Advocacy and Policy Officer

PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships and with expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing heath challenges.

PATH is currently recruiting for an Advocacy and Policy Officer to assist in the execution of strategies for Health R&D advocacy and policy work in the Africa region. This role reports to the Regional Policy Lead
- Health Research and Development and works closely with other R&D advocacy team members. The position can be located in Kenya, South Africa, or Senegal.

PATH's Advocacy and Public Policy (APP) department works to improve health equity by working with policymakers, coalitions, and other influential individuals and groups to influence evidence-based policy change and implementation.

Responsibilities:
- Manage the development and execution of assigned thematic/programmatic area of advocacy and policy activities within the health R&D portfolio.- Lead assigned scope in advancing PATH’s advocacy and policy goals with key government ministries, regional bodies, the African Union, policymakers, multi-lateral organizations, private-sector institutions, regulatory agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSOs), professional associations, and educational and research institutions- Contribute to developing and implementing advocacy and policy strategies and work plans to achieve R&D-related policy change at the global, regional and national levels.- Support evidence generation and/or synthesis to support advocacy and policy efforts, including the development of policy memos, briefs, and fact sheets.- Provide technical assistance including capacity building to advocacy stakeholders or partners.- Represent PATH and the R&D team in key technical working groups (TWG) and strategic forums at national and regional level to contribute to policy making processes.- Support management of partnerships and networks with key R&D and regulatory stakeholders in the region.- Work in consultation with Advocacy and Public Policy colleagues working in other geographies to document and translate PATH’s product development experiences for policymakers and advocacy partners in the African region.- Identify key policy moments and plan for advocacy interventions that elevate the voice of LMICs on manufacturing, regulatory harmonization of medical products, and health R&D- Monitor and analyze emerging policy developments and identify strategic opportunities for advocacy- Write, research and/or contribute to communications materials including blogs, newsletters, social media, policy reports, fact sheets, etc. and assist in dissemination to targeted stakeholders.- Develop and ensure timely submission of project reports and other in compliance with PATH priorities and policies, and donor requirements.

Required Skills and Experience:a- A bachelor’s degree in, public health, public policy, or other health-related fields. A master’s degree is an added advantage.- A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in public health policy and/or advocacy related work.- Good knowledge of public health, health systems—including health R&D, pharmaceutical manufacturing, regulatory systems strengthening for medical products and/or related challenges affecting communities in the African context.- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing policy and/or advocacy strategies to achieve health-related outcomes in African countries. Experience providing technical assistance to advocacy projects in multiple countries is desired.- Demonstrated experience in supporting high-level convenings at both national and regional levels.- Demonstrated ability to work in a multi-country, team-based organizational structure. Flexibility to work within multiple time zones and multiple teams across the globe.- An understanding of the rapidly developing policy landscape around AI, in Africa, and the associated regulatory, and other policy influencing opportunities- Knowledge of the pharmaceutical ecosystem: Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution, including market dynamics, regulatory requirements, and pricing strategies.- Regulatory affairs expertise: Familiarity with international and local regulatory frameworks, including experience navigating product approvals, compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and/or working with local regulatory bodies.- Market Access and Product Introduction: Familiarity with introduction of pharmaceutical products to the market, including experience in developing go-to-market strategies, conducting market research, and/or managing stakeholder relationships.- Cross-functional collaboration: Experience working with diverse stakeholders across R&D, regulatory, commercial, and supply chain functions