Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Senior Program Officer, Global Product Development - Animal Health (SPO) will be responsible for bringing technical expertise in animal-health product development to help realize the existing potential of livestock and to enhance future potential of livestock through innovation and appropriate technologies suitable for sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia within the smallholder livestock sector.
- Develop comprehensive product development plans and bring knowledge, expertise and experience to support the end-to-end strategy for the development of vaccines, drugs and diagnostics for cattle, small ruminants and poultry.
- Be the internal subject matter specialist in the product development continuum to develop solutions for animal health challenges faced by poor livestock farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
- Design and implement a plan to accelerate and scale the development of new, improved and appropriate vaccines, drugs, diagnostics, etc. for neglected livestock diseases of highest economic impact to poor farmers in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
- Develop institutional partnerships (private and public) to leverage existing vaccine, drug and diagnostic manufacturers.
- Use scientific/technical and strategic business expertise to design, develop and manage a portfolio of strategic investments to deliver cost-effective tools and technologies to increase livestock production performance, particularly in smallholder and pastoral systems.
- Continue to learn and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the causes that hinder productivity and production of livestock in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
- Represent the foundation externally in livestock-related matters as required.
All candidates should demonstrate passion for the foundation’s values with commitment to deliver results against the foundation’s mission. They should have a ‘can do’ attitude with a mindset that guides and motivates the team to explore new approaches and partners, taking risks that can potentially accelerate the foundation’s pathway to improve the lives of smallholder livestock keepers.
- A minimum of 10+ years of experience in animal health research and development (e.g. vaccines, drugs, and/or diagnostics) with experience in animal health product development; preferably gained in a global pharmaceutical company.
- Extensive experience interacting with experts in academia and/or the private sector involved in animal health. Demonstrated gravitas to command respect coupled with a track record of establishing credible relationships across both industry and academia.
- A ‘can do’ attitude with a mindset that guides and motivates the team to explore new approaches and partners, taking risks that can potentially accelerate our pathway to improve the lives of poor livestock keepers.
- Proven ability to evaluate new technologies and innovations.
- Intellectual quickness, curiosity, discipline, resourcefulness and resilience.
- Ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, enthusiasm and diplomacy both individually and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated passion for the foundation’s values with commitment to deliver results against the foundation’s mission.
- Highest levels of personal and professional integrity, along with a sense of humor. Culturally and politically savvy with excellent interpersonal skills to work across cultures and partners.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to convey complex situations in a clear and concise manner with a broad and diverse audience.
Desired Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Experience in drug discovery and development. For example; small molecule screening, medicinal chemistry, CMC, and PK/PD.
- Familiarity with the constraints for livestock production or agricultural development in low- and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
Other Parameters
- Willing to travel nationally and internationally (30%).
- The role will be based in Seattle