Application Guide
How to Apply for Head of external affairs - Africa Regional Office
at International Vaccine Institute
🏢 About International Vaccine Institute
The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) is a unique international organization dedicated to developing and delivering safe, effective, and affordable vaccines for global public health, with a focus on low- and middle-income countries. Unlike commercial pharmaceutical companies, IVI operates as a Product Development Partnership (PDP) with a non-profit mission, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about equitable vaccine access and global health impact.
About This Role
As Head of External Affairs for IVI's Africa Regional Office, you will lead strategic engagement and partnership development across Africa, particularly in Rwanda, to advance IVI's vaccine mission on the continent. This role is impactful because it directly shapes IVI's presence and collaborations in Africa, driving opportunities for vaccine research, development, and delivery where they are most needed.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve virtual meetings with stakeholders across Africa to discuss partnership opportunities, drafting sections of a grant proposal for a new vaccine project, and collaborating with the IARO Head on strategic planning for the regional office. You could also review communication materials to ensure they align with IVI's messaging and mentor team members remotely to advance external affairs goals.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who International Vaccine Institute Is Looking For
- Has 15+ years in global health/vaccine fields within PDPs, biotech, big pharma, leading universities, or global health donors, with proven experience navigating African health ecosystems.
- Possesses deep knowledge of Rwandan and broader African academic, pharmaceutical, and public health landscapes, including key stakeholders and regulatory environments.
- Is a strategic leader with 7+ years of people management experience, capable of designing communication strategies and securing grants as a principal investigator.
- Holds an advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., MBA, Public Policy, International Relations) and combines diplomatic skills with operational acumen to support the IARO Head.
📝 Tips for Applying to International Vaccine Institute
Highlight specific experience with Product Development Partnerships (PDPs) or similar non-profit vaccine initiatives, as IVI's model differs from commercial pharma.
Detail your knowledge of Rwanda's health sector—mention key institutions, policies, or partnerships you've engaged with to show regional expertise.
Emphasize grant-writing or principal investigator experience, especially for African-focused health projects, as this role involves leading grants.
Tailor your resume to show 15+ years in global health/vaccines, breaking down roles by PDP, biotech, donor, or academic sectors to match IVI's requirements.
Include examples of designing and implementing communication strategies aligned with organizational strategy, as this is a core responsibility for the Africa office.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your passion for IVI's non-profit, equitable vaccine mission and how it aligns with your career in global health.", 'Specific examples of building partnerships or external engagement in Africa, particularly Rwanda, that led to tangible health outcomes.', 'Experience managing teams and strategies in remote or regional office settings, highlighting adaptability and leadership.', "How your grant development or principal investigator work can advance IVI's projects in Africa, citing relevant past successes."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → IVI's current vaccine projects and partnerships in Africa—review their website, annual reports, or news releases for specific initiatives.
- → Rwanda's health priorities and vaccine policies, including key agencies like the Rwanda Biomedical Centre or Ministry of Health.
- → IVI's organizational structure as a PDP and its funding sources (e.g., donors, grants) to understand its operational model.
- → Recent IVI communications or strategies related to Africa to gauge their current focus and align your application accordingly.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with a generic pharma or corporate background without emphasizing non-profit, PDP, or global health experience relevant to IVI's mission.
- Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of African, especially Rwandan, health contexts—avoid vague statements about 'working in Africa.'
- Overlooking the remote nature of the role—not highlighting experience with remote team management or cross-cultural communication in applications.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to International Vaccine Institute!