care professionals in LMIC and has research interest on maternal and adolescent health, research ethics, health systems, and evaluation of health programs.


     

    hiliaryHilary Vansell Riley (Senior Program Manager and GAIN Course Director, Vanderbilt Tuberculosis Center) received her Master’s in Healthcare Management in 2017 and has 7 years of experience managing international research programs in 8 countries. She has successfully supported TB and HIV researchers at Vanderbilt and international partner sites through program and grants management, new grant submissions, and strategic development of research priorities. She has extensive financial and grant management experience, including many NIH grants.

     

     

    headshotAlfiado Seventine, (Administrator, University Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique) trained in the UK (Liverpool, School of Tropical Medicine), and Kenya (National Academy of Science) on  European grants mechanisms and holds a degree in accounting and auditing. Before his current role, Alfiado held positions of an accountant, auditor, grants manager and head of the Finance Department at the University Eduardo Mondlane. In these roles, he gained experience in grants management (Pre-Award and Post Award) in South Africa, the USA and Mozambique for USA grants (NIH, USAID, NIAID, PEPFAR, and National Academy of Sciences. In addition, as a finance officer on ASCEND Project from Crown Agents, dealing with Neglected Tropical Diseases in Mozambique, he acquired experience working with UKAID, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Children’s Investment Founds Foundation (CIFF).

  •      
    ademeyo   Adeniyi Ademeyo, BSc Psychology and Post Graduate Diploma In Education (Project Manager- Vanderbilt/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria) is a seasoned administrator with more than 16 years of experience in management positions with a focus on the development of policy, enhancement of processes and increased funding. He has achieved success through strength in prioritizing, commitment, decision-making and stewardship of all resources. With a background in Psychology and Educational Administration and Planning, he has proven his mettle as an administrator and an achiever. Adeniyi currently works as a Program Manager on the Vanderbilt-Nigeria Research Administration and Management Training Program (VRAMP). Email: deniyi24@gmail.com
         
    headshot   Tania Arámburo, BA. Psychology and MA. Education (Research Project Manager, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán, Mexico) 
    Tania Arámburo is a Project Manager at the Salvador Zubirán National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition (INCMNSZ) at the HIV/AIDS Clinic. She had collaborated in the management of national and international Research Projects at the National Institute of Public Health in Mexico. She has been a consultant for Mexican Institutions (COLEF). She has financially and managerially led research projects financed by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNFPA, NIH, and local agencies such as CONACyT, and CENSIDA in Mexico. Tania has managed more than 24 projects for different Principal Investigators, including 12 from start to finish. Email: tania.aramburo@infecto.mx
         
    feimata   Betty Feimata Boima, Masters in Accounting & Finance (Senior Research Finance Officer- College of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences, Sierra Leone) She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Accounting (2013) and a Master’s Degree in Accounting and Finance (2017) from the Institute of Public Administration and Management, University of Sierra Leone. She has worked as a Senior Research Finance Officer for the Research Support Office since March 12th, 2015. She leads the Finance Department at the Research Support Office under the supervision of the Finance Director and Research Coordinator. Email: boimabetty27@gmail.com
         
    headshot   Jimena Diaz, BA in Business Administration (Project Manager, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán, Mexico)
    I am currently a project manager at the Research Consortium on HIV AIDS TB CISIDAT A.C. in coordination with the National Institute of Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, in Mexico. I have a degree in business administration from La Salle University, my main job performance has been in fund management in different institutions in the Mexican government and private initiative. I had the opportunity to work for the American government where I was able to learn about the guidelines and operations of this government. My main goal in each project I take on is to learn and strengthen my skills to achieve project goals. Email: jimena.diaz@cisidat.org.mx
         
