Job Detail

Geneva, Switzerland 
[Closing date: 28 February 2020]

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is a collaborative, patients’ needs-driven, non-profit drug research and development (R&D) organization that is developing new treatments for neglected populations (www.dndi.org). In addition to developing new treatments, as part of its mission and since its inception, DNDi has worked in partnership to enhance research capacity in endemic countries and advocated for increased public responsibility and a more enabling environment for R&D for neglected populations.

The External Affairs Departments aims to design, implement, and evaluate policy advocacy, communications, and fundraising strategies for DNDi and participate in major efforts in all three areas appropriate for her/his level, and to support alignment between DNDi and GARDP on these areas. The global team has 35 members, the majority in Geneva, but also in New York, Rio de Janeiro, Nairobi, India, Malaysia, and Japan.

The work of the Policy and Advocacy team centers on advocating for public leadership, sustainable financing, and sound public policies that will result in needs-driven R&D. The Policy and Advocacy team sits within the External Relations Department, which includes Communications and Fundraising. The Policy and Advocacy team also provides strategic support to the Global Antibiotic R&D Partnership (GARDP). (www.gardp.org)

Purpose of the position

The Policy and Advocacy Officer will work under the direction of the Global Head of Policy Advocacy.

S/he is accountable for supporting specific research and content development analysis, tracking policy developments relevant to the Policy and Advocacy team’s work, participating in strategy development and execution, and providing general administrative support.

The immediate priorities will be to:

• Conduct background analysis of, track and contribute to major processes and key developments for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) research and development, both in anticipation of the launch of the WHO NTD Roadmap, and for forward planning


• Support technical analysis and advocacy on transversal innovation issues for viral diseases


• Track policy developments on relevant issues with an initial focus on new models and incentives for innovation at the World Health Organization and other multilateral initiatives (e.g. UN, the EU Horizon Europe process, the G20, etc.)

Specific job responsibilities

Policy and advocacy

• Contribute to technical analysis, background research, and content development


• Assist with the continual monitoring and research of policies and practices impacting innovation and access to medical tools, including multilateral, governmental, philanthropic, non-governmental, and industrial policies


• Conduct background research on assigned policy issues


• Support outreach with designated priority targets, in particular priority countries, NGOs, and civil society stakeholders


• Support efforts to build relationships with potential allies (civil society, government, NGOs, research actors, etc.) to advance


• Participate in internal and external advocacy meetings


• Support monitoring and reporting on advocacy progress against targets

General duties

The Policy Advocacy Officer will provide general support including:

• Taking minutes of meetings


• Support for coordination, logistics, and developing discussion strategies for meetings and calls


• Support for relevant conference preparation and necessary logistics


• Summarizing of key documents


• Preparation of presentations/edit and improve slide graphics


• Other tasks as needed

Reporting line

• Reports directly to the Global Head of Policy and Advocacy

Job requirements

Skills and attributes

• Demonstrated commitment to working with and in support of the needs of neglected populations; preferably with familiarity with key issues in global health policy in relation to health technologies


• Strong communication skills, including writing for expert and general audiences and public speaking


• Creative and out of the box thinker, with demonstrated track record of analytic problem‐solving/seeking solutions to challenges


• Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines


• Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment and problem solving competencies


• Very good communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments


• Ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team


• Well organized and structured


• Very good analytical skills


• Ability to contribute to the project delivery under minimum supervision


• Ability to manage small projects if delegated by upper levels with supervision


• Ability to supervise an Intern or Apprentice

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience with graduate degree, at least one year with post graduate degree


• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix structure


• Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable


• Demonstrated experience in undertaking desk-based research, summarizing complex information and producing advocacy materials


• Some experience supporting successful relationship-building/awareness‐raising initiatives with internal and external stakeholders


• Some experience engaging with members of governments, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and/or multi‐lateral organizations


• Experience of working with neglected populations desirable

Education

• Graduate in area relevant for global health, or equivalent experience working in community or global policy advocacy

Other requirements

• Fluency in English and French


• Proficiency in local languages desirable


• Good knowledge of Microsoft Suite

Other information

• Status: full time – permanent role

To apply

• Please submit your application using the online form


• Deadline for application: Accepting applications until 28 February 2020


• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted 


• Application submission for this position may close early if we have enough suitable applicants