Role Summary
Africa’s trajectory in health innovation is set to define a transformative decade, driven by increasing engagement among governments, regional bodies, researchers, manufacturers, and development partners to bolster health sovereignty and broaden access to locally tailored solutions. Amid this dynamic shift, the demand for decisive policy leadership, persuasive advocacy, and seamless ecosystem coordination has reached unprecedented levels.
At the crossroads of health research and development, policy formulation, advocacy efforts, and stakeholder engagement, this position will drive forward this pivotal transformation by spearheading initiatives that cultivate conducive environments for innovation. These efforts will bridge critical areas—such as research, regulation, manufacturing, financing, market access, and health system priorities—to foster seamless collaboration and progress.
The ideal candidate will collaborate extensively with governments, regional organizations, industry leaders, academic institutions, civil society groups, innovators, and development partners to convert research findings into actionable strategies, highlight critical issues for policy prioritization, and foster alliances that facilitate enduring progress.
This position integrates strategic advocacy, policy shaping, partnership cultivation, and program oversight.
The ideal candidate will foster high-level partnerships, craft persuasive narratives, nurture strategic alliances, and uncover new opportunities to drive advancements in health innovation and ensure equitable access throughout Africa.
This position will contribute to fostering environments where scientific breakthroughs and innovations can be effectively translated into sustained public health benefits, economic advancement, and more robust health systems across the region.
Oversee and execute a range of essential duties, including the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and organizational growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align processes with company objectives, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance across departments. Maintain accountability for delivering high-quality results within established timelines, while adhering to best practices and industry standards. Additionally, monitor team performance, provide constructive feedback, and foster a culture of continuous improvement to drive productivity and innovation.
Lead the strategic direction of PATH’s health research and development (R&D) policy and advocacy initiatives across the region, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, execution excellence, and measurable impact.
Oversee the successful execution and performance of programs by directing work plans, schedules, deliverables, financial allocations, and reporting obligations to uphold strong program governance and responsibility.
Develop and oversee strategic alliances by fostering and sustaining robust connections with governmental bodies, regional entities, global organizations, academic institutions, nongovernmental organizations, funding agencies, and commercial collaborators to propel collaborative health research and development initiatives forward.
Strengthen collaboration with regional and continental stakeholders, including institutions like the African Union, AMA, Africa CDC, AUDI-NEPAD, and other relevant organizations, to advance health research, development, and innovation priorities.
Represent PATH in strategic forums – Serve as a key representative in technical meetings, policy forums, working groups, and high-level convenings that shape Africa’s health innovation agendas.
Facilitate seamless collaboration across PATH’s technical, policy, partnerships, and external affairs teams to align R&D advocacy, technical, and programmatic priorities into unified strategies and deliverables.
Provide leadership and mentorship to assigned teams, guiding project teams, consultants, and partners to enhance collaboration, foster learning, promote inclusion, and support professional development.
Deliver strategic insights and foster knowledge advancement by leveraging emerging trends and opportunities. Evaluate advancements within Africa’s health innovation landscape to guide strategy formulation, cultivate partnerships, and shape advocacy efforts, policy instruments, reports, analyses, presentations, and communications that enhance policy participation and advance Africa’s health innovation priorities.
Elevate PATH’s prominence and impact—by enhancing its external positioning and establishing thought leadership in health research and development, innovation policy, and equitable access initiatives throughout Africa.
Business development involves proactively seeking and cultivating partnership opportunities as well as exploring potential funding sources, while also playing an integral role in crafting and refining proposals.
Candidate must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in a relevant field, along with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a related discipline. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis tools are mandatory. Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, are required to effectively convey complex information. The ideal applicant should demonstrate a track record of problem-solving in high-pressure environments. Familiarity with industry-specific software and compliance standards is also essential.
Essential Skills and Experience:
Candidates should possess a proven track record in relevant areas, including [specific skills or fields as applicable]. The ideal applicant will have at least [X years] of professional experience in [specific industry or role]. Proficiency in [specific tools, software, or methodologies] is required, along with strong [technical or soft] skills such as [list key skills]. A background in [related field] and experience with [specific tasks or processes] are highly valued. Additionally, familiarity with [industry standards or regulations] is preferred. The position demands meticulous attention to detail, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to thrive in a [fast-paced/collaborative/dynamic] environment.
A Master’s Degree in Public Health, Global Health, Health Policy, Public Policy, International Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Economics, or a closely aligned discipline is required. Prior experience in management consulting is highly advantageous.
Health R&D Policy Leadership – Demonstrates a comprehensive grasp of Africa’s health research and development landscape, encompassing product development, introduction, access strategies, regulatory frameworks, and local manufacturing capabilities.
Proven expertise in crafting and executing evidence-based global health advocacy strategies, with a demonstrated ability to drive policy adoption and implementation across national, regional, and continental levels.
Technical Translation – Skilled at simplifying intricate scientific, policy, or regulatory topics into concise, compelling narratives tailored for policymakers and key decision-makers.
Demonstrated expertise in health research and development, public health initiatives, policy formulation, or a comparable domain is essential.
Skilled in cultivating and sustaining credible relationships with governmental entities, regional bodies, global organizations, civil society groups, and private sector collaborators.
We seek a candidate with a proven track record in overseeing partnerships and facilitating seamless collaboration across diverse organizations, sectors, or stakeholder networks.
Proficient in English, this role demands outstanding written and verbal communication skills, coupled with the capacity to deliver compelling presentations and lead effective facilitation sessions with senior stakeholders.
Project Management – Demonstrates exceptional organizational capabilities, with a proven track record in leading cross-border or multi-stakeholder initiatives while effectively managing competing priorities, tight deadlines, and key deliverables.
Demonstrates strong collaboration skills and cultural adaptability, with a proven track record of successfully engaging with diverse teams, geographical locations, cultures, and industries in a fast-paced setting.
Must possess valid authorization to work legally in the country where employment is being offered.
Seeking candidates with a robust background in relevant experience and exceptional skills. Ideal applicants will possess demonstrated proficiency in key areas pertinent to the role, along with a proven track record of success in similar positions. Preferred qualifications include advanced technical abilities, strong problem-solving aptitudes, and effective communication skills. Experience with industry-specific tools, methodologies, or frameworks is highly valued, as is a history of delivering measurable results. Additionally, familiarity with emerging trends and best practices within the field is advantageous.
Experienced in overseeing philanthropic initiatives and projects funded through multilateral partnerships, with a proven track record in donor-funded programs.
A client-centric approach is essential, emphasizing the prioritization of stakeholder needs while operating within organizational resource limits, coupled with the adaptability and responsiveness required to navigate the evolving priorities of policymakers.
Experienced in developing and implementing training initiatives and providing specialized technical assistance to enhance policy formulation and advocacy capabilities.
Proficiency in French, Portuguese, or Arabic is required to effectively engage with Africa’s diverse regions. Multilingual skills in one of these languages are essential for the role.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