    doe-quarbo   Barbara Doe-Quarbo, MBA in Accounting (Director, Office of Fiduciary Services - ULCHS- University of Liberia College of Health Sciences, Liberia) currently serves as the Director for Fiduciary Services, University of Liberia College of Health Sciences. Prior to this, she served as a consulting Programme Manager with Family Health International (FHI-360) where she began building systems for grants management. Preceding her services with the ULCHS, she served as Country Finance and Administration Manager with Stitching Spark Liberia, having worked as Accountant and Subaward (grants) Officer with Last Mile Health and Mercy Corps, respectively. Email: juahdoe25@gmail.com
         
    headshot   Jaime De La Fuente Estrada, MBA (Project Manager, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición, Salvador Zubirán, Mexico) 
    Jaime De La Fuente Estrada, Project Manager and Finance coordinator for the CRS 32078. During my career, I have sought the organizational development of human, technical, financial, and material resources to achieve the objectives of the positions I have held, mentor, high school director, and administrator of clinical research projects. My main goal is always to create new and better ways to help the places I work and the people surrounding me. Email: jaime.delafuente@infecto.mx
         
    gambo   Awwal Gambo, Masters Development Studies (Research Manager- Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria) is currently a Certified Research Profession (SOCRA) and the Clinical Trial Manager for nine Sickle Cell stroke prevention Trials in Kano Northern Nigeria for Vanderbilt/Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital collaborative researches. He has 10 years and 15 years of experience in the service market and clinical research respectively in both multi-site and single-site activities. He holds a Masters in Development Studies, a certificate in Statistical Methods in Epidemiology and Research Coordination, and has attended various research-related courses and conferences in Nigeria and the United States to enhance his capacity in research management. He has authored and co-authored various research publications. Email: awwalgambo@gmail.com
         
    headshot   Aisha Ibrahim, Msc Accounting (Administrator, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria) 
    Aisha Ibrahim-Audu, is a professional accountant with over 10 years' experience, of which 8 years have been attained online with accounting for special donor funds/ Research Grants in the Special Accounts Units of Accounting and Finance department of Aminu Kano teaching hospital. She is currently the Unit head of the Special accounts unit of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital where accounts in respect of Funds received from domestic and International Agencies are managed. We have been able to manage over 30 accounts related to medical and research projects each with its own peculiar MOU(memorandum of understanding). Email: aishaibrahim81@gmail.com
         
    headshot   Fatima Wada Ibrahim, Bsc Accounting (Accountant, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Nigeria)
    I am an Accountant in AKTH and assigned to the special Accounts Unit which is saddled with the responsibility of managing all accounts with collaborative researchers. Email: Fnina77@yahoo.com
     
         
    jalloh   Simbirie Christiana Jalloh, Baccalaureate in Project Management (Program Administrator- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Sierra Leone) is the Program Coordinator for the Lassa Fever Research program since 2010. The program has been involved in diagnostics development, clinical management, and health promotion/surveillance activities for both Lassa fever and Ebola diseases in Sierra Leone. She has made several contributions towards national development via the fight against life-threatening diseases among others. She also attended several successful international meetings with partners to advocate for support for the prevention, control and treatment of Lassa fever patients in our country in 2019. She is also a member of the Female in Sierra Leone organization (FISL) and the Eastern Region Women Organization. She is a descendant from Sambia chiefdom, a chiefdom that is yet to have a secondary school within the Tonkolili District; she holds a key position among the group of Sambaia descendants that are strongly pushing to have additional and quality secondary schools in this chiefdom. Email: simbiriej5@gmail.com
         
    machiana   Adnésio Michel Alfredo Machiana, Lic. (Administrator- Faculty of Medicine at Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique) is an accountant, has a licentiate degree and now is working on an MBA degree. Email: adnesiomachiana@gmail.com
         
    manston   Edmund Manston, MBA, Finance and BSc, Economics and Management (Director, Office of Sponsored Research Services- University of Liberia College of Health Sciences, Liberia) holds an MBA in Finance coupled with certificates in varying professional courses and has nine years of professional experience in Liberia. He is the director of OSRS, which supports basic, clinical, and translational health research in Liberia by identifying and developing research proposals and administering research grants and contracts. He is a result-focused person with a strong level of administrative, managerial, and financial management skills. Email: emanston13@gmail.com
         
