Senior Director, Evidence-Informed Health Strategy and Collaboration (Korea) (Government & Public Relations Unit) [based in Seoul]

We are seeking a Senior Director, Evidence-Informed Health Strategy and Collaboration (Korea) for a 3-year-regular position (renewable) to work within the Government & Public Relations Unit at the International Vaccine Institute. (Duty station: Seoul, Korea)

Job Description

This position is responsible for enhancing vaccine research cooperation and securing state funding through strategic government engagement, informed by data-driven and evidence-based strategic planning. Serving as a senior bridge between IVI and the host country (Republic of Korea), the role ensures the effective implementation of bilateral cooperation frameworks and MOUs. It provides strategic oversight of expert and resource exchange frameworks and administrative stewardship of the IVI Global Biorepository, and ensures that collaborative initiatives are aligned with institutional strategic objectives and scientific evidence.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

1. Strategic Institutional Partnership & Host Country Engagement

• High-level Strategy: Act as a principal liaison and strategic facilitator to strengthen the partnership between IVI and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, and develop high-level strategies for vaccine research collaboration in Korea.
• Budget Securing: Secure the Government of Korea’s contribution to IVI through close coordination with KDCA and relevant ministries.
• Internal Advisory: Provide cross-functional recommendations on external relations to ensure alignment with IVI’s mission and strategic priorities (e.g., BRIDGE-Vac).
• MOU Implementation: Facilitate the effective implementation of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to ensure seamless collaboration in joint research and global health security initiatives.

2. Promotion of Government and Research Cooperation

• Partnership Development: Develop and expand strategic collaborations with Korean government agencies (KDCA/NIH, MOHW) and public vaccine initiatives (e.g., VITAL, RIGHT Foundation, GFID, KAVAD).
• Information Sharing: Facilitate structured information exchange on vaccine development, public health policy, and joint research priorities.
• R&D Alignment: Support alignment of vaccine R&D priorities through cross-sector collaboration and technical consultation.

3. Capacity Building and Technical Exchange

Job Requirements and Qualifications

1. Education Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in science, public health, preventive medicine, public administration, or related fields.
• (Ph.D. in public health or preventive medicine is preferred).

2. Related Field Work Experience

• With a Master’s degree: 18+ years of experience in related fields (government, R&D, health, international relations, etc.).
• With a Ph.D. degree: 15+ years of experience in related fields

3. Technical and Professional Skills / Knowledge

• Expertise in external relations, advocacy, donor relations, and data-driven strategy development.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and negotiation skills.
• High proficiency in MS Office (Word, PPT, Excel).

• Client Orientation
• Communication
• Commitment to Continuous Learning