Director, Africa Policy and Advocacy

About the role

Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) is a product development partnership working to reduce the burden of malaria by discovering, developing and facilitating access to new, effective and affordable antimalarial medicines. It is seeking a Director, Africa Policy and Advocacy to lead its Africa policy and advocacy portfolio and strengthen African perspectives in its global advocacy agenda. Reporting to the Senior Director, Advocacy, the role focuses on public policy engagement and advocacy to strengthen political and institutional support for equitable access to malaria medicines.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement the Africa policy and advocacy workplan under the direction of the Senior Director, Advocacy.
• Build and sustain relationships with governmental, parliamentary, intergovernmental and global health stakeholders across Africa.
• Strengthen the regional advocacy network and coordinate engagement with partners, consultants and other approved resources.
• Bring regional evidence, policy priorities and stakeholder insights into MMV's global positions and advocacy activities.
• Advise senior colleagues on emerging policy opportunities, risks and reputational considerations.
• Work across the organisation so that advocacy is informed by scientific, access and product priorities.

Required profile

• Substantial experience leading policy and advocacy initiatives in African health policy environments.
• Evidence of influencing policy or institutional agendas through credible analysis, sustained engagement and effective partnerships.
• Strong understanding of African governmental and regional policy processes and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.
• Experience representing an organisation with senior decision-makers and building relationships across institutions and sectors.
• Ability to translate technical evidence into clear policy arguments, briefings and recommendations.
• Experience coordinating people, partners or consultants and turning strategy into delivery.
• Sound judgement, political awareness and the ability to work independently while collaborating across a geographically distributed organisation.
• Fluency in English and a high level of professional proficiency in French; malaria, access to medicines or related global health policy experience is particularly relevant.

What we offer

• A home-based role with an Africa-wide remit, open to local recruitment in Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania or Nigeria.
• Employment through an Employer of Record in the agreed country, on a three-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of renewal.
• Relocation and immigration sponsorship are not provided.

Candidates apply by submitting a CV and a concise cover letter by 6 December 2026; recruitment agencies are asked not to submit applications.