Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a public-private partnership committed to saving children’s lives and protecting people’s health by increasing equitable use of vaccines in lower-income countries. The Vaccine Alliance brings together implementing country and donor governments, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the World Bank, the vaccine industry, technical agencies, civil society, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other private sector partners. Gavi uses innovative finance mechanisms, including co-financing by recipient countries, to secure sustainable funding and adequate supply of quality vaccines. Since 2000, Gavi has contributed to the immunisation of more than 981 million children and the prevention of more than 16 million future deaths.

THE ROLE

Key functions and deliverables:

• Implements public policy and advocacy strategies to advance Gavi’s mission, particularly to influence international forums, UN-led and other political processes identified as priority;
• Develops relationships and partnerships with a variety of sectors relevant to immunisation, particularly with Alliance core partners, Governments, UN agencies, Global Health Initiatives, civil society and the private sector;
• Positions Gavi’s mission in multilateral and other international health policy processes, linking public policy and advocacy efforts with Gavi’s programmatic priorities as well as country and regional public policy developments;
• Fosters collaboration and matrix relationships within the PPE team and Gavi Secretariat.

• Operationalises advocacy strategies to build political will to immunisation, particularly in multilateral and other international health policy processes, fostering a multi-sectoral approach and linkages with regional and country developments;
• Implements strategies to influence political processes, gathering intelligence, providing inputs and mark-ups to UN resolutions, declarations and instruments in areas prioritised by Gavi;
• Nurtures trust relationships with Alliance core partners and innovates on fostering commitment from a variety of sectors including community representatives, youth, women’s group, the private sector and opinion leaders in favour of Gavi’s mission;
• Develops relationships of trust with country missions, particularly with diplomatic representations in New York and Geneva;
• Keeps abreast of geo-political developments that can affect immunisation and Gavi’s mission, regularly consulting on trends with external stakeholders that are useful to advance Gavi’s mission;
• Develops Gavi’s positions on multilateral and other international health policy processes through internal and external consultation maintaining strong relationships with Gavi Secretariat and Alliance staff;Collaborates effectively as a team player.

Note: The essential functions listed in this section are not exhaustive of the job responsibilities; other duties may be assigned consistently with the department needs.

• Minimum of 8 years of professional international advocacy experience in development, ideally in global health with an understanding on immunisation, child health and/or related themes;
• In-depth experience and understanding of international dynamics and country blocs and positions, particularly related to UN political processes and negotiations;
• Experience working in a low- or middle-income country is an asset;
• High-quality political analysis, equity and sustainability on immunisation, and their relations with geo-political matters, accountability and global health governance is ideal;
• Solid experience on development of institutional positions to influence political processes;
• Significant experience on UN negotiations is required with physical presence in New York and/or Geneva;
• Previous diplomatic service is an asset;
• High level external representation experience with senior level exposure to advocacy and key players;
• Significant experience on building partnerships with institutions relevant to immunisation is preferred.

• Political acumen, sound judgement, adaptive management, problem solving;
• Diplomacy and tact;
• Coalition and consensus builder;
• High level negotiation skills;
• Ability to inspire teams and to deliver results;
• Excellent networks and relationships in global health;
• Strong strategic insight particularly related to geopolitical, health and governance issues;
• Excellent networking and communication skills (written and verbal);
• Proven ability to deliver results;
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to work across cultures with the capacity to build strong working relationships within and outside Gavi;
• Excellent team player.

• Fluency in written and spoken English;
• French working proficiency is highly desirable;
• Other UN languages is an advantage.

• University degree in relevant discipline (public health, social sciences, international relations, etc.). Masters degree preferred.

• Gavi Secretariat.

If you wish to apply, please provide a cover letter and resume through our Careers webpage and apply by clicking on “Senior Manager, Public Policy Engagement”. Deadline for applications is 20 September 2023.

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In support of Gavi’s commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, we hire globally and welcome applications regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, national origin, family status, sex, gender identity or expression, physical characteristics, race, religion, spirituality or sexual orientation. Gavi has zero tolerance towards sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse as well as any form of discrimination or harassment. Everyone at Gavi is expected to conduct themselves with integrity and respect towards each other. Gavi is committed to creating a work environment that is safe and professional, therefore all selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference checks. Read more here.

Gavi brings together the public and private sectors to save lives and protect people’s health by increasing equitable and sustainable use of vaccines against 18 infectious diseases. You will be joining an organisation at the centre of the international COVID-19 response, at the most critical time in global health in a lifetime. You will work in a culturally diverse environment with over 70 nationalities. You will collaborate with partners such as WHO, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank – and from business, civil society and government. And you will work in the first global health organisation to receive equal gender salary certification. Your unique experience, skills and talents can help us achieve our vision of leaving no one behind without the life-saving power of vaccines.