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 13 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, two long-acting technologies, two experimental oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and a COVID-19 serological antibody diagnostic test. In 2020, MPP’s mandate was temporarily expanded to include COVID-19 treatments. In 2021 it was expanded further to include the licensing of technology with an initial focus on COVID-19 vaccines and pandemic preparedness. 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). MPP’s activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, and SDC.

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

Position Overview

The Senior Accounting Manager will report to the Head of Operations and Resources and will oversee all financial operations, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines, policies and regulatory requirements and will provide guidance and advice to the senior management team on financial sustainability, internal controls and financial risks. This position requires a strong background in finance, excellent managerial skills, and a deep understanding of non-profit financial management.

Main Duties/Responsibilities 

1. Financial Management: 

• Oversee the audit, general accounting and overall financial operations of the organization, ensuring accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial transactions and reporting.
• Take responsibility for the preparation of financial statements, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, in accordance with Swiss GAAP Fer.
• Review financial strategies, policies, and procedures to support the organization's mission and long-term financial sustainability as it evolves and grows.
• Regularly review and continuously improve the internal controls system.
• Manage the financial planning and budgeting process, working closely with the Head of Operations and Resources and the budget holders.
• Monitor and analyze financial performance against budgets and forecasts, provide timely and accurate financial reports to senior management and the Governance Board.
• Support the improvement of financial infrastructure including system and process development.
• Assess and manage financial risks, including foreign currencies market fluctuations and develop strategies to mitigate potential impacts and foreign currencies transactions.
• Manage relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, banks, service providers.
• Stay updated on financial best practices, sector trends, and changes in accounting regulations, and ensure internal processes are align with the requirements.

2. Grants and Donations Management: 

• Support the development of budgets for funding proposals.
• Work closely with grants and operations team to ensure accurate funds allocations, compliance with donors’ regulations and timely and accurate reporting.
• Monitor grant spending and ensure compliance with donor regulations including donor audits where necessary.
• Prepare financial reports for donors, providing detailed analysis of funds utilization and impact.

3. India Liaison Office 

• Oversee the financial operations of our liaison office abroad, ensuring compliance with local regulations and internal policies.
• Support the Liaison office staff to ensure the local operations are fully aligned with the organizational goals and objectives and comply with the Foundation’s financial guidelines.
• Coordinate with local staff and external service providers to guarantee timely financial reporting, budgeting, and funds transfer processes.

4. Operational Management 

• Supervise, guide and provide day to day support to the finance team.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment consistent with the Foundation’s culture and values.

Requirements

Education/knowledge/experience:

• Higher education in financial management, business administration or relevant field, completed with professional certification (CA, CFA, brevet federal etc.)
• In-depth knowledge of accounting principles and proven experience of the application, of Swiss GAAP regulations, and reporting requirements.
• Minimum 10+ years of experience in accounting, financial management; non-profit or international organization experience a strong asset.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting.
• Experience in managing complex funding arrangements, grants, and donor reporting.
• Solid understanding of financial risk management and ability to develop strategies to mitigate risks.
• Proficiency in financial management software and systems.
• Previous experience with Navision or MS Business Central is highly preferred.

Skills/Competencies

• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt to different audiences and present the financial information in a clear and concise manner.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high-performing team.

Use of Languages:

• Proficient English, Fluent French

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, and you shall demonstrate interest and commitment to the public health goals of MPP.

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

If you recognise yourself in this description and are passionate about making a difference through non-profit work, please send your CV and cover letter to recruitment@medicinespatentpool.org including “Senior Accounting Manager” as reference in the subject line by 28 July 2023.