Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)
Strategic Plan Project Manager
Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)Switzerland14 hours ago
Full-timeProject Management, Information Technology
The DNDi Strategy and Operations Department manages the DNDi corporate infrastructure globally (Finance; Human Resources; Information Systems and Technology; Legal Affairs; Alliance Management, Business Development, Procurement, Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management Office) across its 8 locations.

The Department plays a central role in DNDi’s compliance and performance and is the custodian of its Strategic Plan, its

IST strategy, People Strategy, Diversity Equity and inclusion Strategy, and Code of Conduct.

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.

With more than 200 employees of 25+ nationalities located in eight offices on four continents, DNDi is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential parts of our culture and key drivers of our success. We encourage

candidates of diverse profiles and backgrounds to apply.

The Strategic Plan Project Manager will project-manage, and coordinate the new Strategic Plan process, working closely with the DNDi Executive Director, the Chief of Staff, and the Strategy and Operations Director. This role may contribute but will not be accountable and responsible for defining strategy content.

  • Develop, maintain, monitor a detailed project plan for the strategy process, including developing workstreams, creating a detailed timeline, setting milestones and defining deliverables.
  • Coordinate internal and external stakeholder consultations.
  • Support with the preparation and execution of the key meetings and workshops (e.g. the Board ExCom meeting, Leadership Team Week), with the support of the Executive Office.
  • Facilitate alignment between workstreams to ensure consistency, prevent duplication, and identify any gaps across the Strategic Plan.
  • Document key decisions and maintain a SharePoint site of materials for transparency and institutional memory.
  • Report on progress and risks to the Executive Team.
  • Consolidate outputs from all workstreams into key documents, including internal communications, and materials for Board approval.


In these activities, the Strategic Plan Project Manager will ensure

  • coherence between different sections of the Strategic Plan.
  • all deliverables have clear quality standards and deadlines agreed in advance, and support leaders in meeting these expectations. (For example, create templates and guidance to standardize and coordinate activities).


The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other responsibilities appropriate to your grade. This job description may be subject to review.

  • The Strategic Plan Project Manager reports to the Strategy and Operations Director
  • And will interact intensively with the Executive Office and the Executive Director
  • Minimum 6 years' relevant experience in which at least 4 years in supervision/project coordination roles
  • Demonstrated experience in project management of complex time-constrained projects involving senior management stakeholders
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a multi-dimensional, multi-cultural team environment and matrix structure
  • Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable
  • Project management skills
  • Structured strategic thinking with ability to connect and synthesize various complex topics
  • Excellent writing and PowerPoint skills
  • Very proactive, efficient, responsive
  • Willingness to learn
  • Ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines
  • Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment and problem-solving competencies
  • Very Good communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team
  • Well organized and structured
  • Very good analytical skills
  • Ability to contribute to the project delivery under minimum supervision
  • Ability to manage middle sized projects with budget management under supervision
  • Provide specialist services to operational line or project team
  • Ability solve non-routine problems on a case by case/project basis
  • Has certain autonomy for taking actions and decisions
  • Ability to interact with external stakeholders
  • Ability to be the focal point/manager for consultants
  • Ability to supervise at a smaller level
  • Fluency in English
  • Proficiency in local languages desirable
  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Suite


DNDi is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive organization. Our success and global reach are dependent upon our ability to encourage diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in at DNDi and across the sector, especially women, and including, but not limited to, black and minority ethnic candidates, and those with other protected characteristic.

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