The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is an international, not-for-profit research and development (R&D) organization that develops and delivers new treatments for neglected diseases affecting millions of the world’s poorest people.
Together with more than 200 public research and industry allies worldwide, we use the power of partnership, innovation, open science, and advocacy to find solutions to a great injustice: the lack of medicines for life-threatening diseases that disproportionately impact poor and marginalized people. Driven by collaboration, not competition, and by patients’ needs, not profits, we promote equitable access, foster inclusive and sustainable solutions, and advocate for a more effective global biomedical R&D system that meets the needs of neglected patients.
Since our inception, 13 new treatments for people with sleeping sickness, visceral leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, HIV, hepatitis C, and malaria that have saved millions of lives. We aim to deliver a total of 25 new treatments by 2028– addressing R&D gaps for neglected tropical diseases and viral infections, including new pandemic-prone diseases (such as COVID-19) and climate-sensitive diseases (such as dengue) with a focus on the needs of patients in low- and middle-income countries.
With more than 250 employees of 33 nationalities located in nine offices on four continents, DNDi is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential parts of our culture and key drivers of our success. We encourage candidates of diverse profiles and backgrounds to apply.
Counting the Ministry of Health Malaysia as a founding member, DNDi was established in Kuala Lumpur in 2004. An integral part of DNDi’s global network, DNDi South-East Asia (DNDi SEA) develops and supports R&D and access partnerships in the broader region, including for hepatitis C and dengue, while contributing to the global strategy. The successful registration of ravidasvir in 2021 as the first affordable hepatitis C treatment paved the way for further collaborations in Malaysia, Thailand, and beyond.
The Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) is a not-for-profit organization developing new treatments for drug-resistant infections that pose the greatest threat to health. GARDP works with partners to ensure sustainable access to treatments, promoting responsible use and affordability for all in need.
Created by the WHO and DNDi, GARDP mobilizes partners to develop new and improved antibiotics. In partnership with governments, the private sector, academia and civil society, we are embracing innovative solutions to antibiotic resistance. We strive to mutualize our work and resources and identify for strategic opportunities and impactful partnerships in the realm of infectious diseases.
As our engagement grows in Thailand for both organizations, there is increasing need to build awareness of DNDI and GARDP and to develop the brands as credible medical R&D organizations which translate innovation into access.

Scope of work

In close coordination with the Director DNDi SEA, the R&D leadership, the policy advocacy team, and the head of communications, the External Affairs Consultant will be responsible for:

• Supporting institutional development, external relations, and stakeholder engagement in Thailand
• Supporting external affairs in communications, fundraising, events, campaigns, and initiatives
• Providing support on programmes and projects involving Thailand
• Supporting the activities of GARDP in the region as required.

Main tasks and specific job responsibilities

Support external affairs activities in the South-East Asia region

Communications, marketing, and fundraising

Develop and implement a communications strategy for Thailand, including:

• Communications objectives linked to wider program strategies within Thailand and aligned with the regional communication objectives, identifying key opportunities and risk analysis
• Identification of key target audiences, and analysis of their communication preferences and development of appropriate messages and tools to reach them
• Media (and social media) mapping of national and international media-based Thailand, including understanding of political leanings, positions on key issues of relevance to DNDi and GARDP, and relative importance for reaching key target audiences

Media

• Expand media outreach, including social media outreach, establishing, and fostering strong relationships with national and international media (print, online, health, business, generalist, English-language, other)
• Monitor social media and traditional media to identify coverage and issues of importance to DNDi and GARDP
• Initiate media coverage by creating and pitching ideas to journalists across long lead and short lead media
• Identify and respond to news stories, including dealing with reactive media enquiries, making statements and briefing and guiding the DNDI and GARDP team
• Write and edit text for media, including media releases, briefing notes, backgrounders, feature stories, and talking points, as needed
• Organize media training of spokespersons and partners in Thailand

Content creation

Resourcing

The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other responsibilities appropriate to your grade. This job description may be subject to review.

Reporting line

• The External Affairs Consultant reports to DNDi SEA Director.

Job requirements

Experience

• Minimum 5 years relevant work experience
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills
• Relevant experience in communication and marketing
• Relevant experience in stakeholder relations
• Relevant experience working with government, development agencies, and/or international organizations

Education

• At least a bachelor's degree in business, communications, journalism, public relations, or another relevant field

Other requirements

• Fluency in English
• Proficiency in Thai language
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

To apply

• Deadline for application: accepting applications until 20 September 2024
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Application submission for this position may close early if we have enough suitable applicants.