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 13 new treatments for people with sleeping sickness, visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, HIV, hepatitis C, and malaria that have saved millions of lives. We aim to deliver a total of 25 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.
DNDi has had a significant presence in Asia for the past 20 years, with physical offices established in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), India (Delhi), and Japan (Tokyo). Beyond these locations, DNDi has implemented projects and formed partnerships in several other countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, and Singapore. The breadth of these partnerships ranges across diverse sectors, such as collaborations with various ministries, research and academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturers, and political engagements with global forums like G7 and G20, etc. In Asia DNDi also works closely with large donors and international organizations to support its mission. Our collaborations in Asia span the full spectrum of drug discovery and development, from initial research to Phase I through Phase III clinical trials, ensuring that essential drugs are accessible to those who need them. The key diseases of focus in the region include hepatitis C, dengue, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, and mycetoma. Additionally, we are exploring new opportunities to collaborate on drug discovery consortia and development of drugs for other diseases to address unmet medical needs in the region.
The External Relations, Communication, and the Policy Departments drive DNDi’s visibility, influence, and financial sustainability. Its teams (Policy Advocacy, Communications, and External Relations) ensure that DNDi is visible and respected in influential circles, supported by committed stakeholders, and successful in securing the resources needed to deliver on its mission, while being effective in driving policy change as it advocates for neglected patients.
Purpose of the position
The role is primarily responsible for the external affairs strategy development and implementation within Asia. The role at DNDi will serve as the key steward of fundraising, communication and support advocacy activities in the region, leading and guiding teams to success in stakeholders’ engagement (expanding the network of champions among science and health policy makers, key institutions and potential donors), strategic initiatives related to partnerships, positioning and visibility, policy advocacy with the objective of creating opportunities for DNDI’s activities and spearheading initiatives for successful resource mobilization.
The position is also part of DNDi global External Relations and Communication department leadership, and contributes to external affairs innovation, expertise development and strategic implementation.
Specific job responsibilities
Leading on fundraising initiatives
- External Affairs Strategy Development: Envisions and execute plans to progressively develop the reach, policy influence, and fundraising capacity of DNDi in Asia. With support of the Regional Directors, and in collaboration with the regional leadership team as well as global expertise leaders (external affairs directors), participates in the development, implementation and monitoring of the regional multi-year roadmaps and yearly action plans.
- Stakeholders' engagement: Expands the reach and influence of DNDi and its champions to help support the implementation of DNDi strategic plan in Asia. This entails leading and partnering with senior colleagues in the region to build an effective network of policy makers, civil society groups, and private sector players in the areas of drug research and development, public health, NTDs and access to medicines; designing and implementing strategies for engagement and network management; representing DNDi in high level meetings and enabling effective representation by Regional Directors and senior leaders.
- Resource mobilization: Builds the capacity and develops the conditions to generate income opportunities in and for the region. Develop and implement FR strategies for the continent and support the development of national FR strategies aligned with the global strategy and leveraging DNDi’s global expertise to guide and support mobilization activities.
Supporting initiative and guiding regional activities
- Policy Advocacy: Work with DNDi Policy and Advocacy team to map and seek to influence the further development of continental R&D ecosystems for innovation and access that address the needs of neglected populations. Develop strong understanding of the continental and national political priorities to identify opportunities to influence key governments, organizations and fora in the region. Support the regional directors and other senior leaders in their strategic engagement with government and regional organizations. Represent DNDi in meetings and conferences.
- Communications: Support the development of communication strategies by the communication team to enhance regional positioning efforts, support policy advocacy, stakeholders’ engagement, and fundraising, including partners and donors outreach and recognition. Informs the DNDi global communication strategy and leverages DNDi’s global expertise to guide and support these activities.
- Team and partners management. Play a leading, facilitative, energizing and inspiring role to the Asian external affairs team to enhance collaboration and dialogue among the three core teams for regional/continental activities. Supervises the DNDi Asia communication and fundraising staff.
Contributing to lead global initiatives
- Take the lead for the global fundraising for the dengue program that is based in Asia, in Africa and in Latin America.
- Lead global projects on fundraising of importance for DNDi such as the engagement with various development banks for example.
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 Asia continental director
- The position has the secondary reporting line to the Director of External Relations
Interactions
- This role is primarily external facing (and support of senior colleagues) for the successful engagement of policy makers, business leaders and donors, including at the highest level.
- Internally, the role works most closely with several teams 1) DNDI various teams in Asia (South Asia, Japan and Malaysia) and 2) External Relations and communication department and policy department teams globally in a matrix model 3) DNDi R&D department and DNDi operations
- This role has frequent interaction with DNDi staff globally as well as with external partners and suppliers to coordinate provision of work. This role represents DNDi for a programme/service area and develops and maintains relationship with current and future partners.
Job requirements
Skills and attributes
- High ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines
- Very clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates strong judgment and problem-solving competencies
- Excellent communication, and public speaking skills, ability to convince and represent DNDi at high level events
- Knowledge of managing global multicultural teams
- Highly organized and structured
- High analytical skills
- High ability to lead large strategic projects
- High ability to manage large size projects with budget management
- Very strong strategic thinking and leadership abilities
- Excellent management, negotiation, and advocacy skills
- High ability to exercise high degree of independence to ensure program delivery and explore new areas of activities
- High ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders
- High ability to lead and motivate a team for optimum performance
Experience
- Over 10 years of experience in fundraising preferred.
- Track record of success in fundraising and/or advocacy, especially in public health, will be preferred.
- Understanding of Communications and advocacy as a leverage to Fundraising efforts.
- Senior executive experience, preferably in an international setting
- A solid understanding of the region’s global health/ R&D institutions and policies.
- Proven ability to work effectively in a matrix team environment is a plus)
- Ability to work remotely and lead a diverse team across locations.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
Education
- Advanced post graduate degree or graduate degree with equivalent in experience to reach Master level
Other requirements
- Fluency in English
- Proficiency in local languages desirable
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Suite
Other information
- Status: Employee – full time
To apply
- Please submit your application using the online form
- Deadline for application: accepting applications until 27 october 2024
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
- Application submission for this position may close early if we have enough suitable applicants.