Leprosy Research Initiative is looking for an ambitious and connective coordinator
Do you want to make an impact for people who need it most?
Founded in 2013, the Leprosy Research Initiative (LRI) represents a unique model of collaboration and coordination with the aim of promoting, facilitating and funding impactful leprosy research. Several international NGOs committed to combatting leprosy have pooled financial resources in a joint research fund under one policy.
Working for LRI means working towards a world without leprosy. A world in which leprosy no longer leads to persons affected by leprosy with serious physical and psychological consequences. Research is of great importance for pursuing a world without leprosy as a concrete and realistic goal.
The joint fund finances research on leprosy and cross-cutting issues. Since its inception, LRI has supported over 80 projects in 25+ countries, including 40 projects currently ongoing. The five research priorities which LRI focuses on are: diagnostic tests, disability, operational research, stigma & discrimination, and transmission. Furthermore, in collaboration with Anesvad Foundation, a grant with a special focus on social determinants of skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Sub-Saharan Africa, was recently developed and issued. In addition to the selection and funding of research projects, LRI organises capacity strengthening activities and an annual scientific conference. Dissemination of research findings and impact are supported and monitored. Also, LRI is represented in the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy (GPZL)’s Leadership Team and contributes to the implementation of the research agenda by bringing researchers together and providing technical and practical support.
The Secretariat of LRI is located in the office of NLR in Amsterdam (in the Netherlands better known as Leprastichting) and works closely together with the Executive Group, Steering Committee, and Scientific Review Committee.
The Secretariat consists of three skilled and driven professionals. Due to the departure of our colleague, we are looking for an:
LRI Coordinator (32 hours per week)
The LRI Coordinator provides guidance and support to the Executive Group (EG) and the LRI Secretariat in achieving the objectives, plans and ambitions of LRI. The Coordinator is responsible for the support and execution of the allocation of funds for leprosy-related research and promotes research on leprosy, neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), and other diseases or disabilities that share cross-cutting issues with leprosy. Additionally, the Coordinator develops and maintains partnerships, seeks additional resources for this purpose, explores opportunities, and implements strategies to strengthen and develop the Initiative.
What will you do as LRI Coordinator
- Partnerships and collaboration: You initiate, build and maintain relationships with (new) partners and associate partners with the aim of maintaining sustainability of the Initiative and expanding research funding opportunities. You are the main point of contact for the funder of the RESILIENTD grant, Anesvad Foundation, and for the Global Partnership for Zero Leprosy. Additionally, you raise awareness and increase the visibility on the importance of leprosy- and skin NTD-related research and represent LRI at international events and relevant working groups and research networks.
- Coordination and development of LRI: You provide strategic insight into the development of the Initiative, supporting the EG and the LRI Secretariat in achieving the LRI’s objectives, plans, and ambitions. You assess the impact of LRI-supported studies and the capacity development of grantees, strategically identifying opportunities to maximise and highlight results.
- Managing the LRI Secretariat: You lead a small, committed Secretariat team. You oversee HR tasks, planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring smooth daily operations and strategic alignment with LRI’s mission. Together with the Secretariat you organise the annual LRI Spring Meeting, and workshops and you develop training materials for researchers.
- Grant cycle management: You engage with LRI committees in a timely manner to prepare for upcoming grant cycles and funding decisions, ensuring alignment with the Initiative’s goals and vision, and gather feedback to improve grant cycle processes.
Your profile and experience
You are a strategic and well-organised professional with a background in public health and a solid track record in partnership development and management. With excellent communication and presentation skills, you are confident in engaging diverse stakeholders and navigating international networks. Your analytical mindset is complemented by a practical, hands-on approach to solving challenges. You thrive in team settings and bring experience from dynamic, multicultural work environments.
Furthermore, we are looking for a candidate with the following knowledge and skills:
- University based work and thinking level
- Demonstrable knowledge on and experience in the medical and/or public health field. Experience and a professional network in the field of leprosy and skin NTDs is considered an asset
- Strong track record in identifying and cultivating new partnerships and funding opportunities
- Several years of work experience in a similar position
- Affinity with research and networking within the global health research community
- Experience in (research) project management and strong organisational skills
- Excellent analytical skills with a practical approach to problem solving
- Strong written and verbal communication, including presentation, skills (fluency in English)
We offer
At LRI you will be part of a very committed, passionate and international team, working together towards a world without leprosy. You will have the opportunity to develop within an international and people-oriented working environment.
- We offer a one-year contract with the possibility of extension.
- The exact salary and benefit package will depend on qualifications and experience and will be discussed during the recruitment procedure.
LRI will provide you with a laptop and travel compensation.
We strongly encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. If you have proven success in building a team remotely and live outside the Netherlands, it is not necessary to relocate. If you meet the profile requirements, we would love to hear from you.
Interested?
If you’re interested, apply by 16 June 2025, by sending your CV and motivation letter to
For more information, please contact Liesbeth Mieras, cluster coordinator Research & Advocacy,