Prospect Research Manager

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 worlds poorest people. 

Together with more than 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 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 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.

The External Affairs Department drives DNDis visibility, influence, and financial sustainability. Its teams (Policy Advocacy, Communications, and External Relations] ensure that DNDi is visible and respected in influential circles, supported by committed stakeholders, and successful in securing the resources needed to deliver on its mission, while being effective in driving policy change as it advocates for neglected patients.

In , DNDi released an ambitious new Strategic Plan -, which outlined a funding goal of $1.3 billion of which nearly $ million has already been secured, primarily from governments, major philanthropic foundations, and innovative financing mechanisms. As part of this strategy, DNDi is increasing its private philanthropic fundraising capabilities. The Private Sector Fundraising Team is a dispersed global team, with staff based in the US, UK, Brazil, Switzerland, and Kenya.

Purpose of the position

Were looking for an experienced prospect researcher with strong analytical skills and an excellent knowledge of the global philanthropic space to join our Private Sector Fundraising team. You will be joining a growing major gifts programme with ambitious goals and a strong new business focus.

You will have prospect research experience in a global health, scientific or medical non-profit setting, and the ability to move comfortably between the worlds of research and philanthropy and to identify opportunities beyond the obvious.

The successful candidate will develop and implement an effective prospect research strategy supporting DNDis philanthropic ambitions, identifying new leads from foundations, philanthropists, trusts and companies, philanthropy collaboratives and funding calls. The role also involves setting up and socialising knowledge capture systems eg utilising Salesforce and communicating on good practice to other colleagues.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a friendly and supportive team, with a strong focus on collaboration and working towards shared goals. This position would suit a highly organised, proactive and intellectually curious individual who is looking for a role where they can play a vital part in developing strategy and the delivery of ambitious targets in a global health setting.

Specific job responsibilities

Strategy and planning

Prospect identification

Prospect management

Communication and internal capacity building

Knowledge capture/retention, compliance and due diligence

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

Interactions

Job requirements

Skills and attributes

Experience

Education

Other requirements