Advocacy Manager, East Africa

Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) is a Swiss-based non-profit working to deliver a global portfolio of accessible, affordable medicines to treat, prevent and eliminate malaria. Born out of a need for greater health equity, we close critical gaps in research, development, and access – working ‘end-to-end’ to expand the use of existing antimalarials and innovate new ones that work to protect public health. Cumulatively to 2023, an estimated 680 million people have been protected or treated by MMV-supported products, with around 15.4 million lives saved.  

The overall objective of this job is to help MMV carry out advocacy activities to support MMV’s working model and its R&D and access priorities, so as to continue to strengthen the reputation of MMV as a leading organization in global health. In particular, the incumbent provides support to priority advocacy activities in Africa by supporting organization of events in Africa, monitoring pilot projects and engaging civil society organisations to help increase uptake of malaria interventions and innovations.

The incumbent will be home-based in Kenya or other part of East Africa and will work in close collaboration with MMV’s Corporate Affairs Division, notably in the Communications and the External Relations Departments, as well as with other colleagues in MMV, in particular in the Acess and Product Management Division. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

• Support advocacy activities in Africa in relation to the Intermittent Preventative Treatment in Pregnancy (IPTp) call uptake increase by supporting pilot advocacy projects and engaging with CSOs in Africa to help increase support for the uptake of IPTp. (25%)
• Support the advocacy agenda on local manufacturing by helping organize events and leveraging with stakeholders on how to position MMV within the local manufacturing space as well as supporting advocacy for resource mobilization in Africa. (15%)
• Support advocacy for Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) and severe malaria within the African space by assisting at stakeholder meetings and organising events (15%)
• Managing and updating the SMC Alliance and severe malaria observatory websites, social media and newsletters on a regular basis and working on projects to increase website patronage (30%).
• Support with other advocacy agenda e.g. on antimalarial resistance and equitable partnerships and building a civil society network in Africa available.(15%)

Please note:

• There will be 15 - 25% of travel involved in this role.
• The job will be based in the selected candidates home country and there should be no expectation of relocation in the future.

Qualifications and Skills 

Education and experience: 

• Master’s degree in international relations, advocacy or communications.
• At least four years’ experience in advocacy and/or communications, partnership development, communications, or project management.
• Specific experience in malaria is strongly preferred.

 Technical Skills  

• Fluency in English (oral and written) is a key requirement. A good command of French is an asset.
• Proficiency in web design and social media
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, drupal and mailchimp

 Behavioural Skills 

• Ability to analyse, summarize and draw key content in written health documents
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Very good interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Able to spot and evaluate process requirements in a dynamic environment
• Strong planning, coordination and organizational skills
• Ability to work proactively, independently under minimal supervision and under tight deadlines
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously

Duration: ASAP and for 1 year

Work level: Full time (100%) with up to 25% of travel

Work location: Remote based, We will accept candidates located in East Africa, 

Contractual set-up: The successful candidate will be engaged through a local Employer of Record.

The candidate should have the right to reside and work in the country from which the candidate is applying and have stable connectivity.

The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Required documents for the application: please send your CV and Cover Letter by 30th April 2025