    manuel   Beatriz Manuel, MD, MHPE, PhD (Head of Project Support Department- Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique) is a medical doctor, lecturer, consultant, and researcher. She holds a PhD in Health Sciences and in Educational Sciences from Ghent University in Belgium. The aim of her doctoral research was to identify ways to improve curricula on IPV curriculum content to enhance prevention and medical care in Mozambique. She holds a master’s degree in Health Professions Education from the Maastricht University in the Netherlands that investigated the strategies of human resources training approach to People Living with HIV. Email: chonguile@gmail.com
         
    menos   Emmanuelle Menos, BS in Business Administration and Advanced Degree in Project Management (Administrator- Les Centres GHESKIO, Haiti) is a Project Administrator at Les Centres GHESKIO. She has a B.S in Business Administration, and an Advanced Certificate Degree in Project Management. She has experience managing HIV service delivery grants in poor resource settings, with low socio-economical communities in countries such as Haiti. She is fluent in Creole, French, and English. Email: emenos@gheskio.org
         
    headshot   Sifiso Mkhize, BCom (Management Accountant, The Aurum Institute, South Africa)
    Self-motivated, hardworking Bcom qualified professional with 15+ years of comprehensive experience in management accounting, bookkeeping, data analysis, procurement, customer service and administration. Able to use initiative and work as part of a team, committed and relentlessly focused on improving existing processes. Outstanding interpersonal skills, highly organized with strong time management skills utilized to ensure consistent achievement of deadlines. Email: smkhize@auruminstitute.org
         
    headshot   Nuelma Georgina Muhate, Mestrado (Técnica Administrava, UEM - Direção Cientifica, Mozambique) 
    Graduated in Veterinary Medicine at Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, with a Master's in Biotechnology. I am currently a collaborating assistant at the Faculty of Veterinary in the area of Food Technology. I am part of the technical staff of the Scientific Directorate of Eduardo Mondlane University where I work in the Project Support Department. At the department level, I have participated in the elaboration of institutional projects as well as in the institutional support of the different organic units in the search for funding and support in the project elaboration process. Email: nuelmamuhate@gmail.com
         
    mureb   Livia Mureb, Master of Business Administration, International Relations (International Project Analyst- FIOTEC, Brazil) has thirteen years of professional experience in International Relations, International Cooperation, and Grant Management. She has experience managing and coordinating projects from important funding organizations focusing on stakeholder engagement and impact creation. Her main interests are Global Health, Science, and Governance Email: liviamureb@fiotec.fiocruz.br
         
    musa   Bilya Musa, BSc, MPPA, MHE, CCRP (Research Manager- Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria) is an Assistant Director of Administration with Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and Trials Manager for AKTH/Vanderbilt and St Jude Children Research Hospital collaborative researches as well as NIH funded clinical trials and Research such as Stroke Prevention in Children with Sickle Cell Disease (SPIN), Primary Prevention of Stroke in Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Sub Saharan Africa (SPRING), Secondary Stroke Prevention in Children with Sickle Cell Disease (SPRINT) and Optimal Management of HIV-Infected Adults at Risk for Kidney Disease in Nigeria (R3 study). He holds a first degree in Geography from Bayero University, Kano, and a Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration (MPPA) as well as in Health Economics (MHE) from the same University. He is a Certified Clinical Research Professional (CCRP) by SOCRA USA. Bilya will serve in the secretariat of V-BRCH training. Email: bilyasani@yahoo.com
         
    headshot   Verónica Afonso Mussica, Degree in management (Financial Administrator, Universidade Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique) 
    I have a degree in management level and currently, I seek to complete my training in accounting at a master's level. An employee of the Scientific Directorate of Eduardo Mondlane University in the Administration and Finance division since 2015. My responsibilities have been since the creation and control of the business and financial plan, execution of the budget until the production of rapporteurs. During the realization of my activities, I have faced several challenges that I try to overcome with more research and training and to do my work increasingly perfected. Email: veronicamussica@gmail.com
         
