Program Officer, Malaria Vaccine Initiative

Tracking Code:5368

Job Description

Please include a cover letter with your resume describing how you meet the qualifications for this position. Candidates must have work authorization in Kenya in order to be considered.

PATH is an international nonprofit organization that transforms global health through innovation. We take an entrepreneurial approach to developing and delivering high-impact, low-cost solutions, from lifesaving vaccines and devices to collaborative programs with communities. Through our work in more than 70 countries, PATH and our partners empower people to achieve their full potential. 

The PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative was launched in 1999 to accelerate the development of malaria vaccines and ensure their availability and accessibility in the developing world.  MVI works with researchers, companies, governments, and partner organizations to accomplish its mission.  The program today includes a vibrant portfolio of vaccine development partnerships, as well as communications, advocacy, and access activities preparing the ground for implementation of future vaccine. MVI’s Product Development & Access Unit (PD&A) works to ensure any successful vaccine candidate will be available and accessible to those who need it most as soon as possible. PD&A supports planning at international, regional, and national levels so that countries and partners are positioned to rapidly decide on the most effective use of vaccines. The PD&A Unit is leading a project aiming at preparing national decision-making frameworks for malaria vaccines.

MVI is seeking a committed professional to join its PD&A unit. Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer for Africa, he/she will contribute to the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of activities to support malaria endemic countries and their partners in the planning for a decision on future malaria vaccines. The successful candidate for this position will have a good knowledge of developing countries’ health systems with at least 5 years of experience in immunization-related activities. 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Contribute to the establishment/strengthening of MVI relationships with national governments, regional organizations and networks and other international public health organizations for the implementation of MVI projects
• Work with national governments (specifically malaria control and immunization programmes) and organizations supporting them, to identify needs for an evidence-based decision on malaria vaccines and analyze programmatic implications for an eventual introduction of licensed vaccines into their public health systems
• Support national programmes to analyze and synthesize relevant information to be considered by national policy-makers for a decision on malaria vaccines
•  Collaborate with MVI’s communications and advocacy unit to address the project’s information and advocacy needs
• Lead the organization of high level meetings with regional and national stakeholders.
• Develop or contribute to publications, documentation and reports related to the project
• Contribute to the development of proposals to potential donors
• Represent MVI and PATH at relevant internal and external meetings and conferences

Required Skills

• Ability to work independently or under minimum supervision
• Good communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to manage and foster partnership and networks in the public and private sectors
• Innovative and results-oriented
• Travel up to 40% both international and domestic as necessary
• Fluency in English or French, good working knowledge of both languages

Required Experience

Advanced degree in a health-related discipline plus a minimum of five years' experience working with governments, national policymakers, and international organizations. Experience preparing adoption and introduction of new vaccines in developing countries preferred. Training in vaccinology a plus.

PATH is dedicated to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

Job Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Position Type: Full-Time/Regular

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