Policy Advocacy Manager

About the Department

The Policy Advocacy team works to enhance DNDi’s influence and secure political support for decisive changes to the global and regional R&D ecosystems that are failing to ensure R&D innovation  and equitable access to health tools for neglected populations.

About the Office

DNDi established it South-Asia office in New Delhi in 2004 and its South-East Asia office in Kuala Lumpur in 2004. DNDi and supports research and science institutions in the region to develop end-to-end approaches to conducting neglected disease R&D. It aims to co-create sustainable solutions with partners, share expertise with the regional biotechnology industry, and ensure access for patients. DNDi regionally support R&D projects for visceral leishmaniasis, hepatitis C, filariasis, paediatric HIV, and dengue.

Overview

The Policy Advocacy Manager will help advance progressive R&D policies that meet the needs of neglected patients. The role combines global advocacy responsibilities ( 90%)  with dedicated advocacy support for specific elements of DNDi’s regional strategy in  South and South-East Asia (10%) Global responsibilities include developing and implementing targeted advocacy strategies, contributing to the global advocacy strategy, undertaking research and analysis, creating policy advocacy content and tools, supporting colleagues across regions, and providing strategic administrative support to the Director of Policy Advocacy. Across this work, the Manager will document lessons learned, engage stakeholders, develop champions, and promote policy action.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research and analysis −including policy landscape analyses, stakeholders mapping, lessons learned by DNDi, etc. − and develop policy advocacy content and tools including white papers and policy briefs.
• Develop targeted advocacy strategies to influence policy change
• Contribute to technical analyses of policies and practices impacting innovation and access to medical tools, and propose/ prioritize specific actions where DNDi, and partners could be influential.
• Coordinate specific advocacy activities/ campaigns engaging various stakeholders and manage projects and events.
• Provide matrix support to colleagues undertaking policy advocacy activities in various regions, with a particular focus (10 %) on South and SE Asia and other DNDI departments (e.g.  funders managed by External Relations teams)
• Collaborate with the Communications teams to help develop and disseminate policy positions through opinion pieces, social media and other means.
• Contribute, through internal communications, to developing internal knowledge and the ability of colleagues to represent policy positions.
• Provide project management support to the Policy Advocacy Director and team.
• Coordinate policy advocacy team meetings
• Support documentation, tracking, and delivery of policy team deliverables and KPIs

The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other responsibilities appropriate to your grade. This job description may be subject to review.

Reporting line & Interactions

• The Policy Advocacy Manager reports to the Policy Advocacy Director
• Secondary reporting line to the Asia Continental Lead & Director, South Asia.
• Works with Communication and External Relation teams, regional offices, and R&D teams at DNDi 
• This role has a representational role through the promotion of programs and maintains productive relationships by projecting the image of a credible partner

Experience and Education

• Minimum 6 years' relevant experience in which at least 4 years at Senior Officer level
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix structure
• Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable
• Graduate degree with equivalent experience to reach masters level in international relations, public health, public affairs or a related field, or demonstrably equivalent experience through grassroots engagement, preferably with applied work in community, national or global advocacy.
• Proven experience of developing and implementing successful advocacy strategies and campaigns, including awareness building initiatives with internal and external stakeholders
• Experience in policy advocacy India and  SE Asia
• Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable

Skills and competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Capable of managing projects and contributing to larger initiatives.
• Demonstrates expertise in their field and in managing people and projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to simplify complex issues and communicate effectively.
• A strong team player with the ability to document, plan, organize, monitor, schedule, coordinate, and manage relationships.
• Strong ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment and problem-solving competencies.
• Strong communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments
• Strong ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team.
• Well organized and structured
• Strong analytical skills
• Strong ability to provide high level support in project/program delivery.
• Strong ability to manage medium/large projects with budget management.
• Strategic thinking and leadership abilities
• Strong management, negotiation, and advocacy skills
• Has autonomy for taking actions and decisions.
• Strong ability to interact with external stakeholders.
• Lead and motivate a small team for optimum performance, supervising junior staff.
• Commitment to a more inclusive and equitable R&D system.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to critically analyze, summarize, and apply complex information from internal and external sources.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, including the ability to produce and present advocacy materials to expert and general audiences.
• Strong project management skills.

Other requirements

• Fluency in English
• Proficiency in local languages desirable
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Suite

DEI Statement

DNDi is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive organisation. Our success and global reach are dependent upon our ability to encourage diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in at DNDi and across the sector, especially women, and including, but not limited to, black and minority ethnic candidates, and those with other protected characteristic.