Call for applications:
Communications Consultant

About Medicines Patent Pool

The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to, and facilitate the development of, life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders, to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations.

To date, MPP has signed agreements with 22 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, a post-partum haemorrhage medicine, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 16 COVID-19 technologies.

MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP’s main funder. MPP’s work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Government of Canada, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Government of Flanders. MPP’s activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the German Agency for International Cooperation, and SDC.

For more information, please visit our website, https://medicinespatentpool.org/

MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

MPP is seeking an external communications consultant to work with the Head of Communications and the communication team at MPP to develop communications materials for traditional and digital communication channels, to engage with relevant audiences and stakeholders such as MPP stakeholders, media, and PR agencies to raise MPP’s profile and visibility, and ultimately secure new licences and increase funding opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Content Creation

• Manage creation of content that is relevant and engaging for targeted audiences, web, print and audiovisual, as requested by the Head of Communications
• Draft communications pieces, including but not limited to, press releases, statements, stories for the web, interviews, scripts, quotes etc. and liaise with relevant stakeholders for approval and internally with the team for publication on MPP website and promotion through social media and MPP’s communications channels
• Social media: draft appealing messaging for MPP’s platforms as needed and as requested by MPP staff, and post/schedule with the support of the Communications Officer
• Manage the creation of MPP’s e-newsletters (general MPP, Business Development and MedsPaL) with the support of the Communications Officer

PR & Media engagement

• Develop media engagement and target countries and disease areas to contribute to raising MPP awareness with funding countries and encourage originator companies to engage in discussions with MPP,
• Engage and build relationships with media outlets that are relevant to MPP’s work and increase media coverage of MPP’s work.
• Identify media appearances opportunities for the MPP’s Executive Director with the goal of securing new funding and new licences.

Events

• Support the Communications team with PR and media engagement for the upcoming events: World Health Assembly, G20, mRNA programme-related events, and other events
• Promote the upcoming events on social media, and MPP’s communications channels as appropriate
• Support the team on events as needed (project management, logistics etc)
• Other communications responsibilities that may arise during this assignment as agreed with the head of communications.

Requirements

• University degree in communications, journalism or relevant field
• Five to ten years of consulting experience or applicable communications experience
• Experience of communications in public health setting required.
• Experience working with international media, and securing media opportunities required
• Knowledge of issues related to access to medicines and intellectual property a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Superb writing skills, especially writing for the website and social media posts Excellent project management skills
• Proven experience of engaging with media and PR agencies
• Excellent time management skills and ability to work autonomously
• A solid knowledge of international health landscape

Use of Languages:

• Full fluency in English
• Proficiency in French

Personal Qualities:

The Communications Consultant will need to demonstrate:

• Organisation skills, autonomy and ability to work within short timelines.
• Ability to work analytically, creatively, and proactively in a problem-solving environment.
• Collaborative and supportive approach to teamwork.
• Sensitivity to different cultures and work styles.
• Demonstrable personal commitment to the public health goals of the MPP.

How to Apply

MPP respects all individuals regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, HIV status or disability. All qualified applications are welcome.

If you recognize yourself in this description and wish to join our team, please send a cover letter and C.V. to recruitment@medicinespatentpool.org with“ MPP Communications Consultant” in the subject line by 11 April 2025