Job description - Head of ATOM Coalition

Head of ATOM Coalition

Job Description

Job title: Head of ATOM Coalition
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Type of contract: Permanent, 100%
Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Start Date: As soon as possible

About UICC  

The Union for International Cancer Control is the largest and oldest international cancer organisation dedicated to taking action against cancer. Founded in 1933, UICC has more than 1,150 member organisations in over 170 countries and territories. Its membership base includes the world’s major cancer leagues and societies, research institutes, treatment centres, hospitals, public health agencies and patient support groups. UICC also boasts more than 60 strategic partners. UICC unites and supports the cancer community in its efforts to reduce the global cancer burden, promote greater equity and ensure that cancer control remains a priority on the global health and development agenda.

About the ATOM Coalition

The Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition is a global initiative led by UICC in collaboration with over 40 partners across the private and civil society sectors. The ATOM Coalition was launched in 2022 and aims to reduce cancer-related suffering and deaths by addressing barriers to the availability, affordability, and appropriate use of oncology medicines in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs).

Summary of the position

UICC is seeking a focused and passionate leader to spearhead the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition.

The Head of the Access to Oncology Medicines (ATOM) Coalition will manage the secretariat of the ATOM Coalition, providing leadership, technical expertise, and operational oversight to ensure the successful implementation of the Coalition’s objectives.

Main responsibilities

• Provide direction and leadership to the ATOM Coalition, ensuring alignment with UICC’s mission and goals.
• Oversee the development and execution of the Coalition’s strategic and operational plans, as guided by the ATOM Executive Committee and in close collaboration with the UICC CEO and COO.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the ATOM Coalition secretariat, including team management, budgeting, and resource allocation noting that the team is operating globally.
• Manage the governance structure of the ATOM Coalition and ensure effective communication and collaboration among ATOM Coalition partners, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
• Represent the ATOM Coalition partners in meetings with senior individuals in national governments, the UN agencies and pharma companies.
• Represent the ATOM Coalition in external meetings and international conferences, building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organisations.
• Work with the UICC COO in the recruitment process for key staff and external consultants, ensuring the secretariat has the necessary expertise to achieve its objectives.
• Collaborate closely with UICC senior management to coordinate the work of the ATOM Coalition with the wider UICC team in the context of UICC’s Business Plan 2025-2028.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of the Coalition’s activities, reporting progress to the ATOM Executive Committee, the UICC Board of Directors and other stakeholders.

Education and experience

• Master's degree in public health, health administration, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in global health, with at least 5 years in a  management role.
• Experience working with or in the pharmaceutical or diagnostics industry is a strong asset.
• Proven leadership experience in global health initiatives, with a focus on access to medicines and diagnostics.
• Knowledge of the global oncology landscape, including key challenges and opportunities in LLMICs.
• Experience in fundraising and resource mobilisation, with a track record of securing funding from multiple sources.

Skills and competencies

• A team player who is at ease delivering change through relationship management and influence across organisational boundaries.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders from different sectors.
• Strong people management skills and capacity to lead a multicultural team in a hybrid setting.
• Resilience and a proven track record in addressing multiple challenges to achieve an overall goal.
• Comfortable negotiating with senior executives in the private sector and experience managing relationships with government officials.
• Strong planning and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellence in programme and project delivery.
• Fluency in English; proficiency in French and/or Spanish is an asset.
• Understanding of the complexities of medicines access in low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs), particularly health system financing mechanisms and medicine purchasing models.
• Strong understanding of the business operating models of pharmaceutical companies.

Travel Requirements

• The role requires approximately 30%-40% travel, including to LLMICs to attend high-level meetings, conferences, and other events related to the ATOM Coalition’s activities.

Location

• The role is based in Geneva, Switzerland and the applicant should hold a swiss working permit.

Applications

Send your CV and a motivation letter explaining how you think your skills and experience make you a strong candidate for this position to careers@uicc.org

Deadline for applications: 15 February 2026.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier once we have received a sufficient number of strong applications.