Main purpose of the role

As a recognized leader in your field, your role involves spearheading the creation of ground-breaking, evidence-driven strategies, plans, and investments to propel CIFF’s initiatives in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) towards impactful and sustainable change.

Your responsibilities encompass the development and oversight of a comprehensive portfolio of investments aimed at advancing NTD sector priorities in alignment with CIFF’s Africa Strategy, Resilient Communities Framework, and NTD mission. These efforts are crucial for meeting the overarching objectives set forth by the CIFF Board. Operating within a dynamic and fast-paced environment, your role will be multifaceted and diverse.

Your expertise and contributions will play a vital role in supporting CIFF and its partners in the implementation and refinement of strategic initiatives within the portfolio. By leveraging your insights and leadership, you will actively shape the strategies that drive positive outcomes and inform future directions, thus ensuring the continued success and impact of CIFF’s efforts in combating neglected tropical diseases.

Requirements

Strategy & planning

•  Independently or with minimal assistance, undertake meticulous preparation and delivery of top-tier analyses and research tailored to inform strategic objectives and operational blueprints effectively.
• Facilitate the collaboration of diverse stakeholders, encompassing governmental bodies, donor partners, and implementing agencies, to gather valuable insights crucial for shaping strategic priorities.
• Contribute strategic insights to enhance CIFF’s NTD portfolio, identifying partnership and co-creation opportunities to propel both CIFF’s NTD initiatives and the broader NTD ecosystem forward.
• Collaborate closely with the Director to craft sustainable NTD financing mechanisms in Africa, pioneering innovative approaches that inform CIFF’s strategy and contribute to the advancement of the broader ecosystem.

Programme development, delivery & performance

• Curate a robust pipeline of potential investments aligning with the NTD mission.
• Collaborate within the Resilient Communities team and with colleagues in Girl Capital and FABA to spearhead, shape, execute, and scale integrated investments addressing holistic issues in line with our Africa strategic priorities.
• Conduct routine assessments of investment progress and performance, identifying bottlenecks and liaising with partners to devise effective resolutions, escalating issues to the Director when necessary.
• In consultation with EME counterparts, establish and integrate appropriate monitoring and evaluation frameworks into all proposals and programs assigned to you.
• Lead the conceptualization of investments, selection of suitable grantees, securing approval within CIFF, and overseeing program implementation following CIFF procedures.
• Adhere to established due diligence and risk management procedures throughout proposal development and execution to safeguard the Foundation’s interests and reputation.
• Identify synergies and promote program integration, fostering connections with complementary projects and suggesting methods for aligning diverse interventions.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement within and outside the team, enhancing organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with Finance and Legal teams to develop grant agreements, forecast and process grant disbursements, and ensure seamless grant management and reporting.
• Serve as the primary user of CIFF’s online grants management system (Fluxx) within the team, ensuring adherence to corporate requirements for NTDs.
• Assist in crafting concise and high-quality summary reports, board reports, and investment portfolio reports, meeting stringent deadlines without compromising quality.

Sector knowledge and profile-building

• Stay abreast of developments in NTDs and allied sectors within the realm of international development, establishing robust networks and channels for gathering pertinent information to enhance professional knowledge, skills, and opportunities for both CIFF and our grantees.
• Contribute, as needed, to the formulation of thought leadership, public relations, marketing, and advocacy materials, supporting CIFF’s endeavours to expand, mainstream, and secure additional support for its initiatives.
• Collaborate with Directors to delineate and shape outward-facing advocacy and policy agendas aimed at influencing the NTD sector.
• Conduct thorough assessments of relevant academic research, policies, and governmental initiatives, offering recommendations to address identified gaps and foster improvements.
• Serve as CIFF’s representative at conferences, workshops, and professional gatherings to disseminate insights, establish connections, and promote CIFF’s mission and initiatives on a global scale.

Stakeholder and partner management

• Conduct thorough research and evaluation of potential partners, employing established corporate protocols and methodologies to assess their suitability for collaboration on CIFF initiatives.
• Implement CIFF’s designated account management and CRM practices in all interactions with program partners and stakeholders, maintaining productive and professional relationships in a strategic manner.
• Assist in the development of strategic partnerships, under the guidance of senior colleagues, to support the adoption, replication, co-funding, or scaling-up of CIFF programs.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource on CIFF’s programs and priority areas for various external audiences.
• Foster open and constructive dialogue with relevant governmental ministries, agencies, and stakeholders at both central and state levels to ensure effective program implementation and sustainable outcomes.

Membership of the team

• Exemplify CIFF values and leadership principles, serving as a role model for colleagues.
• Oversee Analysts and/or Managers as necessary in strategic, programmatic, and sector-related capacities, ensuring alignment with Resilient Community and Africa objectives.
• Offer continuous support to all NTD team members, fostering high performance through the establishment of clear objectives, defined accountabilities, and regular performance reviews.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to colleagues as needed, aiding in skill development, boosting confidence, and enhancing capabilities in various areas, processes, or procedures.

Skills & Experience   

•  Possess a post-graduate degree or equivalent experience, with a preference for specialization in medical sciences, public health & epidemiology, health systems, or related fields.

• Exhibit comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the African context, international development, and global health.
• Demonstrate proven expertise in analysis and due diligence, policy development, strategic planning, and program delivery within the development sector, including hands-on field experience.
• Showcase experience in formulating and executing strategies and investments targeting infectious disease control, including NTDs, health system strengthening, and financing.
• Display proficiency in articulating and substantiating discussions about health programs, backed by a solid understanding of evidence-based program design and implementation in infectious diseases.
• Possess strong capabilities in impact measurement, program monitoring, and evaluation methodologies.
• Demonstrate an innovative and solution-oriented mindset, coupled with practical problem-solving skills.
• Exhibit the ability to assess an organization’s management strength, vision, and adaptability, with skills in recruiting, guiding, influencing, and advising management teams to effectively implement programs.
• Show experience in working within government systems or influencing policies of governmental, private sector, or donor organizations.
• Act as a credible and professional advocate for causes, proficient in presenting the Foundation’s programs compellingly to engage diverse audiences.
• Possess strong relationship-building skills, capable of influencing others and fostering collaborative efforts among groups with shared objectives.
• Display exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, the business language of CIFF, across all facets of the role.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt style and approach effectively in various cultural and socio-economic contexts, maintaining cultural sensitivity to maximize effectiveness.
• Exhibit proficiency in IT, particularly in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Show evidence of being a proactive self-starter, able to work with speed and resilience in dynamic environments.
• Display willingness to travel regularly as part of the role’s requirements.

Benefits

The starting salary for this role is USD 92,000 per annum.

CIFF operates a hybrid work policy across all locations, meaning employees work from home some of the time. We are happy to provide more information on this as part of the recruitment process.

Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package here at CIFF that includes, but is not limited to the following. All these will be prorated to the fixed term.

• Annual leave – 25 days per annum. Increasing by 1 day after each year of service, to a maximum of 30 days.
• Bonus – CIFF currently operates a discretionary bonus scheme.
• Pension
• Private medical insurance
• Training allowance
• Wellbeing allowance
• Life insurance

Please submit your application on or before 21 June 2024. CIFF reserves the right to close the job advert early if we receive a high number of suitable applications.