DNDi is a collaborative, non-profit research and development organisation working to develop and improve access to treatments for neglected diseases. Alongside its research programmes, DNDi shares capacity with institutions in affected countries across clinical research, data, regulatory systems and treatment access.

DNDi is exploring how these capabilities can contribute to larger, country-led programmes addressing health security, climate-sensitive diseases and equitable access to health services and medical products. Such programmes may bring together partners with complementary expertise, with DNDi contributing a defined technical role. DNDi has already undertaken some country-interest mapping, mapped relevant instruments across several multilateral development banks, held initial exploratory discussions, and developed outlines of several potential programme propositions. The consultant will review, test and augment this work rather than repeat it.

Location: The assignment is expected to be primarily remote, with the allocation of days and any travel agreed at contracting.

DNDi seeks an experienced consultant to advise senior colleagues and guide the development of its approach to multilateral development banks and related global health financing mechanisms. Building on existing analysis and relationships, the consultant will help DNDi prioritise opportunities, advance one major partnership and establish a practical plan for further engagement.

• Refine the strategic approach and develop an action plan. Assess priorities and demand in a selected set of countries and regional programmes, drawing on existing evidence, DNDi colleagues and targeted consultations. Review and, where needed, augment the country and development-bank analysis already undertaken, and use it to test and agree priorities with senior colleagues, within the direction outlined in this brief and DNDi’s capacity-sharing strategy.
• Review DNDi’s existing outlines for several potential major programmes, including the capabilities DNDi and prospective partners could contribute to country-led health-system strengthening, and assess their feasibility, strategic fit and potential routes to MDB financing. Refine these approaches as appropriate.
• Advance one major partnership. Guide and work alongside DNDi colleagues and prospective partners to develop a programme responding to country priorities, potentially across several countries. Clarify intended outcomes, country ownership, partner roles, an indicative budget and practical routes through which partners could be funded or contracted. Support consultations and agreed next steps in programme preparation.
• Provide strategic and practical advice on advancing selected existing opportunities where the consultant’s expertise and networks can add value.

Initial areas of interest include pandemic and epidemic preparedness, clinical research capacity strengthening, and climate-sensitive diseases such as dengue. The consultant should bring broad global health judgement and flexibility to develop approaches with partners across prevention, preparedness and access.

Expected outputs

• A concise strategy and action plan with priorities, responsibilities, resource needs and decision points.
• One developed partnership concept, with partner roles, an indicative financing approach and documented next steps and responsibilities for further preparation.
• A prioritised opportunity pipeline and outreach plan, with initial engagement and clear next steps.

Duration and level of effort

Approximately 40–45 working days over six months, with the allocation of days and any travel agreed at contracting.

The consultant will work with a designated DNDi focal point and senior resource mobilisation, regional and technical colleagues. Regional colleagues will bring country knowledge and relationships and take opportunities forward with the consultant’s guidance. The consultant will maintain momentum through strategic advice, practical preparation and coordination of agreed actions.

Responsibilities will be agreed according to the opportunity: the consultant may advise colleagues, work alongside them or lead workshops and programme-development meetings. External engagement will be coordinated with DNDi relationship owners. DNDi will retain decisions on priorities and commitments.

Detailed scientific and sectoral expertise will be available from DNDi colleagues and partners.

The assignment requires the experience and judgement to advise senior colleagues, guide practical programme development and lead workshops or meetings when needed.

Essential experience and capabilities

• Strong global health expertise and understanding of country priorities and health systems in low- and middle-income countries.
• Demonstrated experience working with at least one relevant multilateral development bank, including country engagement, financing mechanisms and programme preparation processes.
• A record of taking programmes or partnerships from initial discussions into concrete development or implementation, involving governments, international organisations, technical institutions or delivery partners.
• Ability to turn technical inputs into coherent programme concepts, indicative budgets and actionable plans; strong facilitation and clear, concise English drafting.

Desirable experience

• Experience in epidemic preparedness, climate and health, neglected diseases.
• Understanding of clinical research, pharmaceutical development, regulatory systems or medical-product access, and relevant development bank and global health networks.

The consultant may be based in any location, but must be able to work effectively across Asian, African and European time zones. 

• Fluency in English

Application

Please submit a CV, a brief proposed approach, examples of relevant programmes or partnerships advanced, availability and a financial proposal specifying the daily rate and proposed number of days.