Application Guide

How to Apply for Director, R&D Executive Director’s Office (EDO)

at Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

🏢 About Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

CEPI is a unique global partnership that accelerates vaccine development against epidemic threats through innovative funding models and collaborative science. Unlike traditional pharmaceutical companies, CEPI operates as a non-profit coalition focused on equitable access, making it ideal for mission-driven professionals who want to impact global health security. Working here means contributing directly to pandemic preparedness and helping create a world where outbreaks no longer threaten humanity.

About This Role

This role serves as the strategic right hand to the Executive Director of R&D, leading initiatives from conception through execution while overseeing daily division operations. You'll be instrumental in integrating R&D strategy into CEPI's broader mission and preparing the division for CEPI 3.0, making this position critical for shaping how the organization develops vaccines against future epidemic threats. Your work directly impacts CEPI's ability to coordinate global R&D efforts efficiently.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might begin with briefing the Executive Director of R&D on priority initiatives, followed by coordinating with the R&D leadership team on strategic alignment. You'd spend midday reviewing cross-divisional processes for optimization opportunities and preparing materials for CEPI's technical governance meetings, then conclude by planning external R&D events that bring together global partners to advance vaccine development against epidemic threats.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Is Looking For

  • Has a PhD or advanced degree in life sciences with deep understanding of end-to-end vaccine development processes, from preclinical through regulatory approval
  • Possesses 10+ years of experience in technical, strategic, or policy roles within vaccine development, preferably with exposure to global health organizations or public-private partnerships
  • Demonstrates proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and optimize processes in complex, matrixed environments like CEPI's multi-stakeholder coalition
  • Exhibits exceptional diplomatic skills to build trust with diverse partners including scientists, funders, and global health policymakers

📝 Tips for Applying to Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)

1

Highlight specific experience with vaccine development pipelines, mentioning particular stages (preclinical, clinical trials, regulatory) you've worked on

2

Demonstrate understanding of CEPI's unique model by referencing specific CEPI-funded projects like their COVID-19 or Lassa fever vaccine programs

3

Provide concrete examples of how you've improved R&D processes or coordinated technical governance in previous roles

4

Emphasize experience working in international, multi-stakeholder environments similar to CEPI's coalition structure

5

Quantify your impact on strategic initiatives, especially those involving transition periods like preparing for 'CEPI 3.0' organizational evolution

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your direct experience with vaccine development processes and how it prepares you to support CEPI's R&D leadership", 'Specific examples of leading strategic initiatives from development through execution in complex organizations', "How you've successfully identified and implemented process improvements in R&D or similar technical divisions", "Your understanding of CEPI's mission and how your background aligns with their focus on equitable access and pandemic preparedness"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → CEPI's current portfolio of vaccine programs and their development stages (particularly their '100 Days Mission' ambition)
  • → The organizational structure and key leadership in CEPI's R&D division
  • → CEPI's funding model and partnership approach with organizations like WHO, Gavi, and pharmaceutical companies
  • → Recent CEPI publications or strategy documents about CEPI 3.0 and their evolving approach to epidemic preparedness

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach integrating R&D strategy into CEPI's broader organizational strategy for CEPI 3.0?
2 Describe a time you identified and implemented process improvements in a technical division - what metrics did you use?
3 How have you previously supported executive leadership in a similar role, and what challenges did you face?
4 What experience do you have with technical governance in vaccine development, and how would you apply it at CEPI?
5 How would you coordinate successful external R&D events that engage diverse stakeholders from academia, industry, and global health agencies?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on scientific expertise without demonstrating strategic leadership or process improvement experience
  • Applying generic management experience without showing understanding of vaccine development specifics or global health context
  • Failing to acknowledge CEPI's unique coalition model and treating it like a traditional pharmaceutical company

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)!

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