Regional Communications Manager

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is a patient-needs driven, not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization that develops safe, effective, and affordable medicines for neglected diseases that afflict millions of the world’s poorest people.

DNDi focuses on developing new treatments for the most neglected patients suffering from diseases such as sleeping sickness (or human African trypanosomiasis), leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, malaria, specific Helminth infections, and paediatric HIV.

The initiative’s primary objective is to deliver 11 to 13 new treatments by 2018 and to establish a strong R&D portfolio for these diseases.

DNDi Africa, based at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), in Nairobi, Kenya, was established in 2003 at the outset of DNDi.

This key regional office conducts research and development projects in the region, including clinical trials for leishmaniasis and malaria. It also runs a data management centre for processing clinical trial results and serves as the headquarters of the Leishmaniasis East Africa Platform (LEAP).

The Africa office is seeking to recruit a suitable candidate for the following vacant position

Position: Regional Communications Manager

Reporting to the Head, DNDi Africa and Head of Communications and Advocacy, DNDi Geneva and working in collaboration with communications and advocacy teams in Geneva and other regional offices

Overall objective of the job:

To contribute to DNDi’s global communication strategy and coordinate and manage communication activities in Africa aimed at;

(a) Developing a communications strategy and plan of action for all DNDi activities in Africa according to the general DNDi action plan for Communication & Advocacy;

(b) Developing strong media relations in national and regional media;

(c) Reinforcing DNDi corporate communications by developing communication tools to emphasize DNDi’s activities in Africa

(d) Leading DNDi advocacy activities in Africa, including boosting government engagement in R&D; access to medicines; new favorable environment for R&D including strengthening the regulatory environment in Africa, positioning of African decision makers with respect to international initiatives, etc.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Strategy and Planning

• Contributes to defining DNDi’s global strategic objectives for communications as part of DNDi’s international communications team.
• Raises awareness about DNDi’s activities in Africa and develop adequate communication tools in order to raise the profile of DNDi Africa within Africa and contribute to raising the profile of the LEAP platform internationally.
• Leads the development and implementation of the DNDi Africa-specific communications plans, including all efforts to increase awareness in Africa of DNDi’s activities, accomplishments, concerns, expertise, and values through the media, print and digital publications, scientific publications, conferences, public education and advocacy campaigns, etc.
• Works in close collaboration with the DNDi Africa team as well as relevant departments of DNDi in Geneva, regional offices, and partners regionally and worldwide to ensure a comprehensive and coherent communication strategy for DNDi in Africa
• Monitors and analyses progress towards established goals as articulated in the strategy and annual action plan

Corporate Communication tools & publication

• Produce & develop corporate communication tools in conjunction with the global DNDi communication team to highlight & profile DNDi’s activities among different audiences in Africa & worldwide
• Review and selects materials produced by DNDi globally for adaptation and use in Africa
• Select and prepares editorial content and material for print and electronic publications of DNDi Africa as well as of the LEAP platform

Media

• Develops and implements all media activities that target African audiences and national, regional, and international media outlets
• Works closely with DNDi’s international network of communication professionals to develop and maintain good working relationships with key journalists and editors
• Generates features and hard news angles to raise the profile of DNDi and highlight DNDi’s R&D projects
• Fields, directs and selects responses to media-related inquiries and researches and pitches stories to media on DNDi personnel and projects
• Assists and coaches DNDi staff with preparation for media interviews, public speaking engagements, presentations, and preparation of articles and/or Op Eds for publication
• Writes and distributes press releases in conjunction with DNDi’s international communications team

Conferences and Events

• Coordinates and organizes DNDi positioning at key scientific conferences and public events taking place in Africa and ensures a strong scientific profile at such events, in close coordination with the DNDi Communication department

Advocacy

• Participates in formulation of advocacy messages related to neglected disease R&D
• Fields issue-attention in the region for specific advocacy activities of DNDi
• Maintains database of public relations contacts
• Develops ideas and opportunities for feature articles, interviews, presentations, and other public relations activities that promote awareness of DNDi, its R&D projects, and its advocacy efforts

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ professional experience (journalism, medical writing, media relations, etc.) with a strong scientific and/or public health background
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and ability to work effectively as part of an international, multi-cultural team
• Excellent organizational skills and proven ability to produce high quality results under tight deadlines, while simultaneously managing multiple projects and assignments
• Deep understanding of and commitment to poverty-related global health, scientific research, medical innovation, and access to medicines issues in developing countries, especially in Africa
• Independence, initiative, good judgment, strong interpersonal skills
• Experience working internationally, preferably with a non-governmental organization
• Education: Master’s degree (MA) or equivalent
• Language: Fluent written and spoken in both English and French
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with publishing, database, and web editing software

Terms of Employment:

• Excellent salary commensurate with skills and experience and in line with DNDi Africa remuneration scales.
• Contract is 2 years, renewable by mutual agreement and subject to exemplary performance, 3 months probation, notice period 1 month.

Applications are due no later than: 16th March 2012 should be sent via email to:

Regional Finance & Administration Manager
DNDi Africa Liaison Office
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Email: africarecruitment@dndi.org

Applications should include the following:

• Application letter explaining why you are applying for this post
• Current Curriculum Vitae listing names of three references with their contact details (Telephone and E-mail)
• Contact Telephone Number
• Certificates and Diplomas or transcripts to be availed during the interviews