OFFICE OF PROJECTS AND FUNDING
Overview
Office of Projects and Funding: OPF assists Mloganzila staff to effectively manage projects and funds according to hospital policies and guidelines. The office plays a key role in interpreting and ensuring compliance with university policies, proposal and award conditions, as well as relevant funding bodies laws and regulations. OPF reviews and submits proposals for the hospital and is responsible for drafting, negotiating, and signing sponsored agreements and sub-awards.
Project Management
The OPF provides guidance to ensure projects are well-structured, financially viable, and aligned with hospital policies.
– OPF researches and identifies both internal and external funding opportunities that match the hospital’s strategic objectives and project needs.
– The office helps project leaders connect with potential sponsors, partners, and collaborators to strengthen proposals and secure additional support.
– OPF reviews eligibility criteria, application processes, and compliance rules for each funding opportunity, ensuring staff meet all requirements.
– Each financial year, OPF supports project teams in drafting detailed and realistic budgets, which are then reviewed and submitted for hospital management approval.
Project Planning
Successful projects require careful planning and structure. OPF assists staff in preparing actionable plans that ensure efficiency and compliance.
– Clarifying goals, expected outcomes, and the specific problems a project seeks to solve.
– Creating schedules that highlight key milestones, deliverables, and deadlines to keep projects on track.
– Determining the personnel, equipment, facilities, and financial support necessary for successful implementation.
– Identifying potential risks early and preparing contingency strategies to minimize disruptions.
– Establishing clear benchmarks and monitoring processes to measure project progress and overall success.
Proposals Management
The OPF plays a central role in reviewing, refining, and submitting proposals to funding bodies.
– Assisting teams in drafting clear, concise, and compelling project narratives that define objectives, methods, and expected results.
– Preparing itemized financial statements that explain how requested funds will be allocated and why each cost is necessary.
– Outlining the approach, activities, and step-by-step timelines that demonstrate feasibility and impact.
– Collecting and organizing required attachments such as letters of support, CVs of key personnel, institutional approvals, and evidence of past work.
– Ensuring every proposal meets the funder’s guidelines, is accurate, and communicates the project’s value clearly before submission.
Budget Development
Sound financial planning is at the core of sustainable projects. OPF ensures all budgets are accurate, justified, and compliant with funding policies.
– Understanding the full scope of each project and identifying the required resources such as staff, equipment, facilities, and technology.
– Calculating realistic expenses, including personnel salaries, materials, travel, administrative support, and contingency reserves.
– Differentiating costs directly tied to the project (e.g., salaries, equipment) from overhead expenses (e.g., utilities, maintenance).
– Reviewing funder guidelines to ensure the budget follows required rules, caps, or limitations.
– Producing transparent, itemized reports that clearly justify all costs, support financial accountability, and align with project objectives.
The OPF oversees the entire contract cycle, from identifying funding opportunities to managing agreements after awards.
Funding Sources – Scouting government grants, research funds, and private sector opportunities that fit hospital needs.
Sponsorships & Partnerships – Facilitating collaborations with industries, non-profits, or other institutions to strengthen funding potential.
Pre-Award – Assisting teams with defining objectives, preparing timelines, assessing risks, and finalizing required documentation before proposal submission.
Award – Guiding staff through the award stage, including clarifying expectations, finalizing budgets, collecting support documents, and reviewing compliance.
Post-Award – Supporting teams with reporting, financial tracking, follow-up documentation, and ensuring compliance with all funder requirements.