    mwamba   Sabina Mwamba, B.SW (Administrator- University of Zambia)is an experienced grants management and administration professional with proven organizational skills and currently working at the University of Zambia. Sabina has successfully managed USG and non-USG funded projects during her time working at the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ). With 5 years of experience, Sabina is a highly dependable, ethical and reliable administrator who optimizes productivity, efficiency and quality service across various environments. Email: Sabinamwamba8@gmail.com
         
    mwiinga   Christabell Mwiinga, B.S.Ed. (Administrator- University of Zambia School of Medicine, Zambia) holds a Bachelor’s degree of Education in Environmental Education which she was awarded with in 2013 from the University of Zambia and, she is scheduled to be awarded a Master of Science in Project Management in the next graduation for the University of Zambia. She has vast experience working with local and international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) in grant and administrative work as she previously worked with Keepers Zambia Foundation a local NGO from 2013 where she was later the Administrative Assistant for the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) from January 2014 to June 2016. Prior to this, she worked as a Part-Time Programme Assistant for the United Nations Development Programme under the Global Environment Facility- Small Grants Programme (UNDP- GEF SGP) from July 2016 to July 2019. Currently, she is the Interim Grants Officer for Strengthening Health Professional Workforce Education Programs for Improved Quality Health care in Zambia (SHEPIZ) a project being implemented by the University of Zambia Schools of Medicine and Nursing Sciences. Email: chrismwiinga@gmail.com
         
    nyallay   Leonard Nyallay, BA, MA, MSc in Research and Policy (Assistant Deputy Registrar, Senior Administrator for Research Centre- College of Medicine Allied and Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone) as currently an administrator and HR officer working on HWI COVID 19 Study, ICARIA Trial and the Multiply Study. Prior to that, he worked as an acting estate officer for the College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, an administrator and HR officer for the Prevac Trial, and an administrator & HR officer for Ebovac Salone, along with several other administrative and consultant jobs since 2007. Email: ljnyallay72@gmail.com
         
    pacho   Reny Pacho, Health Administration Graduate (Project Assistant- Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Peru) is a health project management assistant. He studied health administration at the Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia and graduated in 2018, since then he has worked for the same University at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in general administration. He has learned many administrative aspects that have allowed him to develop skills to support and monitor various projects, private, federal, service and apply the rules of each of them. He would like to continue learning more knowledge and skills in projects. Email: reny.pacho.y@upch.pe
         
    peters   Reney Peters, B.A. (Regional Grants Manager- The Aurum Institute NPC, South Africa) is the Regional Grants Manager at The Aurum Institute with more than 17 years’ experience in the administrative management and compliance requirements of health programs and research projects funded by donors across the globe. She is responsible for managing and training grants and contract staff, sourcing and aiding with continuous and sustainable funding, supporting PD/PIs and Technical Experts with the development and submission of new funding applications, pre-/post-award and closeout administrative management of all grants and contracts, compliance and reporting assurance. Before joining Aurum, she worked in the legal, finance, and corporate sectors as a Legal Officer, Senior Legal Secretary, Bookkeeper and Executive Secretary. Email: rpeters@auruminstitute.org
         
    raffo   Gabriela Paz Raffo, Bilingual High School Degree (Project Management Analyst- Fundación Huésped, Argentina) is currently working on project financial monitoring and reporting. Her areas of study and interest are project management, political science, participatory design and social innovation. She is constantly exploring ways to broaden her skills and incorporate them into the workplace. Email: gabriela.raffo@huesped.org.ar
         
    santos   Vânia Santos, PgC (Execution Analyst- Fiotec, Brazil) is responsible for project management focused on research, technology innovation, and health education using appropriate guidelines from foreign sponsors. She deals with intermediate communication between the parties involved, such as the technical, executing team and sponsors, acting as a mediator, and providing assistance in obtaining agreements and approvals between the parties. She has experience in working on multiple projects simultaneously in HIV, Leprosy, Vaccines studies, research, and academic areas. She has negotiated contractual amendments, prepared and reviewed project budgets with the technical team, sponsors, and consortium members. She has also supported the service to internal and external audits, with the documental survey, preparation of reports and electronic spreadsheets, and aiming at clarifying the processes of the execution phase. Email: vaniasantos@fiotec.fiocruz.br
         
