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 Brazil’s Fiocruz as a founding member and numerous collaborations with science and access leaders in Latin American region, DNDi established itself in Rio de Janeiro in 2004. An integral part of DNDi’s global network, DNDi Latin America nurtures R&D and access partnerships in the broad region eco-systems, including for Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, hepatitis C and dengue, while contributing to DNDi's global strategy. It also undertakes advocacy in support of neglected patients and leads capacity-building projects through multi-country clinical research and drug discovery platforms, including the Chagas Clinical Research Platform and RedeLEISH and the Lead Optimization Latin America (LOLA).

The External Affairs’ Communications & Advocacy team develops and implements the global communications and visibility strategy. It aims for DNDi to be seen as a unique, relevant, and impactful project, and visibly supported by powerful champions at the global and regional level, and within influential constituencies.

Purpose of the position

The Communications Manager for DNDi Latin America is responsible for enhancing the organization's visibility in the region and positioning DNDi as a leading partner in research and development and innovation for neglected patients. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and implementing a communications strategy for DNDi in the region, as part of both the broader regional external affairs strategy and the global communications strategy and priorities. Ensure that the LatAm regional perspective and content are seamlessly integrated into global communication strategies and outputs. Also, ensure that LatAm regional outputs align with the global brand and messaging. In collaboration with other teams, this position manages the LATAM communications team to deliver high-quality and effective communications that reflect DNDi's brand, position, and messages, contributing to achieving DNDi's objectives in the region.

The incumbent is a member of the DNDi Latin America extended leadership team, contributing to overall direction of the regional office. This role provides together with the Head of External Affairs, specialized communications support and advice to the Regional Director and other senior managers in public positioning, media relations and other matters that affect DNDi’s perception.

Specific job responsibilities

Communications strategies

Develop and implement a communications strategy and communications annual plans for DNDi in the region, using media relations, digital communications (web and social), corporate communications, scientific communications, stakeholder engagement, events, and other communications channels and outputs
Develop and implement integrated communications plans that support regional objectives, in particular those from R&D and Access, Business Development, Policy & Advocacy, Fundraising
On behalf of the global communications team, develop and deliver the communications strategy for specific diseases to be assigned in close liaison with R&D teams and DNDi partners; contribute regional elements to communications strategies for other relevant diseases in the region or themes (e.g. drug discovery, gender, climate, etc.)

Media relations

Secure positive coverage of DNDi and DNDi leaders on all forms of traditional and modern media (TV, print, radio, podcasts, influencers, etc.).
- Identifying and creating opportunities for media coverage from external and internal milestones, targeting features, breaking news, and opinion desks
- Mapping health and science reporters throughout Latin America, cultivating close relationships with reporters and editors following health, R&D, and other related issues
- Drafting pitches, press releases, op eds, talking points and other supporting materials
- Maintaining the media contacts database
Proactively manage or support the management of reputational risks for DNDi in the region

Communications management

Lead, motivate and manage the Communications Officer, and actively shape their contribution.
Oversee and actively participate in the delivery of the LatAm comms team, notably with respect to:
- Writing, editing, and corporate communications:
  - Ensure corporate branding, graphic design, and style guidance is followed by DNDi staff and external consultants, providing 1:1 advice and support as needed
  - Conceptualize, write, and edit a range of print and digital products, including short-form publications such as leaflets, fact sheets, corporate announcements, video scripts, etc.; long-form publications such as brochures and reports; copy for website, e-newsletters, infographics, social media posts, etc.; PowerPoint slide decks, etc.
- Digital communications:
  - Ensuring regional website (dndial.org) is continuously updated with appealing and relevant content, and follows web best practice
  - Guiding the strategy for social media outreach in the region and updating corporate and individual leadership social media channels
- Content collection and production
Manage and maintain a network of outsourced resourcing such as graphic design, translation, and copy-editing consultants, comms and events agencies and other third parties, identifying needs, selecting vendors following due processes, and overseeing deliverables.
Manage the communications budget in Latin America

Advocacy (or public affairs)

Define a strategic plan considering each product and program to influence the public policy agenda for neglected diseases and correlated subjects
Map strategic stakeholders (allies and opponents) for neglected diseases and populations, considering the public and private health sector, civil society and patient engagement
Monitor public policies and other initiatives related to DNDi´s agenda
Customize key messages for strategic stakeholders.
Identify opportunities for stakeholders' engagement and to leverage DNDi´s image
Define a strategic plan to promote awareness about DNDi´s mission and the needs regarding neglected diseases and population
Strengthen DNDIs network for communication and advocacy with partners such as MSF and others to optimize advocacy activities in the region

Reporting line

Communication Manager reports to Head of External Affairs - LATAM

Interactions

Works with the Communications team and several departments including external relations, policy/advocacy, operations, R&D and Access teams on a regional and global level.
This role has a representational role through the promotion of programs and maintain productive relationships by projecting the image of a credible partner

Job requirements

Skills and attributes

Strong ability to use initiative, prioritize, multi-task, and work well under pressure to meet deadlines
Clear and systematic thinking that demonstrates good judgment and problem solving competencies
Strong communication skills in multicultural, multi-lingual environments
Strong ability to work effectively as part of a multicultural team
Well organized and structured
Strong analytical skills
Strong ability to provide high level support in project/program delivery
Strong ability to manage small projects with budget management
Strategic thinking and leadership abilities
Strong management, negotiation, and advocacy skills
Has autonomy for taking actions and decisions
Strong ability to interact with external stakeholders
Lead and motivate a small team for optimum performance, supervising junior staff

Experience

Minimum 6 years' relevant experience in which at least 4 years at Senior Officer level
Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and matrix structure
Experience of working in public and private sector is highly desirable
Significant experience in managing complex communications projects or campaigns, with multiple internal and external stakeholders
Experience of interacting and advising with senior leadership
Significant experience in media relations in Latin America, either as a reporter or as a communications professional
Significant experience in managing complex communications projects or campaigns, with multiple internal and external stakeholders

Education

Advanced post graduate degree or graduate degree with equivalent in experience to reach Master level

Other requirements

Working fluency in English essential
Native level in Portuguese and/or Spanish essential, and working fluency in the other highly desirable
Proficient in Portuguese and Spanish (oral and written)
Very good knowledge of Microsoft Suite

Other information

Status: Full time

To apply

Please submit your application using the online form
Deadline for application: accepting applications until May 16
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
Application submission for this position may close early if we have enough suitable applicants