Call for Applications – Associate Counsel
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Working time: 100%
Contract: permanent
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 (LMICs). 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. MPP’s mandate covers patented medicines for infectious diseases – HIV, TB, hepatitis C and also non-communicable diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, in addition to COVID-19 treatments and technologies.
MPP operates as a non-profit voluntary licensing mechanism through partnerships with originator pharmaceutical companies and generic manufacturers that facilitate access and promote innovation. The terms and conditions in MPP licences seek to improve treatment options for the broadest number of people living in LMICs and are negotiated on a case-by-case basis with each patent holder.
Positively impacting peoples’ lives is one of the main goals of MPP activities. MPP’s impact assessment is based on country-level modelling and contrasting MPP’s contribution to alternative scenarios where key WHO-recommended medicines would not have been available through MPP licences. For further information regarding our work, please visit our website.
1. The Role
The Associate Counsel works under the supervision of the General Counsel as part of a small, dynamic legal team to provide sound legal stewardship and strategic advice in all facets of the organisation’s affairs.
2. Main Duties/Responsibilities
- Develop legal analysis for negotiations, participate in negotiations and drafting of licensing and technology transfer agreements under the supervision of the General Counsel.
- Conduct legal research on intellectual property and licensing issues of importance to the organisation.
- Liaise with the MPP’s Expert Advisory Group (EAG) and Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP), develop evaluation frameworks, draft reports, organise meetings under the supervision of the General Counsel.
- Liaise with the MPP’s Compliance Officer and the Ethics and Compliance Subcommittee of the MPP Board to ensure compliance with MPP internal policies.
- Liaise with local Swiss counsel and external counsel in India for the day-to-day management of MPP and its Liaison Office.
- Provide legal advice to the Operations Manager and, HR Manager on legal aspects of programme management.
- Review and drafting of other general contracts and documents.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the General Counsel.
3. Requirements
- Postgraduate degree in law.
- Active membership in an accredited bar association as a strong asset.
- Degree in public health or other relevant area a plus.
- 5 to 10 years of experience practicing law.
- Strong knowledge of intellectual property licensing.
- Strong knowledge of patent law within the international framework.
- Understanding of issues related to intellectual property and access to medicines in developing countries.
- Demonstrated excellence in legal research, analysis and writing skills.
- Experience in negotiating and drafting legal documents.
- Experience with the pharmaceutical industry an asset.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Native-level fluency in English is required.
- Oral and written proficiency in a second UN language is a plus.
4. Personal Qualities
MPP’s richness lies in its staff: a small dynamic and multicultural team. To flourish in our team, you must recognise yourself in our values: Respect, Courage, Generosity and Commitment.
Moreover, the Associate Counsel 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.
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, please send a cover letter and C.V. to recruitment@medicinespatentpool.org including “Associate Counsel” as reference in the subject line by 8 of March 2024
