Policy Advocacy Manager at Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)

Purpose of the position

• The Policy Advocacy Manager is a global role accountable for developing and implementing specific advocacy strategies and contributing to the development of the global advocacy strategy development, undertaking research and analysis, developing policy advocacy content and tools, providing matrix support to colleagues undertaking policy advocacy in different regions, and providing strategic administrative support to the Director of Policy Advocacy. The incumbent is responsible to support DNDi’s efforts to document lessons learned, engage stakeholders, develop champions, and promote policy actions to advance the adoption of progressive R&D policies to meet the needs of neglected patients.

Specific responsibilities

• Undertake research and analysis − including policy landscape analyses, stakeholders mapping, lessons learned by DNDi, etc. − and develop policy advocacy content and tools including white papers and policy briefs.
• Contribute to technical analyses of policies and practices impacting innovation and access to medical tools, and propose / prioritize specific actions where DNDi and partners could be influential.
• Coordinate specific advocacy activities / campaigns engaging various stakeholders and manage projects and events.
• Provide matrix support to colleagues undertaking policy advocacy activities in various regions, with a particular focus on East Africa and the African Union  and other departments (e.g. ODA donors managed by External Relations teams)
• Collaborate with the Communications teams to help develop and disseminate policy positions through opinion pieces, blogs, and other means.
• Contribute, through internal communications, to developing internal knowledge and the ability of colleagues to represent policy positions.
• Provide project management support to the Policy Advocacy Director and team.

General duties

• Coordinate policy advocacy team meetings
• Support documentation, tracking, and delivery of policy team deliverables and KPIs

The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other responsibilities appropriate to your grade. This job description may be subject to review.

Reporting line

• Reports to the Director of Policy Advocacy.
• Secondary reporting line to the Regional Office Director.

Interactions

• Work with Communication and External Relation teams, regional offices, and R&D teams at DNDi.
• Work extensively with external partners including civil society groups, thinktanks, government representatives, multilateral agencies’ experts, and policy leads in science, research, and public health institutions.
• The position has a representational role through the promotion of policy advocacy objectives and maintain productive relationships by projecting the image of a credible partner.

Job requirements

Skills and attributes

• Strong 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.
• Strong communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments.
• Strong ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team.
• Well organized and structured.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Strong ability to provide high level support in project / programme delivery.
• Strong ability to manage medium / large projects with budget management.
• Strategic thinking and leadership abilities.
• Strong management, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Has autonomy for taking actions and decisions.
• Strong ability to interact with external stakeholders.
• Lead and motivate a small team for optimum performance, supervising junior staff.

Technical skills

• Commitment to a more inclusive and equitable R&D system.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to critically analyze, summarize, and apply complex information from internal and external sources.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including the ability to produce and present advocacy materials to expert and general audiences.
• Strong project management skills.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years' relevant experience in which at least 4 years at Senior Officer level.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix structure.
• Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable.
• A track record of policy analysis preferably in public health and knowledge of global health, development or science policy.
• Proven experience of developing and implementing successful advocacy strategies and campaigns, including awareness building initiatives with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in policy advocacy on the Africa continent. Experience in the East African context a plus.

Education

• Graduate degree with equivalent experience to reach masters level in international relations, public health, public affairs or a related field, or demonstrably equivalent experience through grassroots engagement, preferably with applied work in community, national or global advocacy.

Other information

• Status: Full-time