We are seeking a Deputy Director General, Africa Office/Regional Director for a 3-year-regular position (renewable) to work within the Africa Regional Office at the International Vaccine Institute in Kigali, Rwanda. (Duty station: Kigali, Rwanda)

Job Description

This job is responsible for managing overall operations and launch of the Africa office and build out IVI presence in Africa.
This is a Leadership Team job responsible for overseeing the development of the Regional Office’s operations in Rwanda and from Rwanda to Africa, in close partnership with the Rwandan Government and continental agencies/authorities, to (i) inspire and conduct collaborative relationships internally (IVI) and externally with Academic Industry partners, NGOs, Government Agencies (ii) build a world-class team that advance other IVI activities in Africa and globally; (iii) partner with Africa-based international organizations and donors and other relevant international funders/stakeholders; and (iv) shape and execute the IVI strategy (globally, regionally), achieve annual institutional objectives, and advance the mission of discovery, development, and delivery of vaccines for Global Health.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Chief of Mission, IARO

• Official IVI head in Africa
• In official functions, represents IVI in Africa
• Strengthen and deepen relationship with Rwandan government in support of their national priorities
• Coordination of African country offices
• Member of LT

2. Manage the overall Africa strategy of the IVI African office in line with the strategic plan

• Coordinate with IVI HQ in Seoul to ensure the implementation of IVI’s strategic goals and annual institutional objectives
• Lead the growth/expansion strategy and define strategic priorities for Africa, including engagement with additional African countries to become members of IVI
• Attendance at and support for IVI institutional meetings (BOT, SAG, GAGE, Global Council as appropriate) as well as institutional organizational initiatives as LT member

3. Develop an agenda for new and current funding

• Build and grow relationships with African countries and funding organizations in the region
• Initiate and grow partnerships with local/regional industry players and NGOs in the region
• Joint efforts with IERO to secure additional funding for IVI from EU sources (e.g., EDCTP and other funders)
• Take responsibility for compelling and insightful grant proposals which fulfill donors’ needs and IVI’s objectives
• Collaborate internally with IVI LT, 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 Africa office to expand IVI’s footprint and capabilities

4. Leadership team member in IVI

• Contribute to developing goals & strategies for IVI and support the Director General in bringing progressive and positive changes to IVI as a leadership team member.
• Support IVI Strategy development and execution
• Develop and be responsible for IARO objectives in line with IVI annual objectives
• IVI representative to Africa (e.g., Government, donors, policymakers, collaborators etc…)
• Ensure functional connectivity with and endorsement by other IVI HQ and IERO Units and functions
• Support IVI DG with documents, presentation preparation, or any request

5. Manage & Lead Regional Office

• Provide overall leadership and management for IVI African office/Country offices
• Build and develop sustainable talent pipeline and development, including attracting and retaining especially highly talented personnel
• Work closely with the IVI HQ 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 Kigali but reporting to the HQ management team for the achievement of their goals
• Ensure adequate communication of IVI activities, incl. peer-reviewed articles, donor reports, media engagement and presentations at meetings/conferences

6. Fiscal responsibility

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

7. Advocacy and recognition of IVI at African academic and global health institutions, International Organisations, local and continental agencies

8. Any other tasks assigned

Job Requirements and Qualifications

1. Education Requirements

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

2. Related Field Work Experience

• 15+ years of experience working in vaccine-related scientific fields (immunology, molecular biology, virology, clinical development, epidemiology/vaccine effectiveness, or Global Health policy, etc.…) in a PDP, Biotech, Big Pharma, or leading University
• Diplomatic experience in Global Health, particularly in Africa
• Experience in global health or national level experience in public health in Africa
• Successful grant experience / funding mobilizer
• 7+ years of people management experience

3. Technical and Professional Skills / Knowledge

• Strong management and leadership skills & experience with the ability to oversee the setup and operation of the African office, including the research project execution
• Knowledge and background in vaccines, medicine, and global health, which enables to be a strong 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.

4. Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English (necessary), French is a plus