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 240+ employees of 30+ 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 International Network groups 8 offices across the globe: DNDI North America, DNDi LATAM, DNDi East Africa, DNDi DRC, South Africa Joint DNDI GARDP, DNDi India and South Asia, DNDi Japan and DNDi South-East Asia. Representing DNDi’s global footprint and diversity of cultures, origins and skillsets, the Network plays an important part in DNDi’s credibility, reputation with our partners, and is an enabler for creating innovative R&D approaches and ownership of the R&D agenda at the country level. In DNDi’s new strategic plan 23 -28, DNDi has aim to build greater R&D capacity in LMIC locations, and to strengthen the voice of our LMIC partners.

Counting the Malaysia Ministry of Health as a founding member, DNDi was established in Kuala Lumpur in 2004. An integral part of DNDi’s global network, DNDi South-East Asia develops and supports R&D and access partnerships in the broad region, including for hepatitis C and Dengue., while contributing to the global strategy.  The successful registration of Ravidasvir in 2021 as the first affordable hepatitis C treatment paved the way for further collaborations in Malaysia, Thailand and beyond.

Purpose of position

This DNDi senior leadership role, as Director for the Drug for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) in South-East Asia, provides leadership, direction, and management oversight on all activities in the region. The role is especially focused on leading strategic development and collaborations in South-East Asia, extensive representation of DNDi to the global health community, partners, and donors, and mobilizing governments and other stakeholders in the region, including China.

Specific job responsibilities

Primary responsibilities entail designing the regional strategy, leading DNDi’s activities in South-East Asia and China, strengthening the organization’s funding base and science partnerships, and engaging selected stakeholders and nurturing champions in health, science and policy community, including partners, donors and the media.  The role also ensures that strategic contributions and opportunities from the South-East Asia region are integrated in the DNDI’s global strategy.  The Director:

• Engages with philanthropic, business, science, media, and policy leaders, to rally champions and partners in support of DNDi’s collaborations and ensure effective resource mobilization in South-East Asia.
• Designs the regional strategy in alignment with, and to enrich, the global strategy. Co-creates the long-term vision with the DNDi SEA and with DNDi global leadership in charge of key global functions (public & private sector fundraising, external relations, R&D, communications, policy, HR, Finance etc.)
• Leads the assessment, potential establishment, and development of a hub for DNDi activities in Southeast Asia to harness the region's capabilities.

In addition, the Director:

• Mobilizes and motivates a small multi-functional and hybrid team in South-East Asia and overseas colleagues in global functions, for the implementation of the strategy in a networked organization with a matrix environment, while tracking results.
• Develops an empowered senior management team in DNDi SEA to assist in the implementation of strategies, priorities and action plans.
• Serves as member of the DNDi Global Executive Team.

Reporting line

• The South-East Director reports to the International Development Director.

Interactions

• Works with all global teams (i.e., R&D, External Affairs, and Operations) as part of the matrix model 
• This role develops and maintains external relationships and represents DNDi in negotiations to ensure commitment of partners to concerted actions.  
• As a member of the Global Executive Team and International Network, this position participates in global meetings and actively contributes to global platforms. 
• Works with other Regional Directors and their offices to converge, leverage and synergize the regional agenda. 

Job requirements

Skills and attributes

• A track record of success in external facing leadership roles and resource mobilization in non-profit organizations or pharmaceutical science business/ institutions. 
• Success as a results-oriented networker and negotiator with a clear ability to rally stakeholders and develop strategic partnerships.
• Experience in global health or demonstrated ability to embrace this agenda and become a credible and compelling advocate.
• A wide network of actionable contacts in science, and/or government and/or philanthropy.
• A commitment to celebrate diversity, multiculturality, challenge inequality, and promote a progressive agenda for biomedical innovation and global health.
• Successful experience or capacity to operate in a global, diverse and multicultural environment.

Experience

A minimum of 12-15 years of senior executive experience in health/science/global development/social organizations, preferably operating in an international setting.

Significant knowledge and experience at a senior leadership level in at least one of these areas:

• Management and resource mobilization for non-profit organizations
• International public health, science or global development
• Public/private partnerships

Education

• Master’s degree or Ph.D.

Other requirements

• Fluency in English
• Proficiency in local languages desirable
• Willingness and ability to travel globally
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Suite

Other information

• Status: (Full time)

To apply

• Please submit your application using the online form.
• Deadline for application: accepting applications until 15 January 2024
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 
• Application submission for this position may close early if we have enough suitable applicants.