PMO Portfolio and Strategy Leader

About the Department

The Operations Department manages DNDi’s corporate infrastructure globally across eight locations through its Business Development, Finance, Human Resources, Information Systems and Technology, Legal Affairs, and Project Management Office teams. The Department plays a central role in DNDi’s compliance and performance. 

Overview

The PMO Portfolio and Strategy Leader is a senior member of the PMO portfolio management team and works closely with the Head of the PMO to drive project management excellence across the organization. While the role can include working across all DNDi portfolios, the primary focus is on supporting the R&D portfolio and the incumbent will serve as the owner, within the PMO team, of the R&D portfolio. The role includes working with the R&D director, project teams, and senior management to support alignment of project selection with strategy, and take responsibility, along with Project leaders, for adequate and efficient planning and delivery, on time and on budget. The PMO Portfolio and Strategy Leader will also be responsible for managing, training, and mentoring other members of the team.

Responsibilities

Project Management Office (20%)

Work collaboratively with the Head of the PMO to update the PMO strategic plan, introduce initiatives, and promote program and project management excellence throughout the organization

Translate scientific opportunities into operational, feasible, and sustainable project plans (financial, resources, activities, risks, etc.)

Work closely with the R&D Director to ensure they remain informed of the status and progress of the projects as well as any issues that need to be escalated

Organize, with the R&D Director, the Scientific Internal Review Committee including agenda setting, follow-up, and minutes

Lead the R&D portfolio performance evaluation and tracking

Identify tools, trainings, and processes that will streamline and reinforce project management across the organization

Propose ideas/approaches to maintain and strengthen relationships between the PMO and other departments and functions, including external partners (where appropriate)

Manage a small team of PMO staff

Project and Portfolio Management (80%)

Developing strong relationships with the R&D Director, Cluster Directors, Heads of Disease, and disease teams

Drive project efficiency and adherence to timelines and budgets by supporting R&D leaders and project teams with project management processes and best practices

Proactively escalate critical project issues to the Cluster Director, Head of Disease, the Head of the PMO, and/or other leadership, as appropriate

Work with the disease teams, including through providing training and knowledge sharing, on tasks such as

revising and refining the disease strategy

developing and updating project plans

identifying program/project risks and developing mitigation plans

defining project resources and allocation

coordinating with support functions such as procurement, business development, legal, etc.

ensuring compliance of the projects to all DNDi and funder/partner/stakeholder policies (where applicable) such as procurement, due diligence, contract management, etc.

other tasks as requested by the Head of Disease and/or disease teams and within the scope of the PMO

Serve as project manager for both R&D and non-R&D projects, as required

Additional /specific/projects responsibilities

Conduct all tasks in accordance with applicable DNDi Policies, Guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Working Instructions (WIs), and other Guidance and Standards

Reporting line & Interactions

The PMO Portfolio and Strategy Leader reports to the Head of the PMO

Works with other teams within the PMO and collaborates across the organization on both R&D and other portfolio projects, as needed.

Engages externally within defined projects, programs, teams, or functional areas, building and managing relationships with stakeholder groups relevant to their scope—such as partners, donors, vendors, or technical experts.

External engagement focuses primarily on operational and programmatic interactions that support project, program, or team objectives. Relationships are typically linked to specific initiatives or areas of responsibility rather than representing the organization at the broader institutional level

Experience and Education

A relevant post-graduate degree (biology, chemistry, medical sciences, etc.)

At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in pharmaceutical development or a related industry

Proven track record in portfolio and project management and with delivering large, complex projects on time and on budget

Leadership or management training, including experience managing junior or mid-level team members

Experience launching new transformation initiatives or processes at an organization-wide level; solid experience with change management principles and implementation

Proven ability to work effectively in a culturally and geographically diverse team environment and matrix structure

Experience working in the public and private sector is a plus

Skills and competencies

Critical Skills

Advanced expertise and experience in managing complex and high-stakes projects and programs, in managing high-impact functions, .

Strong leadership in R&D program or functional development and delivery, with impact across teams, regions, or strategic areas.

Ability to provide expert advice and guidance to senior leaders on specialized topics within their domain.

Effective communication and ability to represent their area of responsibility in senior-level discussions.

Able to work autonomously and proactively to propose process improvement

Technical Skills

Experience managing R&D projects and programs through the entire lifecycle, beginning with initiating a proposal through project or program closure.

Demonstrated R&D Portfolio and Project man