    sesay   Momodubah Sesay, BSc in Applied Accounting (Accountant- Lassa Fever Research Program, Sierra Leone) is presently working with the Ministry of Health and Sanitation through the Lassa Fever Program unit in Kenema. He went to Government Secondary School and graduated with B.Sc in Applied Accounting Email: momodubahsesay@gmail.com
         
    headshot   Alfiado Seventine, Degree in accounting and auditing (Administrator, University Eduardo Mondlane, Mozambique)
    I’m an accountant and Auditor, from 2012 to 2014 I worked as an accountant and grants manager at the Faculty of Medicine of University Eduardo Mondlane, From 2014 to 2020 I played the role of Head of Financial Department and Grants Management office at University Eduardo Mondlane, to playing this role allowed me to be trained on the Grants Management (Pre-Award and Post Award) in South Africa, USA and Mozambique for USA grants (NIH, USAID, NIAID and PEPFAR, National Academy of Science grants mechanisms). Meanwhile, I was trained in UK (Liverpool, School of Tropical Medicine), Kenya (National Academy of Science) on the European Grants Mechanisms. From 2020 to 2021 I played the role of Finance Officer on ASCEND Project from Crown Agents, dealing with Neglected Tropical Diseases in Mozambique, this position allowed me to be experienced on the UKAID, Bill and Melinda Gates, Children’s Investment Founds Foundation (CIFF), Grants Mechanisms. From 2021 up to date, I work as Grants Manager at University Eduardo Mondlane. Email: aseventeen1@yahoo.com.br
         
    headshot   Constance Takavamanya, GCMA (CIMA), ACCA, GCIS, BCompt (Senior Management Accountant, The Aurum Institute, South Africa)
    I have over five years’ experience in overseeing the procurement, administration, financial management and reporting of PEPFAR, NIH , BMGF and USAID funded awards. I have demonstrated ability to develop, analyze and monitor program budgets. While working for PEPFAR-funded awards, I led and complied with donor financial reporting requirements as well as local and foreign tax reporting requirements. I managed the budgeting process when Aurum was applying for the Clinical Trials Unit grant with NIH and I am responsible for all the financial reports and budgeting on this grant. My current portfolio is the financial management of CTU grants under NIH, TB grants under the European Union and BMGF, HIV grants under HVTN network and due to the surgent of the covid19 pandemic, this has seen me managing more than 50 projects at the same time with timelines ranging from 6 months to 5 years. Email: ctakavamanya@auruminstitute.org
         
    van der wind   Daphne van der Wind, M.A. (International Business Development Grants Manager- The Aurum Institute NPC, South Africa) is a grants management and business development professional with 13 years of experience in the health development sector in South Africa. Over the years she has worked with a variety of international donors and has gained extensive experience in the administrative management and compliance requirements of projects and programs funded by USAID, CDC, NIH, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, UNITAID, EU, DfID and others. At The Aurum Institute, she is responsible for new business development, supporting technical experts and country directors with the development of new funding proposals, as well as grants management for the international division of Aurum, supporting multi-country projects and ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and funder rules and regulations. Email: dvanderwind@auruminstitute.org
         
    yakasai   Abubakar Yakasai, Bsc, MPPA, MHE (Administrator/Research Manager- Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano, Nigeria) is a Hospital Administrative Officer with experience in Hospital Management and Administration as well as management of research grants and the conduct in clinical trials with about 20 years experience in the field. He managed the successful conduct of numerous ongoing and completed clinical trials and studies. Email: yakasaiabubakar@yahoo.com

  • The Aurum Institute NPC, (Johannesburg, South Africa) - The Aurum Institute is a South African, public benefit organization with >20 years of experience leading the response, treatment and research efforts to eradicate TB and HIV. The Aurum Institute has a staff of > 3,400 researchers, implementers, and support personnel leading research and program implementation throughout Southern Africa. Aurum has worked extensively in the fields of HIV and TB, and more recently COVID. Operationally, the organization has an international unit that manages multi-national projects, with units in Ghana, Mozambique, and South Africa. 

    Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital [AKTH] (Kano, Nigeria) - Established in 1988, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) is a 500-bed Teaching Hospital facility affiliated with Bayero University and located in Kano, the most populated state in Nigeria.  AKTH serves as the main clinical training site for the Bayero University medical school, the School of Nursing, School of Physiotherapy and School of Allied Health Sciences. 

    Bayero University [BUK], (Kano, Nigeria) - Bayero University is the academic home for clinical and basic science programs at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. The College of Health Science comprises four facilities (Clinical Science, Basic Medical Science, Dentistry and Allied Health Science). The faculty of clinical science consists of 15 departments and 250 faculty members, a majority (>90%) of whom have dual appointments with AKTH. The faculty of Allied Health Science has 4 schools, including the School of Nursing and Physiotherapy, with a combined 80 faculty members. Together with Bayero University, Kano (BUK), AKTH hosts the Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Reproductive Health, Master of Science Pharmacology programs and the Community Health Officers training program, providing opportunities for hands-on training in service delivery, research and community service. 

    Fundação para o Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico em Saúde [FIOTEC], (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) - is a non-profit private foundation with the purpose of providing support to the functions of teaching, research, institutional, scientific and technological development, production of inputs and services, information and management implemented by Fiocruz. Fiotec provides logistic, administrative and financial services, offering solutions to collaborate with the development of projects’ activities.

    Fundación Huésped (Buenos Aires, Argentina) - is an Argentine organization with a regional scope that, since 1989, works in public health areas with the objective that the right to health and disease control are guaranteed. Our comprehensive approach includes the development of research, practical solutions and communication related to public health policies in our country and in the region. Our mission is to develop scientific research and preventive actions and promote rights to guarantee access to health and reduce the impact of diseases with a focus on HIV / AIDS, viral hepatitis, diseases preventable by vaccines and other communicable diseases, as well as sexual and reproductive health.

    Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán [INCMNSZ], (Mexico City, Mexico) - INCMNSZ is a leading academic Institution in México, dedicated to the care of adults in all medical and surgical specialties and holding a long track record in postgraduate training and research. INCMNSZ has been involved in the care of HIV-infected patients since the first years of the epidemic and has become a major center for teaching and research in the area. The HIV clinic at INCMNSZ was formally established in 1988 and has cared for a large number of patients coming from different regions of the country but mostly from Mexico City. The HIV clinic at INCMNSZ has participated in many of phase III pivotal clinical trials for antiretroviral drug development over the past 16 years. INCMNSZ has its own ethics and research committees that comply with international standards and holds certification from national and international agencies. All research studies, including observational studies, are registered and reviewed by both committees.

    Les Centres GHESKIO (Port-au-Prince, Haiti) - GHESKIO’s three-part mission includes clinical service, training, and research in HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Founded in 1982 and directed by HIV pioneers and experts, GHESKIO is recognized by many to be the world’s first institution dedicated to fighting HIV/AIDS. Through clinical and operational research, GHESKIO seeks to define treatment and prevention models for HIV/AIDS and related diseases that are appropriate and effective for Haiti. The main focus of the research is HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and tuberculosis. The GHESKIO research program has evolved from early observational studies to large clinical trials, and it has been recognized as an international research center of excellence.

