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The MRC Gambia support, infrastructural and administrative services provide the backbone to our work, and an enabling and accountable environment underpinning the diversity of high quality scientific endeavour at the Unit. Infrastructure for Science
The most visible change in recent years has been the completion of the Unit’s “site development programme”, begun in 2004. The largest infrastructural development in the Unit’s history, this has been an ambitious project aimed at improving and modernizing facilities for our science.
At Fajara this has included the building of a brand new cellular immunology laboratory and of a molecular facility, as well as a whole new clinical site (both commissioned in 2007). This in turn has given us the opportunity to re-plan and refurbish a wide variety of buildings vacated in the process, and to add, amongst other things, a dedicated research ward for phase 1 clinical trials.
In terms of the Unit’s field sites in The Gambia and Guinea Bissau a variety of laboratories, offices and other buildings have been refurbished, modernized and re-equipped in line with the Unit’s strategic requirements.
Power supply and Utilities
In the Unit’s geographic context, self-sufficiency in terms of electricity generation, water generation and safe waste disposal are all essential to pursuing our scientific and clinical activities. Ageing infrastructure and a steadily growing internal demand have required a major overhaul in this area also. During 2006 both power generation and distribution infrastructures at Fajara were completely replaced, and water generation/storage capacity at all sites was improved. Waste management was also strengthened with the construction of new incinerators and a tightening of internal policies. Further improvement of electrical supply at the field sites was also undertaken during 2007-08.
IT and Internet
Our IT department looks after the needs of approximately 500 users across the MRC locations, and supports a wide range of software from standard business applications to statistical and specialist programmes designed for specific items of equipment. Unit IT - both within and between locations - is linked through a network managed internally by our own IT team.
IT security, governance and internet connectivity have all been major items on the agenda during the last few years, and objectives have been successfully met in all these areas. In particular, internet speed and reliability have been greatly enhanced by the implementation of a long awaited VSAT installation at Fajara, Keneba and Basse. This has not only improved bandwidth availability at the Unit dramatically, but also reduced our previous reliance on a sometimes unreliable external internet backbone in the Gambia.
Systems up-time in the last 3 years has averaged at: - server /email (99.68%)
- network (99.82%)
- Internet (98.91%)
Biomedical Engineering
A lack of professional servicing options in the sub-region for our clinical and research equipment has meant, in the past, the Unit being heavily reliant on service suppliers sending engineers from Europe and elsewhere when things go wrong. This is clearly very costly and can involve substantial delays and disruption to the work of our scientists. For this reason, during 2005-06 the development of an internal Biomedical Engineering department was prioritised and successfully completed.
As well as coordinating procurement planning, installation and retirement/replacement of research and clinical technology, this department now runs an effective pre-planned and responsive maintenance service as well as organizing user training when new technologies are acquired. The main result for the Unit has been a major reduction in down-time, more reliable technology and improved value for money.
Procurement & Logistics
Given its size and breadth of operations, procurement is a major activity at the Unit. Given our geographic location and relatively low local availability of goods, most of this procurement needs to be done internationally. To ensure availability of supplies and equipment at the Unit, resource accountability and value for money, MRC The Gambia has established a professional procurement, logistics and warehousing department, working to internationally recognized good practice standards.
The Gambia Unit sources, procures and freights over 200 metric tons of consumables and equipment for its projects from international suppliers each year, as well as making a major contribution to the Gambian economy through a substantial local purchase programme. Presently it is also supporting the Government of The Gambia in establishing transparent, efficient and value for money procurement of goods on behalf of Global Fund sponsored activities in the country.
An internal e-procurement system is being tested and set up for all Unit budget holders, along with a logistics e-tracking system that allows users to track status from time of ordering to arrival of goods at the Unit. This will improve both accountability and information flow as well as simplifying procedures for our users. This will be followed by an improved electronic stock control and stock ordering system.
Transport Services
MRC The Gambia runs a fleet of 92 vehicles and over 300 motorbikes, giving it extensive capacity for field work. These are serviced and maintained in the Unit’s own workshops at Fajara and up-country.
Following the set up of a sustainable vehicle replacement policy in 2004, the average age of the present Land-Rover fleet is 3.5 years. The MRC Garage is also working towards becoming an accredited Land Rover workshop.
Human Resources
The Unit’s greatest asset lies in its staff. Around 700 people from 30 countries are part of the MRC (UK) The Gambia team, providing a unique breadth of experience, skills and perspectives to our work environment.
The HR Department takes prime responsibility for recruitment, contractual and performance matters, and for areas such as staff travel, work and residential permits and accommodation for displaced staff. It also liaises closely with the Learning & Development department on developing career pathways and opportunities for professional growth across a variety of occupational areas.
Guided by HR, the Unit is committed to best practice and is implementing a locally adapted version of the Investors in People principles. Recent achievements by the Department include the introduction (in collaboration with the MRC Workers Union) of a user friendly staff code for locally employed personnel, and the introduction of individual and team performance awards alongside (but de-linked from) the annual staff appraisal exercise. Staff inductions and information packs have also been given a lot of attention, to ensure that new staff and their families are properly informed, introduced and welcomed on arrival to The Gambia or the Unit.
Finance & Administration
The Unit manages both core and donor funds through its Finance office in Fajara. Staffed by trained accountancy staff and working to internationally recognized guidelines, accountability is further strengthened through regular reviews by the Unit’s own internal auditor and by the Research Council’s UK audit team, as well as sporadically by external donors.
A dedicated external grants administrator at the Unit provides one focal point for support, advice and management of all contractual, administrative and budgetary matters pertaining to donor funded projects.
Health Safety & Security
MRC Gambia is committed to providing its staff with a pleasant, safe and secure working environment. To this end considerable attention has been devoted to the strengthening of the Unit’s health, safety and security functions over recent years. The Unit presently operates its facilities to audited UK H&S standards.
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