Mary Nzilani is the Programme Manager for the IOI’s global surveillance of AMR programme. With international partners in 10 countries, the global surveillance of AMR is one of IOI’s largest programmes that requires collaborative working with hundreds of clinicians, microbiologists and doctors across countries. As programme manager, Mary is responsible for the smooth delivery of this programme.
What are your responsibilities as a Programme Manager?
I am responsible for providing programme management and coordination of the research carried out by IOI’s Global surveillance of AMR scientists and keeping track of progress against the set objectives. The global surveillance team works with 32 hospital sites in 7countries- so there is a lot to keep track of! I maintain and update the project plans on a monthly basis to ensure that milestones and deadlines are met efficiently. I develop and maintain good and effective communication systems and stakeholder engagement by organizing and attending meetings with our teams and collaborators to discuss project activities and outputs. I also provide financial management and reporting support by keeping track of each project’s expenditures to ensure that they are all achieving their goals and within the set budget and timelines.
Mary and collegues from the BARNARDS project at a workshop in Pakistan.
Another important aspect of my job is risk and issues management; ensuring that any risks to the programme’s activities are identified and mitigated. For example, we send a lot of laboratory consumables to our collaborators’ sites, and receive samples from hospitals around the world. Every country has slightly different customs regulations and import or export rules, and there is always a risk that shipments could be delayed, which may impact the progress of the research. I must ensure that such risks are mitigated before they happen. I have to work with the researchers to keep track of any areas which are behind schedule, or any changes to the planned milestones.
What are some challenges you face in your role?
There are so many people involved in the research delivery, so co-ordinating and communicating with everyone can be a challenge. If there are delays in one step of a process, it can have a knock-on effect that impacts other parts of the project. Managing a programme is as much about managing people than anything else!
How does your work contribute to IOI’s research?
The global surveillance of AMR programme is large-scale international programme. Good programme management enables our scientists to accomplish the project’s objectives and focus on the research without worrying about anything. One of the best parts of my job is being able to help other people to work effectively and reach our shared objectives.
How has your career journey led to you becoming a Programme Manager?
My initial background is in analytical chemistry. After working in the lab and in quality assurance for many years, I decided to go back to school to do a degree in business management and transitioned to working as a clinical trials administrator before joining my current role. I have recently graduated with an MBA! It has been an exciting and fulfilling journey learning and acquiring new skills, and I’m looking forward to the future.