Job Detail

Head of Tuberculosis programme

Inseriert am: 10.12.2018

FIND is an international non-profit organization based in Geneva, Switzerland, dedicated to
R&D activities to expand and accelerate access to new diagnostic technologies, and to build
global capacity for diagnostic testing for poverty-related diseases in low- and middle- income
countries.


FIND’s vision is a world where diagnosis guides the way to health for all people. The FIND
team is devoted to catalysing the development of novel diagnostic tests that meet global
health needs and evidence collection (through clinical studies) to inform national and global
policy development. FIND is also playing a key role in early implementation of innovative
diagnostic solutions that have a high impact on patient care and disease control in low-
resource settings.


As the Head of FIND’s TB Programme, you will have cross-cutting responsibilities across all
projects and will be reporting to the Chief Scientific Officer. FIND’s approach in TB has
centred on developing and improving access to simpler, more sensitive, fit-for-purpose
diagnostics for early diagnosis, screening and guiding treatment. As the programme Head,
you will lead strategy development, programme management, and technical oversight of
multiple projects throughout all stages of the diagnostics development pathway for as well as
other related pathogens You will be part of FIND’s Leadership team and will be involved in
strategic decision making. The specific activities will include but not be limited to:


Develop and implement TB programme strategy



  • Lead FIND’s efforts in developing and assessing the impact of new diagnostics and/or
    innovative solutions for identifying patients with TB

  • Define and implement the next strategic period including programme expansion to other
    related diseases as appropriate

  • Play a leadership role in coordinating activities across FIND R&D and Access teams, as
    well as external stakeholders involved in disease management, policy, and programme
    implementation in resource-limited settings

  • Share responsibility for FIND’s product portfolio with other FIND teams, its executive
    leadership, and the FIND Scientific Advisory Committee

  • Actively engage with donors and partners and lead efforts to mobilize resources for your
    portfolio

  • Maintain strong relationships with key opinion leaders, stakeholders, policy makers and
    industries to keep FIND at the forefront of the diagnostics space

  • Lead partnerships with WHO and other global health agencies on the use of diagnostic
    tests, including collaboration on policy and programme development

  • Promote a wider understanding of the role of diagnostics in disease control through
    external presentations

  • Build up relationships with other leading agencies in diagnostics development and/or
    implementation and promote FIND's expertise in this field


Manage and supervise R&D projects and teams



  • Manage a team of scientists and project managers to execute against established
    programme goals

  • Create a full development plan for new projects in the programme, including associated
    budgets, and update plans on an annual basis or as needed.

  • Working closely with other disease areas (e.g. Malaria & Fever, NTD, etc.) and FIND’s
    cross-cutting teams (clinical trials, connectivity, and technology development) to
    augment the effectiveness and impact of your team’s technical programmes

  • Manage and motivate project staff

  • Ensure smooth translation between phases in execution of projects

  • Ensure efficient and cost-effective use of FIND resources

  • Interact with team and partners on a regular basis to help them meet milestones

  • Organize regular internal cross-team project reviews together as appropriate (e.g.,
    business development, communication, fundraising, etc.)


Meet the highest standards for quality, in accordance with global norms for diagnostic tests,



  • Ensure that activities conducted during product development and validation are of the
    highest quality, in accordance with global norms for diagnostic tests and the quality
    systems requirements of organizational partners

  • Ensure that projects and partner investigators maintain standards of good clinical
    practice and compliance with quality standards


Enable review of projects



  • Report to the executive team on progress of individual projects and budgets on a regular
    basis and present interim reviews

  • Prepare materials and presentations to the SAC, in collaboration with the executive
    team, with emphasis on the disease area strategy

  • Present progress reports at interim and formal management reviews

  • Prepare and present budget plans for portfolio projects

  • Advise on appropriate external experts to enhance the review process as required


Fundraising, advocacy and communication



  • Contribute to FIND’s fundraising activities by providing direct support to proposal and
    report writing


  • Support presentation of disease programmes during advocacy meetings/activities


  • Produce timely scientific publications on project activities


  • Scientific
    o MD or PhD degree with 10+ years of experience in academic, clinical, public health
    or related settings
    o Post-graduate knowledge and clear understanding of tuberculosis, especially in
    diagnostics and related public health issues
    o Prior experience with global health agencies a strong plus
    o Experience with diagnostic methods, preferably including NGS



o Experienced in epidemiology, research methodologies and clinical trials
o Relevant experience working in low- and middle-income countries
o Superior scientific writing skills with a track record of publications and/or successful
grant development as a principal investigator
o Programme and/or project management experience
o A scientific and/or technical understanding of the design and development of
diagnostics and industry experience would be an additional asset.



  • Soft skills
    o Passionate about addressing challenges in the global public health space
    o Ability to multitask and work in a rapidly evolving environment
    o Superior problem-solving skills
    o Excellent public speaking and communication skills
    o Strong leadership qualities with a desire to grow
    o Ability to work collaboratively within a specific team and in a cross-cutting
    environment
    o Ability to work without close supervision, as well as work under pressure and
    meet tight timelines on a results-oriented basis
    o Work well in teams of multicultural backgrounds; be an effective communicator

  • Fluent in both verbal and written English. Working knowledge of French, German or
    Spanish would be an asset

  • The position is based at FIND’s HQ in Geneva and will entail a fair amount of travel


Please send a motivation letter, a CV (maximum 2 pages) and three references to
hr@finddx.org .


Deadline to send your application: 10 January 2019
Please note that only applicants meeting the profile requirements will be personally
contacted. Applications sent by recruitment agencies will not be considered


FIND is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.
FIND is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for
employment. FIND does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual
orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability
status, political ideology, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable
law.