Research and Development Events Manager

About CEPI

Launched in 2017, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) is an international coalition of governments, academic, philanthropic, private, public, and intergovernmental institutions whose vision is to create a world in which epidemics and pandemics are no longer a threat to humanity. Our mission is to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats so they can be accessible to all people in need. CEPI played a central role in the global response to COVID-19, creating the world’s largest portfolio of COVID-19 vaccines – seven of which are approved for global or domestic use - and co-leading COVAX, the global initiative to support equitable access which supported the delivery of over 2bn vaccine doses globally. CEPI has CEPI has contributed to a number of scientific breakthroughs in vaccine development against other infectious diseases, including the first ever licensed Chikungunya vaccine and the first Nipah and Lassa virus vaccines into Phase 1 trials.

As COVID-19 has demonstrated, emerging infectious diseases represent an existential threat to our way of life. COVID-19 is not the first pandemic of the 21st century, and unless we act now, we can be sure that it will not be the last. Unlike some of the other big threats that humanity faces, we have the tools to systematically reduce and even eliminate the risk of future pandemics. It is vital that we capitalise on the rare alignment of political will, practical experience, and technical and scientific progress emerging from the pandemic to prevent such devastation happening again. CEPI’s five-year plan for 2022-2026 – known as CEPI 2.0 - aims to dramatically reduce or even eliminate the future risk of pandemics and epidemics. Central to the plan is CEPI’s goal to accelerate the time taken to develop safe, effective, globally accessible vaccines against new threats to just 100 days. Achieving this ‘100 Days Mission’, which has been embraced by the G7 and G20, would give the world a fighting chance of containing a future outbreak before it can spread to become a global pandemic, potentially averting millions of deaths and trillions of dollars in economic damage.

CEPI is a not-for-profit association under Norwegian Law and has offices in Oslo (HQ), London, and Washington DC.

In CEPI we strive for diverse thinking, and we want a diverse pool of candidates for all our vacancies. We work for an inclusive working environment where each employee can contribute and grow.

More details about CEPI and our mission can be found on our website: www.cepi.net

About the role

The R&D Events Manager plays a key role within the R&D Events Team, leading in the planning and delivery of CEPI’s portfolio of in-person, hybrid, and virtual events for the Research and Development Division. The role requires strong logistical and project management skills, cross-functional collaboration, and exceptional attention to detail. The postholder supports the smooth delivery of high quality, not-for-profit events, many of which take place in regions such as Africa, Asia, LATAM, and the Middle East, bringing together delegates from around the world.

The Events team currently consists of a Head of R&D Events supported by one R&D Events Manager. This is a 12-month fixed term contract based in CEPI’s London office, with potential to extend depending on strategic priorities and resource requirements. Preference will be given to candidates who are immediately available.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and delivery of R&D events—including global workshops, advisory boards and ancillary/side meetings at congresses, contributing to logistics, delegate management via Cvent, vendor and stakeholder liaison, travel planning and smooth event execution
• Coordinate participation at external conferences, congresses and global meetings, assisting with execution of sponsorship agreements, registration, logistical arrangements and speaker liaison
• Support the delivery of online and hybrid events through CEPI’s virtual event platforms (Zoom and Cvent), coordinating platform setup, speaker preparation, and live technical management in collaboration with IT teams, venues, and suppliers to ensure seamless connectivity and a positive delegate experience
• Build and maintain a strong working relationship with internal CEPI teams and external partners to ensure effective collaboration and information sharing
• Contribute to the production of event materials, coordinating design, branding, and translation to ensure accuracy and consistency across deliverables
• Identify opportunities for process improvement and contribute ideas to enhance the efficiency, sustainability, and impact of CEPI’s event delivery
• Participate in team learning, knowledge sharing, and the development of best practices within the R&D Events team
• Adhere to CEPI’s data protection, health and safety, and security standards, proactively identifying and escalating potential event-related risks

Education, Experience and Competence

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant subject or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong background (typically 5+ years) in managing the delivery of international medical or scientific events. This expertise may have been developed within an NGO, government or public health organisation, medical communications agency, event agency, pharmaceutical company, or similar environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead smaller-scale events independently while providing key support on larger, complex projects
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities, with capacity to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; confident working with diverse teams, senior stakeholders, and comfortable in a virtual or hybrid environment
• Collaborative and proactive team player who builds positive relationships with colleagues and external partners
• Maintains discretion, professionalism, and integrity when handling sensitive or confidential information
• Flexible and solutions-focused, with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Good understanding of compliance principles, including data protection, security, and risk management
• Proficient in relevant digital tools and event management platforms (e.g., Cvent, Microsoft Office)
• Strong administrative and documentation skills, with a meticulous approach to record-keeping, scheduling, and financial tracking
• Self-motivated and dependable, with a hands-on approach to delivering and supporting high-quality events within a collaborative team environment

Travel and Location Requirements

• This position must be based in London, UK, and the selected candidate will need to work from our London office at least once a week.
• Relocation assistance and work visa sponsorship are not available for this fixed-term position.
• International travel will be required to support in-person event delivery

What we can offer you

• The opportunity to work together with leading experts on solutions for global challenges
• Experience in the international effort on developing vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and accelerating vaccine development response to outbreaks
• A diverse and inclusive working environment

How to apply

• For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://cepisites.secure.force.com/careers
• Should you have any issues submitting your application or have questions please contact jobs@cepi.net
• Background verification will be conducted to verify information provided in the CV and available documentation.
• Deadline for receiving applications is 11th December 2025 at 23:59 CET