We are currently seeking an exceptional senior program officer (SPO) to maximize GH’s capabilities in the areas of product development and portfolio management. This SPO will play a critical integrator role, working collaboratively with the malaria team (PST), its matrix team partners and our external grantees, namely the Product Development Partners (PDPs). The over-arching goal of the SPO will be to ‘work across the matrix’ to ensure that the portfolio of investments related to product development has robust implementation plans that ultimately result in impact. The SPO will leverage his/her expertise in product development management to apply rigorous methodology to support the malaria program strategy team across drugs, vaccines, vector control, and diagnostics development to achieve its malaria control and elimination goals. The SPO will adapt and apply his/her integrated product development experience and approaches to best suit the complex ecosystem in which Global Health works with various partners (Product Development Partners (PDPs), biopharmaceutical companies, academic research institutions, etc.). Additionally, the SPO will serve as project lead for a cutting-edge product investment team within the malaria portfolio aimed to accelerate our course to elimination.
- Product management project management support – SPO will be expected to stay up to date on the status and progress of priority R&D initiatives
- Develop long term portfolio execution plans aligned with the high-level strategy of the malaria PST and the Deputy Directors
- Work collaboratively with PST and Functional teams to develop and execute integrated product development plans with Foundation partners and grantees
- Communicate information related to the portfolio dynamics to upper management that will support GH strategy development
- Identify and assess key risks at the portfolio level; develop and manage mitigation/ contingency plans
- Work with the PO/SPOs on the malaria PST and Functional teams to identify potential new cross-cutting areas for platform development with partners and grantees
- Serve as a thought partner to PST and Functional teams on product development challenges, metrics, best practices and approaches
- Develop and encourage use of standard approaches, tools and methodologies for portfolio management across teams to enable effective decision making
- Proactively work with peers/ fellow SPO's to ensure a consistent approach as well as application of appropriate rigor to portfolio management across the Global Health Program
- Work with initiative teams to regularly monitor and assess progress of R&D initiatives
- In collaboration with PSTs and Functional teams, work closely with key external product development partners to enable effective project planning practices and timely visibility of challenges and issues
- Lead a product development investment team to develop, manage and implement innovative malaria products, and negotiate, execute and manage complex, performance-based contracts/grants.
- Consult with partners to maximize impact of projects and ensure optimal learning. This may include: site visits, providing operational guidance and convening meetings of key stakeholders.
- 12+ years of professional experience in the biotech or pharmaceutical industries, and 5+ years of senior level operating experience preferred.
- 5+years of experience leading drug and/or vaccine research and development efforts at the product and/or portfolio levels (e.g., discovery, development, commercial delivery), having successfully moved products through IND and/or NDA phases. Likely candidate profiles include R&D Project Management Leader, Drug and/or Vaccine Development Leader, Clinical Team Leader, etc.
- Expert-level knowledge of the following:
- Integrated product development project management (methodology, metrics, best practices)
- Portfolio / platform management (in pharma/ biotech context) and associated tools
- Project management, implementation planning and associated tools
- Risk assessment and management (mitigation and contingency plans)
- Broad working knowledge and / or specific knowledge of several elements of product and / or service development and launch (e.g., discovery, development, commercial launch). Small molecule experience preferred.
- Ability to effectively manage relationships with key internal stakeholders within the matrixed organization
- Strong oral and written communications
- Strong meeting and relationship facilitation and negotiating skills
- Experience working on teams with diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
- Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.