Executive Director

About the Department

   Global Executive Office

About the Office

   Geneva, Switzerland

Overview

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of impact, innovation, and sustainable growth.

 

DNDi is an international, not-for-profit research and development organization. Working with more than 200 public research and industry partners worldwide, we use partnership, innovation, open science, and advocacy to develop and deliver affordable and accessible treatments for neglected diseases that disproportionately affect millions of the world’s poorest people.

 

This is a unique opportunity for a dynamic global leader to advance DNDi’s mission, strengthen its scientific and public health impact, and shape the future of research and development for neglected populations.

 

The Executive Director will translate DNDi’s strategy into organizational results and ensure strong alignment and collaboration across functions, programs, and regions. The role will build strategic partnerships, advocate for greater investment in research and development for neglected diseases and mobilize support from donors and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and evolution of DNDi’s strategy, ensuring alignment between scientific priorities, organizational capacity, and financial resources.
• Guide the assessment of new disease and drug development opportunities and oversee the management of key organizational risks.
• Lead the Executive Team, strengthening accountability, collaboration, performance, and effective decision-making across functions and regions.
• Ensure scientific excellence, regulatory compliance, strong financial stewardship, and effective people and organizational management.
• Represent DNDi globally and build strategic partnerships with governments, international organizations, research institutions, industry, civil society, and donors.
• Safeguard DNDi’s long-term financial sustainability through effective fundraising, donor engagement, and funding diversification.
• Ensure that DNDi upholds the Code of Conduct and values, promoting integrity, safeguarding, dignity, respect, diversity, and inclusion.

Reporting line & Interactions

Reporting to the Chair of the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for leading the organization, implementing Board-approved strategy, ensuring organizational sustainability, and representing the organization globally with partners, donors, policymakers, and the broader global health community.

 

At DNDi, you will lead a global organization united by a clear purpose: ensuring that people affected by neglected diseases benefit from the medical innovation they need.

You will work alongside committed colleagues and partners across the world to advance scientific progress, strengthen sustainable research and development capacity, influence global health priorities, and deliver tangible improvements in the lives of neglected patients.

Experience and Education

We are looking for a purpose-driven, strategic and respected leader with:

• At least 15 years of senior executive experience managing organizations in an international health sciences environment.
• A PhD, MPH, or another relevant postgraduate qualification, together with executive leadership or management training.
• Recognized expertise in infectious diseases, global public health, and/or drug development, with strong knowledge of clinical research and development.
• Proven experience leading senior, multicultural, and geographically dispersed teams across complex global and matrix organizations.
• Strong capabilities in strategy, financial management, organizational change, risk management, fundraising, advocacy, and partnership-building.
• Significant experience in international public health, public-private partnerships, programs in low- and middle-income countries, and not-for-profit management.
• Exceptional communication skills, judgement, resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to lead through change and complexity.
• Fluency in English; additional languages are an asset.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally are required.

Skills and competencies

    N/A (not applicable)

Other requirements

    N/A (not applicable)

DEI Statement

 DNDi is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds and encourage applications from individuals with experience and perspectives from countries and communities disproportionately affected by neglected diseases.