Regional Policy Lead – Health Research and Development (Africa) at PATH – Apply Now

 

Are you an experienced public health policy professional with a passion for advancing health innovation across Africa? PATH is currently recruiting for the position of Regional Policy Lead – Health Research and Development (Africa). This senior-level opportunity is ideal for professionals with extensive experience in health policy, advocacy, research and development (R&D), stakeholder engagement, and regional health systems strengthening.

PATH is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving health equity through innovation. For more than 40 years, PATH has partnered with governments, research institutions, private-sector organizations, and development partners to develop and scale solutions that improve health outcomes worldwide. The organization works across vaccines, diagnostics, medicines, medical devices, digital health, and health systems strengthening.

Job Overview

Position: Regional Policy Lead – Health Research and Development (Africa)

Organization: PATH

Employment Type: Full-Time

Region: Africa

Experience Required: Minimum of 12 Years

Qualification: Master's Degree or Equivalent Experience

This strategic leadership role focuses on influencing policies that accelerate the development, introduction, and equitable access to health technologies across Africa. The successful candidate will lead PATH's regional health R&D policy agenda and engage with key policymakers, advocacy partners, multilateral organizations, and regional institutions.

About PATH

PATH is recognized as a global leader in health innovation. The organization collaborates with public institutions, businesses, social enterprises, researchers, and governments to address some of the world's most pressing health challenges. Through evidence-based advocacy and innovation, PATH supports countries in strengthening health systems and improving access to life-saving technologies and services.

Key Responsibilities

The Regional Policy Lead will provide strategic leadership and oversight for PATH's health research and development policy work across Africa.

Strategic Leadership and Policy Engagement

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading PATH's regional health R&D policy advocacy strategy.
• Influencing national and regional policymakers to support health innovation.
• Representing PATH at conferences, policy dialogues, hearings, and public forums.
• Engaging decision-makers to advance policies that improve access to health technologies.
• Supporting initiatives that strengthen Africa's health innovation ecosystem.

Regional and Multilateral Engagement

The successful candidate will:

• Work closely with regional institutions and multilateral organizations.
• Support engagement with the African Union (AU).
• Collaborate with AUDA-NEPAD and Africa CDC.
• Contribute to policy discussions involving G20 and BRICS platforms.
• Influence funding, collaboration, and regulatory initiatives affecting health innovation across Africa.

Partnership Development

Responsibilities will include:

• Building strategic relationships with advocacy organizations and research institutions.
• Collaborating with product development partnerships (PDPs).
• Supporting coalitions and networks working on health innovation.
• Strengthening partnerships that advance equitable access to healthcare technologies.

Project and Team Management

The Regional Policy Lead will:

• Oversee project planning and implementation.
• Manage budgets and donor-funded activities.
• Lead reporting and accountability processes.
• Supervise advocacy and policy teams.
• Promote a culture of innovation, diversity, inclusion, and professional growth.

Business Development

The role also involves:

• Supporting strategic growth initiatives.
• Identifying new funding opportunities.
• Contributing to proposal development and resource mobilization.
• Expanding PATH's health R&D advocacy portfolio across Africa.

Qualifications and Experience

To be considered for this position, candidates should possess:

• A Master's Degree in Public Health, Public Policy, Health Economics, International Development, or a related field.
• At least 12 years of relevant professional experience.
• Significant experience leading health policy, advocacy, or research and development initiatives.
• Experience influencing health-related policy at national, regional, or global levels.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Experience

Competitive candidates will demonstrate:

• Experience working with African regional institutions.
• Knowledge of health research and development ecosystems.
• Experience with pharmaceutical manufacturing and regulatory systems.
• Familiarity with medical product approvals and regulatory frameworks.
• Understanding of market access and product introduction strategies.
• Experience engaging governments, donors, and multilateral organizations.

Skills and Competencies

Successful applicants should possess:

Technical Skills

• Health policy and advocacy expertise.
• Strategic planning and program management.
• Budget oversight and financial management.
• Regulatory systems knowledge.
• Health research and development expertise.
• Policy analysis and evidence translation skills.

Leadership Skills

• High-level stakeholder engagement.
• Team leadership and mentoring.
• Negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent presentation and communication abilities.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Why Join PATH?

Working with PATH provides professionals with the opportunity to contribute to transformative health initiatives that impact millions of lives across Africa and beyond.

Benefits of joining PATH include:

• Working with a globally recognized health innovation organization.
• Opportunity to influence regional and international health policy.
• Collaboration with leading public health experts and institutions.
• Exposure to cutting-edge health research and development initiatives.
• Professional growth within a mission-driven global organization.
• Meaningful work focused on advancing health equity.

Who Should Apply?

This role is ideal for:

• Public Health Policy Experts
• Advocacy and Policy Directors
• Global Health Specialists
• Research and Development Professionals
• Health Systems Strengthening Experts
• International Development Leaders
• Regulatory Affairs Specialists
• Senior Program Managers in Global Health

Professionals with experience working across multiple African countries and engaging high-level policymakers will be particularly well-positioned for this opportunity.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through PATH's official recruitment platform. Applicants are encouraged to prepare an updated CV and a strong cover letter highlighting their experience in health policy, advocacy, and leadership.

Due to the senior nature of this role, early application is strongly recommended.

Interested and qualified? Go to PATH on path.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com to apply

Final Thoughts

The Regional Policy Lead – Health Research and Development (Africa) position at PATH offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of health innovation across the continent. If you have extensive experience in policy advocacy, health research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic leadership, this role provides a platform to drive meaningful change and improve health outcomes for millions of people.

Qualified professionals are encouraged to apply and become part of a global organization committed to advancing health equity and innovation across Africa.