Executive Director

Executive Director – Medicines Patent Pool (MPP)

MPP is an international public health foundation established in 2010 by Unitaid. MPP was created to address a fundamental barrier to access to medicines in LMICs: the lack of timely, affordable access to patent‑protected health technologies. MPP’s model is distinctive in that it is based on negotiating voluntary, public‑health‑oriented licences with patent holders, enabling multiple manufacturers to produce high‑quality, low‑cost versions of essential medicines and health technologies.

These licences are often complemented by technology transfer and support for manufacturing scale‑up, thereby strengthening regional and local production capacity.

Operating as a neutral and trusted intermediary, MPP works in close partnership with governments, United Nations agencies, civil society organisations, research institutes, and both originator and generic pharmaceutical companies. This partnership‑driven model has positioned MPP as a central actor in the global access‑to‑medicines ecosystem and a recognised leader in innovative, collaborative approaches to intellectual property management for public health.

In collaboration with Ganci Partners, The Medicines Patent Pool is recruiting its future:

Location:
Geneva, Switzerland – Travel: up to 30%

Role

MPP is seeking an Executive Director that will steer the implementation of MPP’s strategy. They will lead high‑level engagement and negotiations with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturers, donors, multilateral institutions, and civil society organisations, while reporting to the Governance Board. The role requires balancing public health objectives with commercial realities and navigating complex political, ethical, and reputational considerations.

• Provide strategic direction and leadership in line with MPP’s mission and values.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships across the public and private sector.
• Oversee voluntary license negotiations with originator companies and sub‑licensees, ensuring an outcome that advances public health objectives while preserving trust and collaboration.
• Lead donor engagement and fundraising efforts, cultivating diverse and sustainable funding partnerships in support of MPP’s mission.
• Lead a team of dedicated staff, fostering an inclusive, mission‑values‑driven, and high‑performing organisational culture grounded in collaboration, accountability, and respect.
• Represent MPP at high‑level global events, working closely with the Communications Director and leadership team to identify and leverage advocacy opportunities and advance strategic visibility and influence.

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field – experience in senior leadership roles with a strong track record in global health, public policy, or adjacent fields and deep familiarity with access‑to‑treatment initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in shaping and implementing strategies, and working effectively across institutional, sectoral, and cultural boundaries.
• Strong understanding of the pharmaceutical and global health landscape.
• Proven experience in fundraising, high‑level negotiations, and partnership building.
• Inclusive, culturally aware leader with excellent communication skills and commitment to MPP’s mission.
• Fluency in English required; knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

How to Apply

– Please send your CV and a motivation statement outlining your interest, achievements, and qualifications to talent – with the reference AHMB
001. Final date to receive applications:
February 16, 2026.

For more information about MPP, visit:(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org