[Ip-health] VACANCY: Senior Communication and Press Officer at DNDi, Geneva

[Ann-Marie Sevcsik]

VACANCY: Senior Communication and Press Officer, DNDi

Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Status: Permanent Post

Organization Overview
The Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDi) is an independent, not-f=
or-profit drug development initiative established in 2003 by five public-se=
ctor research organisations - Kenya Medical Research Institute, Indian Coun=
cil of Medical Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation Brazil, Malaysian Ministry=
 of Health, and France's Institut Pasteur - and an international humanitari=
an organisation, M=E9decins Sans Fronti=E8res.

With a current portfolio of 22 projects, DNDi aims to develop new, improved=
 and field-relevant drugs for neglected diseases such as malaria, leishmani=
asis, human African trypanosomiasis, and Chagas disease that afflict the ve=
ry poor in developing countries. As part of its primary objectives, DNDi al=
so raises awareness about the need for greater R&D for neglected diseases a=
nd strengthens existing research capacity in disease-endemic countries.


Position Overview
The primary objective is to raise the profile of DNDi's brand with key audi=
ences and, through the coordination of press relations with mainstream news=
 media, to increase awareness of neglected diseases and the needs of patien=
ts suffering from these diseases.

The Senior Communication and Press Officer reports to the Scientific Commun=
ication Manager, liaises with media worldwide, and works closely with the D=
epartment of Communications, Advocacy & Fundraising, the R&D Department, th=
e Regional Support Offices, & the Executive Team.

Specific Job Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of this position are:
* To support the overall corporate communication and public relations goals=
 of DNDi via development of tools (ie. video, brochure, leaflets, website),=
 writing/coordinating of non-scientific communication documents (ie. briefi=
ng papers, opinion-editorials), and adaptation of presentations for all DND=
i speakers at public events and congresses with updated messaging and proje=
ct information, for the entire organisation.
* To participate in the development of and to implement the annual plan for=
 media relations via the organization of press briefings and press conferen=
ces, strengthening of media ties, development of electronic and written mat=
erials (ie. press releases, press packs), and management & updating of medi=
a
* To support and facilitate media- and PR-related efforts by the Regional S=
upport Offices through training, telephone support and visits so as to ensu=
re region-specific communications which are synergistic with organisational=
 messaging.

Qualifications
* Communications experience in a similar position in an international non-p=
rofit setting or with scientific/R&D organisation
* Experience as a journalist or in media relations
* Advanced verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to work independently and to manage a team of suppliers
* Fluency in English, French desirable, other languages a plus
* Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe sof=
tware; knowledge/experience with Web publishing a plus
* Team player who excels in a highly dynamic, multicultural environment
* University degree in science, public health, or journalism preferred

Other
Based in Geneva with approximately 30% travel
Gross salary: base of CHF 85,000 (Euro 45,000), commensurate with experienc=
e

To apply
Please send a letter by email only explaining why you are applying for this=
 post and an up to date copy of your CV/resume to Ms Della Weight recruitme=
nt@thinkcs.org (Word files only, no photographs). Please give the documents=
 the titles "your name CV" and "your name letter" and the email subject lin=
e as "DNDi Senior Communication and Press Officer"
=A0
Deadline for application is 17 August 2007.