Head of External Affairs, Asia

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is an international, not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization that develops and delivers new treatments for neglected diseases affecting millions of the world’s poorest people.

Together with more than 200 public research and industry allies worldwide, we use the power of partnership, innovation, open science, and advocacy to find solutions to a great injustice: the lack of medicines for life-threatening diseases that disproportionately impact poor and marginalized people. Driven by collaboration, not competition, and by patients’ needs, not profits, we promote equitable access, foster inclusive and sustainable solutions, and advocate for a more effective global biomedical R&D system that meets the needs of neglected patients.

Since our inception, DNDi has delivered 13 new treatments for people with sleeping sickness, visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, HIV, hepatitis C, and malaria that have saved millions of lives. We aim to deliver a total of 25 new treatments by 2028- addressing R&D gaps for neglected tropical diseases and viral infections, including new pandemic-prone diseases (such as COVID-19) and climate-sensitive diseases (such as Dengue) with a focus on the needs of patients in low
- and middle-income countries.

DNDi has had a significant presence in Asia for the past 20 years, with physical offices established in Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), India (Delhi), and Japan (Tokyo). Beyond these locations, DNDi has implemented projects and formed partnerships in several other countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Korea, Indonesia, and Singapore. The breadth of these partnerships ranges across diverse sectors, such as collaborations with various ministries, research and academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, contract manufacturers, and political engagements with global forums like G7 and G20, etc. In Asia DNDi also works closely with large donors and international organizations to support its mission. Our collaborations in Asia span the full spectrum of drug discovery and development, from initial research to Phase I through Phase III clinical trials, ensuring that essential drugs are accessible to those who need them. The key diseases of focus in the region include hepatitis C, dengue, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, and mycetoma. Additionally, we are exploring new opportunities to collaborate on drug discovery consortia and development of drugs for other diseases to address unmet medical needs in the region.

The External Relations, Communication, and the Policy Departments drive DNDi’s visibility, influence, and financial sustainability. Its teams (Policy Advocacy, Communications, and External Relations) ensure that DNDi is visible and respected in influential circles, supported by committed stakeholders, and successful in securing the resources needed to deliver on its mission, while being effective in driving policy change as it advocates for neglected patients.

**Purpose of the position**:
The role is primarily responsible for the external affairs strategy development and implementation within Asia. The role at DNDi will serve as the key steward of fundraising, communication and support advocacy activities in the region, leading and guiding teams to success in stakeholders’ engagement (expanding the network of champions among science and health policy makers, key institutions and potential donors), strategic initiatives related to partnerships, positioning and visibility, policy advocacy with the objective of creating opportunities for DNDI’s activities and spearheading initiatives for successful resource mobilization.

The position is also part of DNDi global External Relations and Communication department leadership, and contributes to external affairs innovation, expertise development and strategic implementation.

**Specific job responsibilities**:
**Leading on fundraising initiatives**:

- External Affairs Strategy Development: Envisions and execute plans to progressively develop the reach, policy influence, and fundraising capacity of DNDi in Asia. With support of the Regional Directors, and in collaboration with the regional leadership team as well as global expertise leaders (external affairs directors), participates in the development, implementation and monitoring of the regional multi-year roadmaps and yearly action plans.
- Stakeholders' engagement: Expands the reach and influence of DNDi and its champions to help support the implementation of DNDi strategic plan in Asia. This entails leading and partnering with senior colleagues in the region to build an effective network of policy makers, civil society groups, and private sector players in the areas of drug research and development, public health, NTDs and access to medicines; designing and implementing strategies for engagement and network management; representing DNDi in high level meetings and enabling effective re