In 2007, Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative North America was established in New York to support the research and development of new drugs for poverty related, neglected diseases.  This US-based charity is focused on raising significant public and private funding to support the global activities of DNDi, an independent, not-for-profit drug development initiative established in 2003 in Geneva, Switzerland by five public-sector research organizations - Kenya Medical Research Institute, Indian Council of Medical Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Brazil, Malaysian Ministry of Health, and France's Institut Pasteur - and an international humanitarian organisation, Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières.

DNDi aims to develop new, improved and field-relevant drugs for neglected diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis, human African trypanosomiasis, and Chagas disease that afflict the very poor in developing countries. As part of its primary objectives, DNDi also raises awareness about the need for greater R&D for neglected diseases and strengthens existing research capacity in disease-endemic countries. DNDi today is a team of committed people who are dedicated to maintaining the momentum achieved since the launch of the initiative in 2003.

Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative North America (DNDi N.A.) was created as an affiliate organization to support the work of DNDi.  Currently, the DNDi North American organization consists of a Board of Directors, Executive Director, Development & Administration Manager, Regional Communications Manager, and Administrative Coordinator and Advocacy Manager - Canada.

Position Objective:  DNDi seeks to inform USG policymaking with regard to urgently needed R&D for neglected tropical diseases and to secure USG funding for its activities. The Advocacy Manager - USG is a full-time position needed to develop and execute USG policy, advocacy and government fundraising objectives and which will provide leadership, analysis and representation to support these objectives. The Policy & Advocacy Advisor will execute all functions required to implement DNDi North America's USG strategy, developed jointly with the DNDi NA team. 

Location:  Washington, DC with frequent travel to New York City

Reports to: Executive Director of DNDi North America and will work closely with the

DNDi NA Team and Board of Directors.  Externally, the position will work closely with

policymakers, coalitions, and other influential individuals.

Specific Objectives and Responsibilities:  Implement DNDi's USG policy agenda with outreach strategies targeting US policymakers, agency and administration decision makers including organization and follow up of meetings and events

§  Represent DNDi in meetings on Capitol Hill, with federal agency and administration staff and maintain relationships

§  Represent DNDi at advocacy meetings, events and coalitions

§  Draft congressional letters, testimony and other correspondence

§  Serve as liaison to DNDi's government affairs consultants

§  Track legislation, policies and financing for DNDi's global health policy priorities

§  Develop and disseminate policy and advocacy analysis

§  Writing, editing and producing policy and advocacy materials, institutional fundraising proposals, presentations, briefs, correspondence and mailings

§  Other duties as required in support of DNDi North America

Required Experience & Education

§  Five years of experience working to inform or influence US R&D and/or international development policy on Capitol Hill.

§  Bachelor's degree in public policy, public health, foreign policy, international development, science or related field.

§  Equivalent combination of education and experience can be substituted.

Required Skills

§  Ability to engage effectively in coalition with strategic partners toward targeted advocacy goals.

§  Ability to monitor and analyze U.S. appropriations and legislation.

§  Demonstrated ability to communicate (verbally and in writing) complex issues in a concise, compelling and easily understandable manner.

§  Flexibility to change priorities and activities in response to the political environment.

§  Willingness to travel.

§  Strong commitment to global health issues.

To apply

Send cover letter, resume, and a writing sample to dndina@dndi.org by March 19, 2010.  Please indicate in your letter where you learned of this opening.