Advocacy and Policy Officer - Health Research and Development at PATH

Responsibilities:

• Manage the development and execution of assigned thematic/programmatic area of advocacy and policy activities within the health R&D portfolio.
• Lead assigned scope in advancing PATH’s advocacy and policy goals with key government ministries, regional bodies, the African Union, policymakers, multi-lateral organizations, private-sector institutions, regulatory agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), professional associations, and educational and research institutions
• Contribute to developing and implementing advocacy and policy strategies and work plans to achieve R&D-related policy change at the global, regional and national levels.
• Support evidence generation and/or synthesis to support advocacy and policy efforts, including the development of policy memos, briefs, and fact sheets.
• Provide technical assistance including capacity building to advocacy stakeholders or partners.
• Represent PATH and the R&D team in key technical working groups (TWG) and strategic forums at national and regional level to contribute to policy making processes.
• Support management of partnerships and networks with key R&D and regulatory stakeholders in the region.
• Work in consultation with Advocacy and Public Policy colleagues working in other geographies to document and translate PATH’s product development experiences for policymakers and advocacy partners in the African region.
• Identify key policy moments and plan for advocacy interventions that elevate the voice of LMICs on manufacturing, regulatory harmonization of medical products, and health R&D
• Monitor and analyze emerging policy developments and identify strategic opportunities for advocacy
• Write, research and/or contribute to communications materials including blogs, newsletters, social media, policy reports, fact sheets, etc. and assist in dissemination to targeted stakeholders.
• Develop and ensure timely submission of project reports and other in compliance with PATH priorities and policies, and donor requirements.

Required Skills and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in, public health, public policy, or other health-related fields. A master’s degree is an added advantage.
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in public health policy and/or advocacy related work.
• Good knowledge of public health, health systems—including health R&D, pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory systems strengthening for medical products and/or related challenges affecting communities in the African context.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing policy and/or advocacy strategies to achieve health-related outcomes in African countries. Experience providing technical assistance to advocacy projects in multiple countries is desired.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting high-level convenings at both national and regional levels.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-country, team-based organizational structure. Flexibility to work within multiple time zones and multiple teams across the globe.
• An understanding of the rapidly developing policy landscape around AI, in Africa, and the associated regulatory, and other policy influencing opportunities
• Knowledge of the pharmaceutical ecosystem: Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution, including market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and pricing strategies.
• Regulatory affairs expertise: Familiarity with international and local regulatory frameworks, including experience navigating product approvals, compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and/or working with local regulatory bodies.
• Market Access and Product Introduction: Familiarity with introduction of pharmaceutical products to the market, including experience in developing go-to-market strategies, conducting market research, and/or managing stakeholder relationships.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Experience working with diverse stakeholders across R&D, regulatory, commercial, and supply chain functions to ensure seamless product development and introduction.
• In-depth knowledge about policy-making processes in at least one African country and experience interfacing with and navigating Government entities and policy makers.
• Team-oriented and adept at navigating a complex team environment and forming successful partnerships with internal and external partners.
• Proven success at networking, building relationships and managing partnerships, including with government.
• Proven ability to understand and translate technical information and materials (scientific or health-related) for policy-making or lay audiences.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and unpredictable stakeholder expectations.
• Articulate communicator, excellent written and verbal communication skills in English with strong interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Must have legal authorization to work in potential countries.