Role purpose

IPD seeks an experienced and dynamic CEO to lead the institution through an ambitious transformation agenda. The CEO will be responsible for scaling IPD’s vaccine and diagnostics manufacturing capacity, strengthening scientific innovation, and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance public health across Africa. This role requires a leader with a proven track record in managing large-scale transformation projects, delivering manufacturing excellence, and driving sustainable growth in the biomedical and public health sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Transformation

• Lead and implement a comprehensive transformation agenda to scale up IPD’s vaccine and diagnostics manufacturing capacity.

• Develop and execute IPD’s long-term strategy, positioning the institution as a global leader in health innovation, epidemic preparedness, and pharmaceutical production.

• Oversee the expansion and modernization of IPD’s manufacturing facilities, ensuring compliance with international standards and best practices.

• Drive digital transformation and process optimization to enhance operational efficiency and product delivery.

Operational Excellence and Manufacturing

• Oversee the full lifecycle of vaccine and diagnostics production, from research and development to large-scale manufacturing and distribution.

• Ensure timely delivery of high-quality vaccines and diagnostics, contributing to epidemic preparedness and equitable access to healthcare solutions across Africa.

• Strengthen IPD’s quality assurance frameworks to meet WHO prequalification and international regulatory requirements.

• Develop and implement robust supply chain and logistics systems to support efficient manufacturing and product distribution.

Scientific Leadership and Innovation

• Foster a culture of scientific excellence by supporting groundbreaking research and development in infectious diseases, diagnostics, and vaccine technology.
• Expand IPD’s R&D portfolio to address emerging health threats and develop innovative health solutions tailored to the African context.
• Collaborate with international partners, health agencies, and governments to drive joint research and technology transfer initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy

• Advocate for Africa’s health sovereignty by leading initiatives that enhance local vaccine and diagnostics production capacity.
• Engage with international donors, African governments, and global health organizations (WHO, GAVI, CEPI) to mobilize resources and secure funding for IPD’s transformation projects.
• Represent IPD in high-level forums and negotiations, promoting the institution’s leadership in health security and manufacturing.

Financial and Resource Management

• Oversee IPD’s financial health, ensuring effective management of budgets, grants, and revenue-generating activities.
• Secure strategic partnerships and funding to support infrastructure expansion and new manufacturing projects.
• Develop long-term financial strategies to ensure sustainability and growth.

Crisis Response and Health Security

• Lead IPD’s response to public health emergencies by coordinating vaccine production and diagnostics deployment during outbreaks.
• Strengthen IPD’s capacity to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics and health crises.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MBA, or equivalent) in public health, biomedical sciences, or business administration.

Experience

• Minimum of 15 years of experience, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role within a biomedical research institution, international organization, vaccine manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or public health institution.

• Proven experience managing large-scale transformation projects, preferably in vaccine or diagnostics production.

• Strong understanding of global health systems, regulatory frameworks, and international manufacturing standards.

• Demonstrated success in fundraising, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement at the global level.

• Experience in managing large multidisciplinary teams and complex budgets.

Language

• Fluency in French and English is required.

Desired Competencies

• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and guide transformative change.

• Exceptional operational management skills with a focus on manufacturing excellence.

• Strong negotiation and diplomatic ability to engage international stakeholders.

• Financial acumen and capacity to drive sustainable growth.

• Commitment to advancing health equity and access to life-saving health technologies across Africa.

Terms of Appointment

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive and commensurate with experience. The final package will be negotiated based on the qualifications and background of the selected candidate.

Contract Type

• Full-time

Role Location

Dakar, Senegal

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please ensure you complete the Application Form provided below by 12 May 2025 (23:59 hrs, GMT -1). It is essential that you submit your CV in English, specifically in Microsoft Word format (.doc/.docx), not exceeding 10MB.

Applications in other languages or formats will not be considered.

Rest assured, all information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.

SRI Executive is exclusively retained by Institut Pasteur de Dakar (IPD) to undertake this assignment.