Job Description
We are seeking a Deputy Director General, Global Affairs and Communication / Special Envoy for Global Health Diplomacy for a 3-year-regular position (renewable) to work within the Global Affairs and Communication Unit at the International Vaccine Institute. (Duty station: HQ (Seoul) preferred, other locations may be considered, provided the incumbent can effectively support headquarters and other IVI units)
Job Description
Provide leadership, strategic vision, and execution of global engagement and communication for IVI. The position is representational; the incumbent will be asked to represent IVI internationally in lieu or in support of the Director General. This will include leading planning, content development, and execution of communications as well as leading engagement with countries, regional offices, funders, and other stakeholders through the Global Affairs and Communications (GAC) unit at IVI headquarters. The incumbent will lead IVI’s efforts to secure additional States Parties and funders, and assume responsibility for the Global Council and the Global Advisory Group of Experts meetings. The incumbent will be responsible for GAC’s performance against the annual institutional objectives. The incumbent will support other efforts to secure funding either directly (through state funders, ODA agencies, and philanthropic grants) or indirectly through support for scientific units at IVI.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
1. Lead Global Affairs and Communications (GAC)
- Leadership of GAC
- Responsibility for current States Parties and funders, including requests, reports, and meetings
- In official functions, represent IVI globally as needed if the Director General is unavailable, including leading IVI delegations during official visits to countries around the world
- Responsibility for international communications: press releases, websites, social media, GAC activities, accurate/concise presentations, official letters, and commentary
- Primary responsibility for new engagements with priority given to engaging G7 countries as States Parties and funders as well as broadening IVI’s appeal globally
- Coordination with IVI regional directors on engagements (as primary responsibility for bringing in state funders and States Parties rests with GAC)
- Responsible for following up on engagements after regional office lead engagement (if this is the case), coordinating with regional directors for information/input
- Responsible for initial and follow-up on engagement as the lead, while coordinating with regional directors for information/input.
- Lead, support, and follow up with regional directors to maximize success
- Member of the Leadership Team and the senior management team
2. Develop and execute the GAC Strategic Plan
3. Develop a strategic plan for new and current funding
- Build and grow relationships with existing and potential States Parties/funders
- Assist in the development of funding proposals in support of IVI’s mission
- Support regional offices in engagement and proposals to state funders and potential sources of ODA
- Take responsibility for compelling and insightful grant proposals which fulfill donors’ needs and IVI’s objectives
- Collaborate internally with IVI Leadership Team, as well as external collaborators, to develop a strategy to secure program funding and diversity of IVI’s portfolio
4. Serve as a Leadership Team member at IVI
- Contribute to developing goals and strategies for IVI and support the Director General in leading organizational change to IVI as a Leadership Team member
- IVI representative with global remit in support of Director General, regional directors, etc. (e.g., governments, donors, policymakers, collaborators, etc.)
- Ensure functional connectivity with headquarters and regional offices
- Support IVI Director General with documents, presentation preparation, or any request
5. Manage and lead GAC
- Responsibility for Joint Communications Committee
- Regular updates to Director General and Leadership Team
- Attendance at and support for IVI institutional meetings (Board of Trustees, Scientific Advisory Group, and Global Council as appropriate) as well as institutional organizational initiatives as a Leadership Team member
- Build and develop sustainable talent pipeline and development, including attracting and retaining especially highly talented personnel
- Work closely with IVI headquarters on global engagement and the growth of IVI member countries
- Manage, motivate, and evaluate individual performance of direct report staff
- Ensure adequate communication of IVI activities and impact, including peer-reviewed articles, donor reports, and presentations at meetings/conferences
- Develop and maintain active digital communications platforms, including but not limited to social media posts and platforms to facilitate outreach, engagement, and advocacy
- Communications role to include work on value proposition, communications, advocacy, social media and engagement support
6. Fiscal responsibility
- Contribute to IVI’s state funding and project funding by securing new state funders and other project or ODA funding
7. Advocacy and recognition of IVI among regional and global health institutions, international organizations, local and continental agencies
8. Any other roles and activities as assigned
Job Requirements and Qualifications
1. Education Requirements
- M.D., J.D., Ph.D. (e.g. immunology, molecular biology, virology, public health, epidemiology, statistics), or advanced degree in another relevant field (e.g. international relations) preferred
2. Related Field Work Experience
- 15+ years of experience working in diplomacy, foreign service, and/or vaccine-related scientific fields (immunology, molecular biology, virology, clinical development, epidemiology/vaccine effectiveness, or global health policy, etc.) in a PDP, biotech, large pharmaceutical industry, government, or leading academic institution or university
- Diplomatic experience in global health at minister or counselor, attaché, or country director levels for government development assistance programs, particularly in LMICs
- Experience in capacity building, global health, or national-level experience in public health in LMICs, especially in areas relevant to vaccines (including clinical trials, epidemiology, manufacturing, or regulatory affairs)
- Demonstrated success in grant acquisition and funding mobilization
- More than 10 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 new country office(s), including host country engagements and 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 and/or Latin America with solid relationships with stakeholders including other governments
- Good knowledge of clinical development and research implementation, preferably with vaccines and in a developing country setting
- Experience with high income country development assistance programs
- Prior assignment to Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent) and experience / official position in embassies, regional activities or headquarters
- Knowledge of regulatory affairs, training needs, and capacity building is helpful
- Track record of success in generating funds from public or private sector donors
4. Key Competency
- Advocacy
- Leadership
- Diplomacy skills
- Management
- Creativity
5. Language Proficiency
- Fluency in English is required, African language(s) or French is an asset
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