The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is an international, not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization that develops and delivers new treatments for neglected diseases affecting millions of the world’s poorest people.

Together with more than 200 public research and industry allies worldwide, we use the power of partnership, innovation, open science, and advocacy to find solutions to a great injustice: the lack of medicines for life-threatening diseases that disproportionately impact poor and marginalized people. Driven by collaboration, not competition, and by patients’ needs, not profits, we promote equitable access, foster inclusive and sustainable solutions, and advocate for a more effective global biomedical R&D system that meets the needs of neglected patients.

Since our inception, DNDi has delivered 12 new treatments for people with sleeping sickness, visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, HIV, hepatitis C, and malaria that have saved millions of lives. We now aim to deliver an additional 11-14 new treatments by 2028 – addressing R&D gaps for neglected tropical diseases and viral infections, including new pandemic-prone diseases (such as Covid-19) and climate-sensitive diseases (such as dengue) with a focus on the needs of patients in low- and middle-income countries. 

With more than 250 employees of 33 nationalities located in nine offices on four continents, DNDi is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential parts of our culture and key drivers of our success. We encourage candidates of diverse profiles and backgrounds to apply.

The DNDi Strategy and Operations Department manages the DNDi corporate infrastructure globally (Finance; Human Resources; Information Systems and Technology; Legal Affairs; Alliance Management, Business Development, Procurement, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Facilities) across its 8 locations. The Department plays a central role in DNDi’s compliance and performance and is the custodian of its Strategic Plan, its IST strategy, People Strategy, Diversity Equity and inclusion Strategy, and Code of Conduct.

Purpose of the position

The HR and Organization Director contributes to the overall organizational strategy by advising the Global Executive Team and members of the Board of Directors on the Human Resources aspects of their decisions and supports management by providing advice, counsel, and decisions on strategic staffing plans, employees relations and any people matter. This role leads the global HR team by overseeing worldwide Human Resources operations and implements policies and initiatives to support the organization’s mission and strategy. Taking oversight of DNDi´s evolution and culture, it contributes to achieve long-term goals around organizational and people development in all people strategy dimensions.  This role is the sponsor for HR transversal projects and leads major HR initiatives.

The HR and Organization Director has the role to lead in major organizational development projects such as re-organizations, leadership transitions, leadership development, employee staff survey and action plans, under the guidance and supervision of the Strategy and Operations Director.

Specific job responsibilities

Manage and lead the global HR team

• Monitor and support growth of HR Global function through defining roles and responsibilities and required skillsets, individual development plans, and taking an active part in the team design organization.
• Manage the senior team members and coordinate the global HR team organization.

Develop and implement the HR strategy, roadmap, and framework

• Develop mid-term roadmaps and lead the development and implementation of DNDi Human Resources strategy and framework (policies, tools…); articulate HR model (core staff, project staff, consultants, profiles…).
• Provide strategic approach to Compensation & Benefits and global equity across the organization. Ensure consistency of DNDi positioning through regular benchmarks.
• Develop the annual global HR Action plan and budget and validate the regional offices HR components.
• Develop and implement various global HR policies and guidelines, ensure alignment across the offices.

Organizational development and effectiveness

• Provide leadership on clarifying roles and responsibilities across departments, regions and diseases areas.
• Develop and maintain the grading structure while maintaining organizational charts and Job descriptions accordingly.
• Actively promote DNDi’s values and culture and strengthen staff motivation and commitment.
• Act as a partner across the organization in anticipating needs, designing relevant positions, proposing structural or functional adjustments to the organization, identifying critical skills and proposing competency models.
• Ensures in-depth reviews of competency / skillset in conjunction with full review of Job descriptions for senior positions.

Performance management, training and development, leadership development

• Provide a framework for staff professional development, define global training plans and propose leadership development programs.
• Oversee the employee performance management process, act as HR business partners to assist managers reviewing performance of their teams, propose role changes and staffing plans and development.
• Support the Executive Director in the senior leadership succession planning and transitions.
• Put in place coaching and mentoring programs for staff.

HR Administration

• Accountable of HR-related compliance globally.
• Oversee Global HR Operations including HR financial estimates & forecast, recruitment, and oversee preparation of annual HR metrics for the Board and Annual reports.
• Validate staff rules and oversee HR audits across offices.

Responsible for safeguarding vulnerable persons in the organization

The Director of Human Resources and Organization is the designated Officer for Safeguarding at DNDi for any complaints on Sexual Misconduct, as well as harassment and bullying, in this capacity also reporting to the Executive Director.

Reporting line

• The HR and Organization Director reports to the Strategy and Operations Director

Job requirements

Skills and attributes

• Strategic and creative thinker with strong leadership abilities and experience in a very multi-cultural environment
• Experienced in managing global multicultural teams and leading large programs/projects with budget management.
• Excellent ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure.
• Highly organized and structured with excellent analytical skills.
• Very clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving competencies.
• Excellent negotiation, and advocacy skills
• Excellent communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments, public speaking skills, ability to convince and represent DNDi at high level events.
• Open, transparent, reliable, and collaborative personality, with strong teamwork abilities

Technical skills

• Individual and group coaching and mentoring, group animation and facilitation skills
• Human Resources and organizational development and restructuring in an NGO/non-for profit and/or private sector.
• Knowledge of Swiss human resources and social practices and regulatory frameworks, ideally complemented with an experience in other countries in Europe and where DNDi operates.
• Strong experience in implementing HR Operational excellence, continuous improvement or efficiency-related processes, systems and tools

Experience

• Minimum 15 years’ relevant experience including several at senior management level.
• HR leadership experience in a complex and international organization in an NGO/Non-for profit and/or private sector
• Experience in organization transformation and/or consulting in organization.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix structure is critical.
• Experience building and leading teams in a startup or very dynamic environment.
• Proven track record in Human resources function and organizational development

Education

• Master’s degree in management or business administration, graduate degree in Organization / Human resources

Other requirements

• Fluency in English
• Proficiency in other languages is desirable, e.g., French, Spanish or Portuguese
• Willingness and ability to travel globally.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Suite

Other information

• Status: Full time – Employee

To apply

• Please submit your application using the online form
• Deadline for application: Accepting applications until 31 March 2023.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• This position might close early if we have filled the position.