Senior Policy and Advocacy Officer, Regulatory Systems Strengthening, Center of Advocacy and Policy

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.

The Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer will lead, and support advocacy efforts focused on strengthening regulatory systems and advancing health R&D policy across Africa. The Senior Policy & Advocacy Officer will be at the forefront of troubleshooting regulatory hurdles, mobilizing policy shifts, and enabling countries to implement lifesaving global health tools swiftly and equitably. The work will help ensure underserved populations benefit from advances in R&D and technology, making health innovation a global common good. This role reports to the Regional Policy Lead – Health Research and Development and works closely with other R&D advocacy team members.

Through our Center for Advocacy and Policy, we:

• Build breakthroughs as a policy lab, turning data and research into bold, evidence‑based policy ideas;
• Ignite action as an advocacy impact accelerator, shaping and executing high-impact advocacy strategies;
• Connect and strengthen movements and coalitions as a field catalyst, bridging actors, filling critical gaps, and forging powerful networks for enduring change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist to lead continental advocacy - To strengthen Africa's regulatory systems and advance health R&D policy, aligned with the African Medicines Agency's vision for regulatory excellence.
• Provide technical support - For regulatory harmonization, capacity building, and pharmacovigilance strengthening initiatives.
• Analyze and translate policy - Turn complex regulatory and R&D issues into clear, actionable recommendations for decision-makers.
• Engage and influence partners - Build strong relationships with AU bodies, AMA, regulators, multilateral agencies, civil society, and the private sector to drive coordinated action.
• Represent PATH in high-level forums, working groups, and strategic convenings; organize multi-stakeholder dialogues to address policy and regulatory challenges.
• Elevate thought leadership - Develop policy briefs, articles, and other advocacy communications that advance Africa's regulatory harmonization agenda.
• Promote cross-country learning - Capture and share best practices in regulatory systems strengthening.
• Manage projects - Plan, deliver, and report on assigned advocacy initiatives within PATH's health R&D advocacy portfolio.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• A degree in public health, public policy, regulatory affairs, or related field.
• Proven experience influencing health R&D and regulatory frameworks in Africa, including engagement with national regulatory authorities or regional bodies.
• Track record in designing and delivering evidence-based advocacy strategies that drive policy adoption and implementation at national, regional, and/or continental levels.
• Strong ability to distil complex scientific or regulatory concepts into compelling, actionable messages for policymakers and other decision-makers.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills in English, with strong presentation and facilitation abilities.
• Demonstrated skill in building trusted relationships across governments, AU institutions, multilateral organizations, civil society, and the private sector.
• Experience leading multi-country or multi-stakeholder initiatives from concept to delivery, with clear reporting and accountability.
• Proven ability to work across geographies, cultures, and sectors, adapting to changing priorities and political contexts.
• Must have legal authorization to work in the country of hire.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Familiarity with the African Medicines Agency's mandate, operations, and Africa's regulatory harmonization initiatives (e.g., AMRH, AVAREF).
• Understanding of policy and regulatory issues related to digital health, AI, or other cutting-edge health technologies.
• Experience designing or delivering training and technical assistance to build regulatory system capacity.
• Awareness of manufacturing, supply chain, and market access considerations in the African context.
• Demonstrated success in facilitating cross-sector networks or partnerships to achieve shared policy goals.
• Proficiency in French, Portuguese, or Arabic for engagement across Africa's diverse regions.