The Cancer Alliance is a national alliance of 18 cancer organisations in South Africa that undertake advocacy on issues related to cancer prevention, detection and treatment. The Cancer Alliance is committed to the achievement of equitable access to cancer treatment and services for all people living in South Africa. The Cancer Alliance is seeking a part-time consultant to conduct research, advocacy, communications and training related to overcoming patent-related barriers to cancer treatments.
During 2015, the Cancer Alliance joined the Fix the Patent Laws coalition, a national coalition of patient groups and organisations advocating for reform of South Africa’s patent laws to improve access to affordable medicines in the country. The Fix the Patent Laws coalition was founded by the Treatment Action Campaign, Doctors Without Borders and SECTION27 in 2011 and has subsequently grown to include 31 organisations.
Consultant responsibilities:
1. Conducting research and developing evidence to inform advocacy of the Cancer Alliance related to achieving reform of South Africa’s patent laws and equitable access to cancer treatment.
2. Developing patent and access landscapes for cancer medicines in South Africa.
3. Developing training, advocacy and communications materials for the Cancer Alliance and the Fix the Patent Laws coalition.
4. Arranging and conducting trainings on intellectual property, as well advocacy and social movements related to the achievement of equitable access to medicines.
5. Liaising with members of the Cancer Alliance, cancer patients and the Fix the Patent Laws coalition to facilitate information sharing, communication and collaboration.
6. Engaging with policy makers, the media and other stakeholders.
Experience and skills required:
– Bachelor’s degree required
– Advanced degree in Public Policy, Public Health, Pharmacy, Health Economics or a related field preferable
– Previous work in research, advocacy and/or communications
– Strong research and writing skills (writing samples will be requested)
– Strong diplomatic, communication and public speaking skills
– Commitment to social justice principles, including equitable access to health care
– Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
Time-commitments:
The consultant will work two days per week between 28 November 2016 and 17 August 2017. (Ideal starting date 28 November 2016)
Location:
The consultant will be based at offices in Mowbray, Cape Town.
Conditions:
– 8.5 month contract (68 days)
– South African citizen, permanent resident or valid South African work permit
– Consultant must supply own laptop
Please forward your curriculum vitae accompanied by a 1-2 page cover letter to crtomlinson@gmail.com by 11 November 2016. Late applications will not be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.