Project Coordinator at Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi)

• DNDi is looking for a Project Coordinator to be based in Abuja, Nigeria, to coordinate the implementation of a health research and technology transfer project. The position requires strong skills in project coordination, donor relations, regulatory engagement, and financial monitoring, as well as a strong interest in DNDi’s mission to deliver patient-centered research and equitable access to medicines.
• The Project Coordinator will ensure the smooth implementation of DNDi’s research, regulatory, and production-related activities in Nigeria. The incumbent will represent DNDi before donors and national partners, facilitate collaboration with institutions such as NAFDAC, the Ministry of Health, PVAC, and research institutes, and oversee project planning, execution, reporting, and financial monitoring in alignment with DNDi’s mission and donor requirements.

Coordination & Representation

• Act as DNDi’s focal point for the project in Abuja.
• Represent DNDi with donors (Team Europe) and with national stakeholders (NAFDAC, PVAC, Ministry of Health, universities, research institutes, hospitals, and production facilities).
• Arrange and follow up on high-level meetings and ensure DNDi’s representation in national and donor-led forums.
• Promote DNDi’s mission and ensure visibility of the project and its partners.

Project Management

• Develop, monitor and drive project work plans, timelines, and deliverables.
• Support the implementation of activities in research, regulatory strengthening, and technology transfer/production.
• Organize steering committees, technical workshops, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Ensure alignment of project objectives with DNDi’s strategy and donor agreements.

Donor Relations & Reporting

• Maintain regular communication.
• Prepare and submit timely narrative and financial reports, ensuring donor compliance.
• Ensure visibility of donor contributions in project outputs and communications.

Financial Oversight

• Ensure an accounting system is in place and capture timely and accurately the local expenses if any and Handle Local audit (Ad hoc).
• Support budget planning, financial monitoring, and control of project expenditures.
• Work closely with DNDi’s finance team to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Identify risks or deviations and propose corrective measures.
• Ensure adherence to DNDi’s global accounting and financial policies, as well as specific procedures applicable to the Nairobi office.
• Guarantee timely submission of financial reports, accompanied by complete and accurate supporting documentation.
• Monitor and support the internal controls to ensure compliance with donor and audit requirements.
• Facilitate audit readiness by maintaining proper documentation and responding to audit queries in coordination with the Nairobi finance team.
• Provide regular updates to the Nairobi office on financial performance, risks, and any compliance issues.
• The Project Coordinator reports to DNDi Africa Continental Lead
• Interactions

• • Internal DNDi colleagues in Africa and globally (R&D, External Relations, Communications, Finance. Business Development).

• • External Donors (Team Europe), national stakeholders (NAFDAC, PVAC, Ministry of Health, universities, research institutes, hospitals, and production partners), and other relevant technical or policy actors.

Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in health research, regulatory affairs, or pharmaceutical/biomedical project coordination.
• Experience working with international donors (EU, bilateral, or multilateral agencies).
• Previous experience working with Nigerian health and research institutions is an asset.

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, Regulatory Affairs, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields.
• Familiarity with research project management, regulatory systems, and pharmaceutical production processes.
• Knowledge of donor compliance and reporting requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and representation skills, with the ability to engage high-level stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, proactively, and within a multicultural team.
• Mission-driven, with a strong alignment to DNDi’s values of collaboration, patient-centered R&D, and equitable access to health innovation.
• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required; knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Willingness to travel regularly within Nigeria.

Other Information

• Fluency in English (oral and written) is required; knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Status Full-time, Fixed-term contract (12 months, renewable depending on performance and funding).
• Employment for this role will be managed through an Employer of Record (EOR) arrangement.