September 16, 2024

cepi

Oslo

Director Manufacturing and Supply Chain Innovations

Vacancy

Vacancy reference

VAC-0374

Department

Manufacturing and Supply Chain

Location

Oslo / London / Washington DC

Close date

29/09/2024

Job description

About CEPI

Launched in 2017, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is an international coalition of governments, academic, philanthropic, private, public, and intergovernmental institutions whose vision is to create a world in which epidemics and pandemics are no longer a threat to humanity. Our mission is to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats so they can be accessible to all people in need. CEPI played a central role in the global response to COVID-19, creating the world’s largest portfolio of COVID-19 vaccines – seven of which are approved for global or domestic use - and co-leading COVAX, the global initiative to support equitable access which supported the delivery of over 2bn vaccine doses globally. CEPI has CEPI has contributed to a number of scientific breakthroughs in vaccine development against other infectious diseases, including the first ever licensed Chikungunya vaccine and the first Nipah and Lassa virus vaccines into Phase 1 trials.
As COVID-19 has demonstrated, emerging infectious diseases represent an existential threat to our way of life. COVID-19 is not the first pandemic of the 21st century, and unless we act now, we can be sure that it will not be the last. Unlike some of the other big threats that humanity faces, we have the tools to systematically reduce and even eliminate the risk of future pandemics. It is vital that we capitalise on the rare alignment of political will, practical experience, and technical and scientific progress emerging from the pandemic to prevent such devastation happening again. CEPI’s five-year plan for 2022-2026 – known as CEPI 2.0 - aims to dramatically reduce or even eliminate the future risk of pandemics and epidemics. Central to the plan is CEPI’s goal to accelerate the time taken to develop safe, effective, globally accessible vaccines against new threats to just 100 days. Achieving this ‘100 Days Mission’, which has been embraced by the G7 and G20, would give the world a fighting chance of containing a future outbreak before it can spread to become a global pandemic, potentially averting millions of deaths and trillions of dollars in economic damage.
CEPI is a not-for-profit association under Norwegian Law and has offices in Oslo (HQ), London, and Washington DC.
In CEPI we strive for diverse thinking, and we want a diverse pool of candidates for all our vacancies. We work for an inclusive working environment where each employee can contribute and grow.
More details about CEPI and our mission can be found on our website: www.cepi.net

About the role

The Manufacturing and Supply Chain (MSC) Division’s primary goal is to support and drive vaccine process development, technical innovations, readiness for 100 Days Mission, and sustainable vaccine manufacturing for equitable epidemic and pandemic preparedness. The division is composed of 3 departments: CMC, MSC Innovations and Manufacturing and Supply Chain Networks, all supported by Executive Director’s office team. MSC Innovations is responsible for funding, leading and implementing technology projects in collaboration with R&D to achieve CEPI’s objectives of speed, scale and access.
The Director MSC Innovations, reporting to the ED Manufacturing and Supply Chain (MSC) Division, leads the department in driving innovative technology initiatives that support CEPI’s 100 DM and equitable access goals. This includes, directly and through a team of experts, developing and managing Calls for Proposals (Cf P)’s in close collaboration with R&D and external stakeholders with a deep understanding of the current landscape of innovative technologies.

Responsibilities

Demonstratable leadership and management skills at all levels and within highly matrixed organizations
Responsible for the MSC Innovations Department operating and investment budgets
Responsible for execution of CEPI 2.0 strategy in the field of manufacturing innovations
Able to operate and adapt successfully in a frequently changing environment and lead MSC Innovation activities, e.g. develop new Cf P’s to enable CEPI’s strategy on 100 DM and Equitable access
Act as PL in some Innovative tech projects. Ensure effectiveness and efficiency of project milestones and budget control – ensuring timely reviews for effective decision making and documentation transfers
Outstanding technical written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills - Concrete communicator and motivational facilitator
Strong interpersonal skills, able to work in different roles in various projects and cultural environments, to reach consensus and develop effective international collaboration.

Education, Experience and Competence

Advanced degree (MSc /Ph D) in relevant field.
Minimum 10 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and/or relevant government/non-profit organization, with proven track record in strategic planning, execution, and CMC development
Broad understanding of end-to-end vaccine development from discovery to late-stage development and current challenges in vaccine development
Experience working across cultures and countries (internationally) is preferred
Experience with manufacturing targeting endemic regions of low to middle-income countries a plus
Project lead, management and regulatory experience a plus
Able to work proactively as a self-motivated team player in a cross functional matrix organisation
Experience in active and adaptive portfolio management to deliver strategic goals and objectives, including significant experience of managing partners to ensure effective and cost-efficient delivery
Proven collaboration skills, including ability to manage shared project implementation and problem- solve
Open and agile mindset, can quickly adapt and take advantage of new situations and requests
Able to lead and motivate teams and project groups
Strong interpersonal skills, able to work in different roles in various projects and cultural environments, to reach consensus and develop effective international collaboration.
Strong communication skills, able to represent CEPI at international events and ensure the necessary flow of information with the different stakeholders

Travel and Location Requirements

Ideally based in London UK, Oslo Norway, or the United States
Up to 30% travel

What we can offer you

Experience in the international effort on developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and accelerating vaccine development response to outbreaks
The opportunity to work together with leading internal and external experts on solutions for global challenges
A diverse and inclusive working environment

Background verification maybe conducted to verify information provided in the CV and available documentation.