[Hiring] Senior External Relations Manager @Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative

Role Description

The Senior Manager, External Relations leads the development, cultivation and stewardship of major public funding partnerships, with a particular focus on the UK funding landscape, with extension to other regional markets. The role contributes to DNDi's long-term financial sustainability through strategic fundraising, partnership development, donor stewardship, and external representation.

• Serves as focal point for DNDi’s engagement within the UK funding, policy, research, and innovation ecosystem.
• Cultivates relationships with key partners, influencers and champions to advance DNDi's objectives.
• Manages complex and strategically important donor partnerships, requiring a high degree of stakeholder engagement, coordination, and relationship management.
• Coordinates senior-level engagement, identifies opportunities for collaboration and partnership growth, and ensures alignment between donor priorities and DNDi's strategic objectives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience, in international development, public health, political science, international relations, business, or a related field.
• Significant experience securing and managing major institutional and government funding partnerships.
• Proven experience leading complex fundraising, partnership or external relations functions.
• Demonstrated experience working with government donors, research funders, multilateral organizations, foundations, or global health stakeholders.
• Experience managing staff, consultants, projects, and complex stakeholder relationships.
• Demonstrated success representing an organization with senior donor, research or policy stakeholders.
• Experience working effectively in complex multicultural team environment and matrix structure.
• Minimum 8 years relevant experience with at least 5 years at the managerial level.
• People/Project Management training is necessary.

Requirements

• Advanced expertise in fundraising, donor relations, partnership development and resource mobilization.
• Strong strategic, analytical and stakeholder-management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and secure major funding opportunities and lead complex initiatives.
• Excellent writing, communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong project, people and partner-management capabilities.
• Ability to think creatively and operate independently.
• High independence in programme delivery and exploring new opportunities.
• Strong knowledge of the UK government, research, and innovation landscape, including key institutions, funding mechanisms, policy priorities, and decision-making processes relevant to global health and international development.
• Ability to identify, analyze, and respond to emerging policy, funding, and stakeholder opportunities.

Benefits

• Status: Full time – Permanent role

To apply

• Deadline for application: 15 November, 2026
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Application submission for this position may close early if we have enough suitable applicants.

DEI Statement

DNDi is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive organisation. Our success and global reach are dependent upon our ability to encourage diversity and draw on the skills, understanding and experience of all our people. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in at DNDi and across the sector, especially women, and including, but not limited to, black and minority ethnic candidates, and those with other protected characteristic.