Role Summary
Africa stands at a transformative juncture in health innovation, marked by increasing collaboration among governments, regional bodies, researchers, manufacturers, and development partners to bolster health sovereignty and enhance access to locally pertinent solutions. In this rapidly shifting environment, the demand for robust policy leadership, persuasive strategic advocacy, and seamless ecosystem coordination has reached unprecedented levels.
At the nexus of health research and development, policy formulation, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder engagement, this position will drive forward this pivotal evolution by spearheading initiatives that foster conducive conditions for innovation. These efforts will focus on aligning research, regulatory frameworks, manufacturing processes, funding mechanisms, market accessibility, and health system priorities to create cohesive pathways for progress.
The ideal candidate will collaborate extensively with governments, regional bodies, industry leaders, academic institutions, civil society groups, innovators, and development partners to convert research findings into practical solutions, advance critical issues on policy agendas, and foster alliances that catalyze lasting and sustainable progress.
This position integrates strategic advocacy, policy shaping, partnership cultivation, and program oversight.
The ideal candidate will foster high-impact collaborations, develop persuasive storytelling frameworks, and build influential strategic relationships while pinpointing new avenues to promote health innovation and ensure equitable access throughout Africa.
By fulfilling this role, the incumbent will contribute to enhancing the frameworks that allow scientific discoveries and innovations to drive sustained public health improvements, foster economic development, and build more resilient health systems throughout the continent.
Oversee a comprehensive range of essential duties, including the management of daily operations, ensuring all processes align with organizational standards and efficiency goals. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive project execution, monitor performance metrics, and identify opportunities for process optimization. Lead initiatives to enhance productivity, maintain compliance with industry regulations, and support strategic objectives through data-driven decision-making. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement while mentoring team members to achieve collective and individual growth.
Spearhead the development and execution of PATH’s health research and development (R&D) policy and advocacy initiatives across the region, establishing a clear vision and ensuring strategic coherence, operational excellence, and measurable impact.
Oversee program delivery and performance by directing work plans, timelines, deliverables, budgets, and reporting requirements to uphold effective management and accountability throughout execution.
Forge and oversee high-impact collaborative alliances, fostering enduring connections with governmental bodies, regional entities, international organizations, academic research centers, civil society groups, funding agencies, and private sector stakeholders to propel collective advancement in health research and development objectives.
Strengthen partnerships with regional and continental stakeholders by fostering collaboration with key institutions including the African Union, AMA, Africa CDC, AUDI-NEPAD, and other relevant organizations to advance health research, development, and innovation priorities.
As a key delegate for PATH, you will actively engage in strategic forums, including technical meetings, policy forums, working groups, and high-level convening, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s health innovation agendas.
Facilitate cross-functional alignment with PATH by engaging with technical, policy, partnerships, and external affairs teams to harmonize research & development advocacy, technical considerations, and programmatic objectives into unified strategies and deliverables.
Provide team management and mentorship as assigned, guiding project teams, consultants, and partners to cultivate collaboration, continuous learning, inclusivity, and professional development.
Provide innovative thought leadership and foster knowledge development by identifying emerging trends and opportunities. Monitor advancements across Africa’s health innovation ecosystem to shape strategic initiatives, cultivate partnerships, and enhance advocacy efforts. Develop policy tools, reports, analyses, presentations, and advocacy materials that bolster policy engagement and advance Africa’s health innovation agenda.
Elevate PATH’s prominence and impact by strengthening its external positioning and thought leadership in health research and development, innovation policy, and equitable access initiatives across Africa.
Business development professionals will seek out strategic partnerships and secure funding opportunities while also playing a key role in drafting and refining proposals to support organizational growth.
Seeking a candidate with a strong background in project management, proven leadership skills, and at least five years of relevant experience in a fast-paced environment. The ideal applicant will hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or a related field, along with proficiency in industry-standard software tools. Exceptional communication abilities, both written and verbal, are essential to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, the capacity to prioritize tasks under tight deadlines, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results consistently.
Essential Skills and Experience: Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience in a related discipline. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and advanced Excel skills are mandatory. The ideal applicant will demonstrate strong analytical abilities, exceptional organizational talents, and the capacity to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience with project management tools such as Asana or Trello is preferred. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. Familiarity with industry-specific software or platforms will be considered an advantage.
Education & Expertise – A Master’s Degree in Public Health, Global Health, Health Policy, Public Policy, International Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Economics, or a related discipline is required. Prior experience in management consulting is highly advantageous.
Health R&D Policy Leadership – Demonstrates a robust grasp of Africa’s health research and development landscape, encompassing product innovation, market introduction, equitable access, regulatory frameworks, and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Proven expertise in developing and executing evidence-based global health advocacy strategies that drive policy adoption and implementation across national, regional, or continental levels.
Proficient in technical translation, with the skill to simplify intricate scientific, policy, or regulatory matters into compelling, accessible content tailored for policymakers and key decision-makers.
Demonstrated expertise in health research and development, public health initiatives, policy formulation, or a closely related discipline is required.
Proven skill in cultivating and sustaining credible relationships with governmental bodies, regional entities, international agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector collaborators.
Proven expertise in cultivating and overseeing strategic partnerships, with a strong ability to facilitate seamless collaboration across diverse organizations, sectors, or stakeholder networks.
Demonstrates outstanding proficiency in both written and spoken English, with a particular emphasis on clear articulation, persuasive presentation, and the capacity to engage effectively with senior-level stakeholders through facilitation.
Strong organizational capabilities are essential, requiring proven leadership in cross-border or multi-stakeholder projects while adeptly managing competing priorities, tight deadlines, and critical deliverables.
Demonstrated expertise in fostering productive teamwork across diverse groups, geographical regions, cultural backgrounds, and professional fields within a fast-paced setting.
Applicants must possess valid work authorization in the country where the position is based.
Qualifications sought include a proven background in relevant fields, with a preference for candidates who possess a combination of practical experience and specialized knowledge. Ideal applicants will demonstrate proficiency in key competencies aligned with the role’s demands, alongside a track record of achieving measurable outcomes in prior positions. Additional value is placed on individuals who exhibit strong problem-solving abilities, adaptability to evolving industry trends, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
Proven track record in overseeing donor-funded initiatives, including philanthropic and multilateral project management, is required.
A client-centric approach is essential, requiring a deep commitment to addressing stakeholder needs while operating within the limits of available resources. This mindset also demands adaptability and responsiveness to the evolving priorities of policymakers, ensuring alignment with shifting agendas.
We seek professionals with a proven ability to design or facilitate training programs and provide technical assistance aimed at strengthening policy development and advocacy capabilities.
Proficient in French, Portuguese, or Arabic, enabling effective engagement across Africa’s diverse regions.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
