Call for the position of SIOPEN Manager

The International Society of Paediatric Oncology Europe Neuroblastoma Group (SIOPEN) was created 24 years ago and is a developing and thriving network of universities and clinical institutions in 29 countries whose members share the common goal of improving outcomes for children with neuroblastoma, delivering clinical trials and investigating the biology of the cancer.

This new and exciting position, will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and monitoring activities of SIOPEN and implementing the new SIOPEN Strategy. As the SIOPEN Programme Coordinator, you will be a crucial member of the SIOPEN Leadership Team, reporting directly to the SIOPEN President and will work in support of the President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, wider Executive Committee and the SIOPEN office to deliver the strategic goals of the organisation.

You will develop and manage relationships with new and existing network members and seek to establish and support strategic partnerships that benefit SIOPEN, fostering successful collaborations.

Purpose of the role:

  1. Managing and coordinating the activities of the SIOPEN network
  2. Providing support to develop and implement the new SIOPEN Strategy, and future strategic planning
  3. Overseeing key stakeholder management for the SIOPEN network
  4. Support funding applications for the development of the infrastructure/administrative function of the SIOPEN network

Role Specification:

  • Coordination across the different functions of SIOPEN, to deliver more efficient and effective execution of tasks across the network. This may include programmes of work that SIOPEN already has underway, and those that are in development now and will be in the future.
  • Provide managerial support to the President, Vice-Presidents, Treasurer, Executive Committee, Specialty Committees, Clinical Trial Committee, Translational Research Steering Committee and Financial Steering Committee, ensuring timely completion of agreed actions. Support with recording and dissemination of minutes, assisting with communication, delivering to timelines set by the Statutes and decided within the Committees.
  • Manage day-to-day operations, in collaboration with other SIOPEN administrative assistants
  • Establish connections and mutually beneficial partnerships with Patient Advocates and Patient’s Organisations, Charities, Funding Bodies and other supportive groups
  • Support with the governance function of SIOPEN, working with the legal advisor, and the treasury function
  • Management of the SIOPEN website, commissioning and working with external providers as necessary
  • Participate in the planning and delivery of the SIOPEN Annual General Meeting and the Spring Meeting, including post-meeting follow-up tasks
  • Proactively seek for funding opportunities for SIOPEN trials and projects
  • Connect and maintain strong relationships with International Society of Paediatric Oncology Europe (SIOPE), Innovative Therapies for Children with Cancer in Europe (ITCC), International Society of Paediatric Oncology (SIOP), Children’s Oncology Group of North America (COG), ACCELERATE and other relevant international organisations
  • Connect and maintain strong relationships with the national societies and the national representatives of the SIOPEN countries, providing assistance as and when necessary including with country-specific issues relation to participating in SIOPEN research projects and other initiatives
  • Be proactive in promoting the work of SIOPEN within the paediatric oncology community, and maintaining member engagement in SIOPEN’s activities
  • Assist in the appointment and managing (per task) subcontracted personnel (medical writers, project managers)
  • Support the Treasurer in their duties to manage and monitor the financial status of SIOPEN and operational transactions (incoming funds, payments, SIOPEN Countries’ contributions, connect with financial institutions and accountants)
  • Other project management and supporting activities as required from time-to-time to support the effective operation of the organisation.

The SIOPEN Programme Coordinator will be a highly capable, self-motivated individual who can demonstrate their dedication in supporting the work of SIOPEN to help children with cancer and their families, and work effectively alongside a motivated group of scientists and collaborators.

Person Specification:

  • A master's degree or higher in life sciences, business management or a related field OR at least five-years relevant experience in a senior project management, programme coordination, or similar function within an organisation active within clinical research and/or paediatric oncology
  • Highly-proficient computer skills in dealing with emails and sites, document, database, spreadsheet and presentation software, preferably within the MS Office environment or equivalent
  • Highly proficient English language skills (spoken and written). Other European languages would also be of value
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to interact positively at all levels within the organisation and across stakeholders in multiple countries
  • Excellent planning and organisational skills
  • Demonstrable knowledge of project management, with the ability to work to deadlines
  • Budget management skills
  • Knowledge and experience of clinical research, including grant preparation/submission and management, is highly desirable
  • Knowledge and experience of paediatric oncology is highly desirable
  • Relevant prior experience as a research assistant or in a project management role
  • Knowledge of medical terminology, clinical research databases, legal regulations and ethical issues is desirable
  • Knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework in Europe is desirable
  • A strong desire to support the highly motivated SIOPEN community to deliver change and improvements for the neuroblastoma patient community

Job details:

  • This is a full time job, 8 hours per week, 5 working days (40 hours weekly)
  • Location is not limited. Remote working is allowed, however travel to face-to-face meetings will be required
  • Salary is depending on credentials, location and prior experience, and will be equal to senior clinical research manager in academia
  • Benefits include 25 days paid annual leave and social security/insurance according to national laws
  • After an approbation period defined according to national law, a permanent position can be offered

Interested candidates should send an email with their CV and motivation letter to the SIOPEN president in office maja.beck-popovic@chuv.ch, by 15 April 2023. Top ranked candidates will be interviewed. The preferred starting date is 1st June 2023.

Maja Beck Popovic
SIOPEN President