Primary role
The Administration Department is one of the segment key partners focused on contributing to the strategic direction of UVRI-IAVI. This is met through fronting strategic questions at all levels of its operations sections that include Human Resources, Information and Communication Technology, Procurement, Stores and Logistics, Archive and Estates Management. This allows all UVRI-IAVI staff to efficiently carry out their tasks
Sections of Administration
This section is focused on providing an enabling environment, building and retaining capacity that will drive scientific research excellence. The section has over the years overseen performance management and organised several activities like periodic staff meetings, policy awareness sessions, training and development the annual team building sessions to help rejuvenate members
The role of the Information Communications and Telecommunication section within UVRI-IAVI is to design, maintain, and support the organization’s information technology infrastructure, thus allowing the organization to leverage both information and technology in an efficient, productive and secure manner. Along with meeting the organization’s technical requirements, the ICT section also meets a number of other requirements for the organization.
Effective communication and collaboration between teams and departments within UVRI-IAVI are essential for success in today’s research world. And it falls upon the ICT section to deploy and operate Internet Protocol networks and advanced communication tools to meet the organization’s needs. The ICT team is also responsible for developing solutions that grant secure access to the corporate network to UVRI-IAVI staff and other necessary outside parties.
With the proliferation of cyber-attacks, one of the primary roles of this section is to insulate the ICT infrastructure and sensitive corporate data from viruses, hackers, and a host of other security threats.
This section deploys proper tools and technologies to keep data secure, and works closely with staff and management to make sure that effective security policies and procedures are implemented and enforced at all levels.
To stay competitive in the information age, UVRI-IAVI ensures that ICT resources are being fully utilized by their employees. As such, the ICT team provides ongoing training and support to make sure that UVRI-IAVI staff remain up to speed with the latest tools and technologies.
The procurement section has been entrusted with ensuring value for money for all supplies, works and services through devising alternative procurement strategies. The section has from time to time guided various stakeholders on the different procurement best practices and carried out policy awareness sessions. UVRI-IAVI has an operating manual in place which stipulates processes and procedures which are adhered to by all stakeholders involved in the procurement cycle of the program.
The section is entrusted with the management of the stores and fleet. The fleet includes automobiles and boats. The boat has helped in easing water transport for most of the Program’s study participants and also staff who frequently travel by water transport to engage study communities on the different research activities. A fulltime boat skipper is employed for this. Routine maintenance and repair of automobiles is done in-house with a fulltime mechanic on board.
The section maintains and keeps track of frequently used stock in the stores. Records are regularly captured using an automated software (NAVISION). Physical stock takings are also carried out on a quarterly basis.
As per the ICH GCP guidelines, the investigator is required to maintain all original essential, clinical study documentation for a period agreed with the Sponsor. The Program maintains an archive where these study documents are kept.
The archive has restricted access and is kept under lock and key, fitted with a programmable lock whose access codes are only known by the archivist and back-up archivist.
The section among others, oversees the repair and maintenance of office facilities, which include generators, buildings, other equipment, office premises and compound. The section is generally concerned with making the working environment of staff amiable.
