Medicines for Malaria Venture Director, External Relations

Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) was established in 1999 as a partnership between the public and private sector to discover, develop and deliver new antimalarial drugs at prices affordable to developing countries.

MMV is based in Geneva as an independent not-for-profit Swiss Foundation. It has an entrepreneurial modus operandi and has established a new business model through which it selects and manages its research and development portfolio.  

We are looking for a senior person to join our expanding External Relations team. Reporting directly to the Executive Vice President, External Relations, the Director will be responsible for developing and implementing a global advocacy and fundraising strategy in order to diversify and increase MMV’s donor base.

The Director, External Relations will:

• Develop and implement a global fundraising strategy and action plan.
• Identify new donor prospects and strengthen relationships with existing donors. This includes foundations, private and government donors, as well as innovative financing mechanisms and leveraged and in-kind contributions.
• Take the lead on specific donor targets including intelligence gathering, mapping, relationshipbuilding, overseeing work of consultants as appropriate, and grant proposal writing.
• Ensure highest level of cooperation and partnership with donors and other key MMV stakeholders.
• Represent MMV at donor meetings and conferences.
• Work with the Communications team to develop print material and presentations.
• Develop, manage and maintain key relationships with governments to influence their policies to include scientific research and development for health.
• Develop and oversee an advocacy plan to promote the need for malaria research and development, the work of Product Development Partnership organizations (PDPs) and the global health environment to decision makers, key opinion leaders and policy makers.

Essential qualifications and skills:

• Masters degree, preferably in public health or a relevant scientific field.
• At least 7 years of relevant work experience, either bilateral/multilateral work with private or public donors, or pharmaceutical industry experience in policy/partnership-development/government relations.
• Well versed in international health and development issues.
• Knowledge in research and development would be an asset.
• Skilled public relations strategist with significant international experience.
• Excellent track record of meeting ambitious goals, building relationships, managing personnel, and guiding operations.
• Fluent in English, other languages an asset.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and able to express complex ideas with clarity and conviction.
• Flexible and able to handle frequent changes.
• Able to work across multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams and environments.
• Willing to travel extensively, consistent with the job requirements.

Interested applicants should send their CV and a covering letter giving reasons for their interest in the position to jobs@mmv.org before 21 December 2012. Please refer to the following job code in the subject line of your email: ER-2012-2.