Project Coordinator at Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)

The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) is an international, not-for-profit research and development organization. We discover, develop, and deliver treatments for neglected patients around the world. Our treatments are affordable and patient-friendly – and have already saved millions of lives.

We are researching new treatments for people living with Chagas disease, sleeping sickness (human African trypanosomiasis), leishmaniasis, filarial infections, mycetoma, paediatric HIV, hepatitis C, and dengue. Together with our partners, we are working on over 40 projects, including more than 20 new chemical entities. We are also running over 20 clinical trials.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Coordinator

Job ID: 2025-1220
Location: Nigeria
Employment type: Permanent

About the Department

• The Global Executive Office plays a pivotal and strategic role in governance and internal alignment.
• The Department coordinates DNDi’s three continental regional office groupings and the Policy Advocacy team.
• Policy Advocacy is a key pillar in DNDi’s strategy and strives for scientific advancements to translate into real-world impact by shaping policies, regulatory frameworks, and funding priorities.  

About the Office

• 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, DNDi has delivered 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 200 employees of 25+ nationalities located in eight 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.

Overview

• DNDi is looking for a Project Coordinator to be based in Abuja, Nigeria, to coordinate the implementation of a health research and technology transfer project.
• The position requires strong skills in project coordination, donor relations, regulatory engagement, and financial monitoring, as well as a strong interest in DNDi’s mission to deliver patient-centered research and equitable access to medicines. 
• The Project Coordinator will ensure the smooth implementation of DNDi’s research, regulatory, and production-related activities in Nigeria.
• The incumbent will represent DNDi before donors and national partners, facilitate collaboration with institutions such as NAFDAC, the Ministry of Health, PVAC, and research institutes, and oversee project planning, execution, reporting, and financial monitoring in alignment with DNDi’s mission and donor requirements. 

Responsibilities
Coordination & Representation:

• Act as DNDi’s focal point for the project in Abuja. 
• Represent DNDi with donors (Team Europe) and with national stakeholders (NAFDAC, PVAC, Ministry of Health, universities, research institutes, hospitals, and production facilities). 
• Arrange and follow up on high-level meetings and ensure DNDi’s representation in national and donor-led forums.  
• Promote DNDi’s mission and ensure visibility of the project and its partners. 

Project Management:

• Develop, monitor and drive project work plans, timelines, and deliverables. 
• Support the implementation of activities in research, regulatory strengthening, and technology transfer/production. 
• Organize steering committees, technical workshops, and capacity-building initiatives. 
• Ensure alignment of project objectives with DNDi’s strategy and donor agreements. 

Donor Relations & Reporting:

• Maintain regular communication. 
• Prepare and submit timely narrative and financial reports, ensuring donor compliance. 
• Ensure visibility of donor contributions in project outputs and communications. 

Financial Oversight:

• Ensure an accounting system is in place and capture   timely   and accurately the local expenses  if any and Handle Local audit  (Ad hoc).  
• Support budget planning, financial monitoring, and control of project expenditures. 
• Work closely with DNDi’s finance team to ensure accurate and timely reporting. 
• Identify risks or deviations and propose corrective measures.  
• Ensure adherence to DNDi’s global accounting and financial policies, as well as specific procedures applicable to the Nairobi office. 
• Guarantee timely submission of financial reports, accompanied by complete and accurate supporting documentation. 
• Monitor and support the internal controls to ensure compliance with donor and audit requirements. 
• Facilitate audit readiness by maintaining proper documentation and responding to audit queries in coordination with the Nairobi finance team. 
• Provide regular updates to the Nairobi office on financial performance, risks, and any compliance issues. 

Reporting line & Interactions:
The Project Coordinator reports to DNDi Africa Continental Lead

Interactions:

• Internal: DNDi colleagues in Africa and globally (R&D, External Relations, Communications, Finance, Business Development). 
• External: Donors (Team Europe), national stakeholders (NAFDAC, PVAC, Ministry of Health, universities, research institutes, hospitals, and production partners), and other relevant technical or policy actors. 

Requirements
Educational Qualification:

• Candidates should possess an Advanced University Degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields. 

Experience:

• At least 5 years of professional experience in health research, regulatory affairs, or pharmaceutical/biomedical project coordination. 
• Experience working with international donors (EU, bilateral, or multilateral agencies). 
• Previous experience working with Nigerian health and research institutions is an asset. 

Skills and competencies:

• Familiarity with research project management, regulatory systems, and pharmaceutical production processes. 
• Knowledge of donor compliance and reporting requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and representation skills, with the ability to engage high-level stakeholders. 
• Excellent organizational, coordination, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work independently, proactively, and within a multicultural team. 
• Mission-driven, with a strong alignment to DNDi’s values of collaboration, patient-centered R&D, and equitable access to health innovation. 

Other requirements:

• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required; knowledge of French is an advantage. 
• Willingness to travel regularly within Nigeria.

Other Information:

• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required; knowledge of French is an advantage. 
• Status: Full-time, Fixed-term contract (12 months, renewable depending on performance and funding).
• Employment for this role will be managed through an Employer of Record (EOR) arrangement.

Application Closing Date
25th October, 2025; 23:00.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online