    Kenema Government Hospital [KGH] (Kenema, Sierra Leone) - Kenema Government Hospital (KGH) in Sierra Leone, West Africa is a 350-bed facility situated in the heart of the region with the world’s highest incidence of Lassa fever (LF). Because of the importance of LF as bioterrorism and public health threat, KGH has developed an advanced clinical and laboratory research capacity. This is one of the few facilities continuously operated and dedicated to the care of patients infected with a Category A Select Agent anywhere in the world. The KGH Laboratory has the capacity and quality control to perform diagnostic testing for LF and is the only facility with laboratory testing and clinical treatment of LF in the entire country. The necessary administrative infrastructure for research on LF in Sierra Leone is also well established. Sierra Leone has an ethics committee to review and approve research protocols and Federal Wide Assurances from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

    Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia [UPCH], (Lima, Peru) - Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia is a private nonprofit university located in Lima, Peru. It was named in honor of Cayetano Heredia, one of the eminent Peruvian physicians of the 19th century. The university is overseen by a board of trustees and is not owned by any private or state entity. It is considered one of the top medical schools in Peru, along with the Faculty of Medicine "San Fernando" of the National University of San Marcos, and is currently one of the major producers and publishers of scientific research in the country.

    University Eduardo Mondlane [UEM] (Maputo, Mozambique) - Established in 1962 as Mozambique’s first institution of higher education, UEM is the oldest, largest, and most respected university in Mozambique, located in the capital city, Maputo. UEM has played an integral role in the development of the government’s strategic plan for higher education and continues to shape the face of professional education in Mozambique. Today, UEM comprises 11 faculties and 6 colleges and has nearly 40,000 students and 1,300 full-time academic staff members, 1,200 of whom are native Mozambicans. Over the past decade, UEM has established master’s degree programs in over 40 disciplines, of which 4 have also developed doctoral degree programs with a research focus. The Faculty of Medicine was one of UEM's original components at its founding in 1963, and since then, over 1000 physicians have graduated from UEM with a bachelor’s degree in medicine. Today UEM’s Faculty of Medicine has 10 Departments, including Anatomical Pathology, Community Health, Gynecology/Obstetrics, Internal Medicine, Microbiology and Parasitology, Morphology Sciences, Pediatrics, Pharmacology, Physiology, Surgery, with approximately 1,100 students enrolled in the medical education program.  

    University of Liberia College of Health Sciences [ULCHS] (Monrovia, Liberia) - ULCHS is the flagship public higher education institution responsible for training Liberia’s clinicians, researchers, health policymakers, and innovators. Led by Dr. Bernice Dahn, who spearheaded work to establish a resilient health system and fit-for-purpose health workforce during her tenures as Deputy Minister (2006-2015) and Minister of Health of Liberia (2015-2018), ULCHS is poised to become a globally-recognized leader in research utilization, meaningfully connecting academics with policy-making, innovation, and clinical practice. ULCHS is home to Liberia’s sole medical school and to schools of pharmacy, public health, nursing and midwifery. ULCHS has conducted curricular reforms and created teaching and learning programs including faculty development training in teaching skills.

    University of Sierra Leone College of Medicine & Allied Health Sciences [COMAHS] (Freetown, Sierra Leone) - COMAHS is the first medical school in Sierra Leone and was founded in 1988 by the Government of Sierra Leone with the Nigerian Government and the World Health Organization. With the enactment of the 2005 University Act in Sierra Leone, COMAHS became a constituent arm of the University of Sierra Leone and now incorporates the Faculty of Nursing and Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences. COMAHS is mandated to produce doctors, nurses, pharmacists, biomedical scientists and laboratory technicians with a view to improving the health care delivery system in Sierra Leone. 

    The University of Zambia [UNZA], (Lusaka, Zambia) - is a public university and is Zambia's largest and oldest learning institution. The university was established in 1965. The UNZA School of Medicine is one of the six schools under the university. It is the oldest and largest medical training institution in the country and offers undergraduate and postgraduate training. The school works closely with the University Teaching Hospital and all the clinical training for clinical students is conducted within the UTH. The UNZA School of Public Health. The SOPH provides undergraduate and graduate-level training and has five units including Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Health promotion, Health Policy and Management, Environmental Health and Nutrition and Population Health Studies.