We are seeking a Head of External Affairs for a 2-year regular position (renewable) at the Europe Office in Stockholm, Sweden.

Job Description:

This position is responsible for promoting IVI’s market position in Sweden and in Europe by identifying and progressing potential business opportunities that are aligned with the mission of IVI and by overseeing the development and execution of the communication strategy for IERO aligned with IVI strategy. The incumbent also works to support the development of grant proposal for vaccine development projects with new partners and lead and manage some of those grants when granted and when relevant. It’s accompanied with high level support of the IERO Head when required.

Main Roles & Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for independently reaching out to potential project partners in Sweden and in Europe

• Map out key stakeholders and players in the field of vaccine development
• Identify new opportunities, key decision-makers at potential partners, and potential funders
• Research and build relationships with new and existing partners. Develop and maintain a network within the Swedish and European vaccine development field and global health ecosystem (e.g., universities, Biotech, vaccine manufacturers, governments, donors and NGOs)
• Initiate, follow up, and realize value from meetings between business development partners, decision-makers, and IVI’s senior management
• Model financial and organizational/capability implications
• Represent IVI to potential partners in Europe at conferences or meetings
• Provide business development support for senior leadership in pursuit of new projects/ideas. Work closely with project teams to advance project’s discussion and potential deals
• Facilitate transition to the project team once the deals become active

2. Coordinate with GAC and IERO Head to help maintain, grow, establish, and enable relationships with existing and potential member states/state funders

3. Assist IERO Head in the development and execution of a specific European office strategy and alignment (with Program Management and Strategy Head) of European office plans and execution with IVI 2022-2026 strategy

4. Ensure the development and execution of the communication strategy for IERO aligned with IVI strategy

• Direct Management of the IERO communication manager
• Oversee the development and execution of a communication plan for IERO
• Contribute to the scientific presentation and data dissemination in scientific conferences to strengthen IVI’s visibility, if required

5. Provide support or lead grant proposal development and lead grant execution as principal investigator when relevant

• Provide support and advice on grant proposals developed with new Partners in Sweden and Europe, including those driven by other Units and Principal Investigators within IVI Lead grant proposal development or
• Can also lead grant proposal development and/or lead the execution of some grants as principal investigator when relevant.

6. Act as deputy to IERO Head, if required

• Support IERO Head as a deputy with day-to-day management of the European office incl. representation of IERO at internal meetings, conflict resolution, if required
• Contribute to communicating with the board and scientific advisory group regarding scientific questions as directed by the IERO Head
• Act as External Representative of IVI and IERO Head as needed (e.g., Government, donors, policy makers, collaborators)

7. Support IVI institutional objectives (annual)

• Engage in training, internal scientific, program management, and educational activities
• Provide mentorship for research scientists and other team members in IERO
• Support and/or attend key IVI meetings (BOT, SAG and GAGE or Global Council as appropriate)

8. Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements and Qualifications:

1. Education Requirements

• MD; PhD (Immunology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Public Health, Epidemiology, Statistics)

2. Related Field Work Experience

• 15+ years of experience working in global health or in vaccine related scientific field (immunology, molecular biology, virology, clinical development, epidemiology/vaccine effectiveness, etc …) in a PDP, Biotech, Big Pharma, leading University or Global Health Donor
• 7+ years of people management experience

3. Technical and Professional Skills / Knowledge

• Good Knowledge of the Swedish and /or European academic, Pharma and/or Biotech companies, and funding vaccine ecosystem
• Good knowledge of the global health ecosystem and priorities
• Strong organizational skills; able to juggle multiple priorities
• Tenacious
• Excellent people and management skills
• Track record of success in generating funds from public or private sector donors
• Ability to successfully develop grant proposal and successfully manage grants as a Principal investigator preferred
• Good knowledge of drug development and clinical trial implementation preferably with vaccines and in a developing country setting preferred
• Knowledge of epidemiology, statistics, on-site developing countries expertise, cultural sensitivity, communication skills and presentation skills preferred.

4. Language Proficiency

• Fluency in English and at least one other European Language