PAMAfrica Clinical Development R&D Project Manager

If you have a life science degree and work experience in an academic research unit, pharmaceutical industry, contract research organizations or similar institutions involved in clinical development programs, if you have experience in coordinating complex grants with multiple partners from different sectors and geographies, if you have knowledge of Horizon Europe grants and are familiar with external and internal stakeholder engagement, then this project manager position might be for you. 

Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) is a Swiss-based non-profit working to deliver a global portfolio of accessible, affordable medicines to treat, prevent and eliminate malaria. Born out of a need for greater health equity, we close critical gaps in research, development and access – working ‘end-to-end’ to expand the use of existing antimalarials and innovate new ones that work to protect public health. Cumulatively to 2023, an estimated 680 million people have been protected or treated by MMV-supported products, with around 15.4 million lives saved.  

The PAMAfrica consortium is a global collaboration with 10 European and African partner research organizations, academia and pharma, funded by the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP2). The PAMAfrica partners are working together to deliver three studies focused on identifying next-generation drugs for uncomplicated and severe malaria, as well as developing the first-ever malaria treatment for newborns under 5kg. The consortium also includes a capacity building work package, which is supporting 11 African students aspiring to become the continent’s next generation of scientific leaders and providing training for the local researchers involved in the PAMAfrica studies. The consortium which is coordinated by MMV started its work in January 2020 is expected to run until March 2026. 

This position is part-time (50%) and based in Geneva where we offer a hybrid workplace flexibility. The same position is advertised separately as a full-time remote-based position to candidates located in a malaria-endemic country. The candidate will play a crucial role in overseeing and advancing our initiatives, contributing to the success of the PAMAfrica project. The role is integral to relevant Research & Development and Access departments at MMV and the successful candidate will be responsible for scientific inputs into the grant progress reporting, monitoring and implementation. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

• Responsible for managing the PAMAfrica consortium project, handle daily project management tasks and ensure consortium partners understand donor rules, obligations, and procedures. 
• In collaboration with MMV's Product Development, External Relations, and Finance teams, manage technical, scientific, and financial reporting with consortium partners. 
• Monitor overall implementation by partners, act as intermediary, and provide proactive support as needed.  
• Interact with other relevant MMV departments to provide necessary information for grant monitoring and reporting. 
• Engage with consortium partners and stakeholders, including clinical investigators, to convey and gather required information. 
• Manage agendas, facilitate meetings, and document minutes from relevant internal and external meetings. 
• Participate in the MMV Grant Management Team, contribute to communication and dissemination efforts, and help organize meetings, symposia and events. 
• Coordinate with other MMV departments to ensure all systems, such as purchase orders, internal budgets, and documentation archiving, are up to date. 

Qualifications and Skills 

Education and experience: 

• Higher academic degree in life sciences (minimum of a Master's level). 
• Extensive experience with projects addressing infectious diseases relevant to sub-Saharan Africa. 
• 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience in health sciences.   
• 2 to 3 years of experience in project/team management within an academic research unit, pharmaceutical industry, or Contract Research Organization.   
• Experience in planning and executing multi-disciplinary projects. 
• Knowledge of Horizon Europe grant application processes and implementation of monitoring.  

Technical Skills  

• Fluency in spoken and written English, with strong scientific writing skills.  
• Knowledge of French or other languages relevant to working with partners in sub-Saharan Africa is an asset.   
• Good knowledge of project management tools (MS Project or similar)  
• Proficiency with Windows based Microsoft programs   

Behavioural Skills 

• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities 
• Detail-oriented with strong organization skills. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, set priorities, and work independently. 
• Effectiveness in high-pressure situations and a fast-paced, multicultural environment with limited structure. 
• Committed to quality and reliability in all work tasks. 
• Willingness to travel as necessary (5%-10%) 

Duration: ASAP and until end of Q1 2026

Work level: part-time (50%) with 5% to 10% of travel

Work location: Geneva, with hybrid workplace flexibility allowing for part-time working from home

Contractual set-up: the successful candidate will be employed by MMV on a part-time basis with a temporary contract.

The applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Required documents for the application: CV and Cover Letter