We are seeking a External Relations Director-Republic of Korea for a 2-year-regular position (renewable) to work within the Government & Public Relations unit at the International Vaccine Institute in Seoul, Korea. (Duty station : Seoul, Korea)

Job Description

This job is responsible for enhancing vaccine research cooperation with the host country (Republic of Korea) and will play a bridging role between IVI and government organizations, focusing on a vaccine development and evaluation network, exchange and training of experts in epidemiology and other fields, the establishment of the IVI global bio-repository, and conduct of institutional conferences and events.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

   1. Strategic engagement with the host country on vaccine development

• Develop a high-level strategy and plans for collaboration and partnership in vaccine research in Korea
• Provide recommendations to stakeholders cross-functionally on external relations in alignment with IVI’s mission and strategic objectives
• Provide advice and guide to IVI units in seeking opportunities for project funding from Korean funders
• Promote sharing of information on vaccine development and dissemination, policies, and direction of joint research with Korean government organizations (KDCA/KNIH, MOHW, MFDS, MSIT, etc.)
• Develop network on vaccine development and evaluation between IVI and the Korean government and public vaccine initiatives (VITAL, KmVAC, GVL, etc.)

   2. Facilitate exchange and training of technical personnel such as epidemiological investigators with Korea

• Serve as a primary high-level communication channel between IVI and Korean government organizations for exchange of professional experts and technical cooperation for vaccine development
• Support for effective fellowship programs between IVI and Korean government organizations to strengthen professional capacity through education and training

   3. Manage the establishment of the bio-repository and cooperation in resource sharing for vaccine research

• Serve as administrative lead for the construction of the GOK-funded IVI Global Bio-repository and support its operation
• Facilitate sharing of essential resources for vaccine development such as pathogens and vaccine candidates with the Korean government in support of IVI’s scientific units

   4. Promote external relations excellence within IVI

• Provide advice, mentoring and training to IVI staff as necessary.
• Supervise the planning and execution of IVI’s institutional conferences and events organized by the G&PR unit

Job Requirements and Qualifications

   1. Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (Master’s degree is preferred) in science, public health, communications, public administration, or business related field

   2. Related Field Work Experience

• 20+ years of experience with Bachelor’s degree or
• 18+ years of experience with Master’s degree in related field: government, R&D, health, international relations, or public administration

   3. Technical and Professional Skills / Knowledge

• External relations; advocacy; donor relations
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent skills in MS word, PPT and Excel

   4. Language Proficiency

• Fluent and proficient in English and Korean