Country Office Head, Kenya at International Vaccine Institute (IVI)

Job Description

• This job is responsible for managing overall operations and launch of the Kenya Country office and build IVI presence in Kenya.
• This job is responsible for overseeing the development of the Country Office’s operations in Kenya and in close partnership with the IARO and Kenyan Government/Authorities to lead the AVEC African project initiative and work with partners and stakeholders on end-to-end vaccine R&D to ensure sustainable vaccine manufacturing in Africa, including collaborative relationships internally (IVI) and externally, for IVI to access new sources of funding and deliver on its Global Public Health Mission.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

Kenya Office Head

• Official IVI head in Kenya (Chief of Mission)
• In official functions, represents IVI in the country

Lead the implementation of the AVEC Africa initiative from proof-of-concept to sustainability, in addition to the Kenyan strategy in coordination with IARO and in line with the strategic plan, making it a Global Program and able to host Global Programs (not restricted to Africa focused initiatives)

• Implement AVEC Africa initiative, an end-to-end vaccine R&D model through cross-cutting projects including primary interface with Global funders and stakeholders
• Coordinate with IARO/Regional Director ARO to ensure the implementation of IVI’s strategic goals and annual institutional objectives
• Lead the growth/expansion strategy and define strategic priorities for Kenya
• As required, attendance at and support for IVI institutional meetings (BOT, SAG, GAGE, Global Council as appropriate) as well as institutional organizational initiatives.

Develop a pan-African agenda for new and current end to end project funding in Kenya and other neighboring countries

• Build and grow relationships with Kenya and local funding organizations in the country
• Joint efforts to secure additional funding for IVI from local and relevant sources (e.g., UK, EDCTP, EU Commission and other funders)
• Take responsibility for compelling and insightful grant proposals which fulfill donor’s needs and IVI’s objectives / AVEC Africa requirements
• Collaborate internally with IVI function heads as well as external collaborators to develop a strategy to secure program funding and diversity of IVI’s portfolio
• Secure and manage projects for IVI through the Kenya country office to expand IVI’s footprint on the African continent
• Develop stakeholder engagement plan, including peers in scientific community

Act as deputy to IARO Head, if required

• Support IERO Head as a deputy with day-to-day management of the African office incl. cross- departmental grant development and project execution, representation of IARO at internal meetings, conflict resolution, if required
• Contribute to communicating with the board and scientific advisory group regarding scientific questions as directed by the IARO Head.
• Act as External Representative of IVI and IARO Head as needed (e.g., Government, donors, policy makers, collaborators)

Part of the senior manager’s team in IVI

• Contribute to developing goals & strategies for IARO
• IVI representative to Kenya (e.g., Government, donors, policymakers, collaborators, etc.…)
• Ensure functional connectivity with and endorsement by other IVI HQ/IARO Units and functions
• Support IARO DDG with documents presentation preparation or as an IVI representative, if required

Manage Country Office

• Provide overall management for the Kenya country office
• Build and develop sustainable talent pipeline and development, including attracting and retaining especially highly talented personnel
• Develop a sustainable/self-sufficient country office through grants and other funding
• Work closely with IARO in Rwanda on budget coordination, business planning, and tracking KPIs
• Manage, motivate, and evaluate individual performance of direct report staff
• Contribute to the evaluation of the individual performance of unit staff located in Kenya, but reporting to the HQ management team for the achievement of their goals
• Assist IARO in IVI representation in Africa (and globally as needed).

Fiscal responsibility

• Kenyan office financial oversight responsibility
• Responsible for sustainability of the office
• Responsible for ensuring that project pipeline, staffing, and execution are appropriate for goal of sustainable growth

Any other tasks assigned

Job Requirements and Qualifications

Education Requirements

• MD; PhD (Immunology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics)

Related Field Work Experience

• 15+ years of experience working in vaccine-related scientific fields (immunology, molecular biology, virology, clinical development, epidemiology/vaccine effectiveness, etc.…) in a PDP, Biotech, Big Pharma, or leading University
• Experience in global health space is preferred
• Diplomatic experience helpful
• 7+ years of people management experience

Technical and Professional Skills / Knowledge

• Strong management and leadership skills & experience with the ability to oversee the setup and operation of the country office, including the research project execution, grant appllications
• Knowledge and background in vaccines, medicine, and global health, which enables to be a firm representative for IVI to the public, IVI’s member states, and the scientific community
• Experience working in Africa with solid relationships with stakeholders in the region
• Good knowledge of clinical development and research implementation, preferably with vaccines and in a developing country setting
• Good knowledge of epidemiology, statistics, on-site developing countries expertise, cultural sensitivity, communication, and presentation skills.
• Good Knowledge of regulatory environment and requirements (national, international, and WHO standards).
• Track record of success in generating funds from public or private sector donors preferred.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English, French is a plus