Launched in 2017, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is an international coalition of governments, academic, philanthropic, private, public, and intergovernmental institutions whose vision is to create a world in which epidemics and pandemics are no longer a threat to humanity. Our mission is to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats so they can be accessible to all people in need. CEPI played a central role in the global response to COVID-19, creating the world’s largest portfolio of COVID-19 vaccines – seven of which are approved for global or domestic use - and co-leading COVAX, the global initiative to support equitable access which supported the delivery of over 2bn vaccine doses globally. CEPI has CEPI has contributed to a number of scientific breakthroughs in vaccine development against other infectious diseases, including the first ever licensed Chikungunya vaccine and the first Nipah and Lassa virus vaccines into Phase 1 trials.
As COVID-19 has demonstrated, emerging infectious diseases represent an existential threat to our way of life. COVID-19 is not the first pandemic of the 21st century, and unless we act now, we can be sure that it will not be the last. Unlike some of the other big threats that humanity faces, we have the tools to systematically reduce and even eliminate the risk of future pandemics. It is vital that we capitalise on the rare alignment of political will, practical experience, and technical and scientific progress emerging from the pandemic to prevent such devastation happening again. CEPI’s five-year plan for 2022-2026 – known as CEPI 2.0 - aims to dramatically reduce or even eliminate the future risk of pandemics and epidemics. Central to the plan is CEPI’s goal to accelerate the time taken to develop safe, effective, globally accessible vaccines against new threats to just 100 days. Achieving this ‘100 Days Mission’, which has been embraced by the G7 and G20, would give the world a fighting chance of containing a future outbreak before it can spread to become a global pandemic, potentially averting millions of deaths and trillions of dollars in economic damage.
CEPI is a not-for-profit association under Norwegian Law and has offices in Oslo (HQ), London, and Washington DC.
In CEPI we strive for diverse thinking, and we want a diverse pool of candidates for all our vacancies. We work for an inclusive working environment where each employee can contribute and grow.
More details about CEPI and our mission can be found on our website: www.cepi.net

The primary objective of this role will be to ensure maximum effectiveness of the Executive Director R&D. To support the Executive Director R&D in prioritising, preparing for, and following up commitments. Acting as a connector between the Executive Director R&D and key internal and external partners. This role reports into the Executive Director R&D based in the USA.

• Prioritise, prepare for, and follow up on the Executive Director R&D’s engagements
• Compose daily briefing pack with itinerary, briefing material, action items, managing time and expectations around commitments.
• Accompany the Executive Director R&D to relevant meetings and minute discussions; take responsibility for recording decisions and ensuring significant outcomes are fed back and acted upon by the relevant stake holders
• Maintain events database, including logging, tracking and delegation of engagements on behalf of the Executive Director R&D’s interactions
• Provide support to the R&D leadership team meetings
• Answering any general queries from the R&D team and externals assisting with communications to them and maintaining electronic filing systems and general record keeping as appropriate
• Develop a strong network of working contacts within CEPI and support effective communications with the Executive Director R&D and between departments
• Managing and coordinating the diary and meeting scheduling for the Executive Director R&D including one to ones, team meetings and larger meetings, registering for conferences etc.
• Managing room, refreshment bookings and video conference details and being the first point of contact for attendees
• Maintain an overview of the R&D Executive Director’s priorities and time commitments, and ensure appropriate linkage to R&D division priorities
• Making and coordinating all travel arrangements, visas and accommodation booking – providing travel packs, itineraries, schedules and compiling expenses and reimbursements as appropriate
• Coordinating logistics for large team events / meetings in association with the Administrative Coordination teams in other offices
• Proactively identify issues that could impact the successful execution of the R&D Executive Director’s commitments and where necessary act as a trouble-shooter in resolving issues
• Work closely with the Head of R&D Events and Admin to develop a community of practice to support the professional development of the Administrative Coordinators within the R&D division, using the EA’s experience to share best practice with this group to ensure maximum effectiveness of the R&D division leadership team.

This is an opportunity for someone who has a bachelor’s or masters degree, or equivalent work experience, and who can demonstrate:

• Experience working with senior executives, ideally in public health or pharmaceutical research and development (highly desirable)
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Fluency in English is a must.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, able to build trust, credibility and influence quickly internally and externally at all levels
• Ability to thrive in a high tempo team and to adapt at speed in response to a fast-paced and often unpredictable operating environment
• Ability to develop and upskill more junior staff in similar roles, to maximise their effectiveness.
• Outcome-focussed, autonomous, resilient self-starter, with an eagerness to innovate with new ideas and implement/ improve processes
• An analytical and creative thinker with the ability to structure and solve problems
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and IT Systems

• This role can be based in London (UK), Oslo (Norway) or in the US
• Travel to other countries &/or regions will be required

• Experience in the international effort on developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and accelerating vaccine development response to outbreaks
• The opportunity to work together with leading internal and external experts on solutions for global challenges
• A diverse and inclusive working environment

Background verification will be conducted to verify information provided in the CV and available documentation for the successful candidate.