Head of NGO Services

Patvocates is a Germany-based, patient-driven, not-only-for-profit consultancy, acting in the triangle of patient advocacy, health policy and medicines research and development.

We are looking for a  Head of NGO Services.

  • Salary: €65,000 – €70,000 (or GBP equivalent)
  • Geographic scope: United Kingdom, Spain, Germany
  • Starting date: ASAP
  • Location: Remote, with an expectation of travel up to 30 days per year
  • Type: Full-time

Role Summary

The Head of NGO Services leads Patvocates’ NGO Unit, shaping the strategy and driving the growth of an important pillar of Patvocates’ services. This role combines strategic leadership with entrepreneurial drive — building strong partnerships with NGO clients, expanding the organisation’s reach, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services that advance meaningful social impact.

The Head of NGO Services is responsible for defining and executing the unit’s strategy, overseeing day-to-day operations, and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth through new partnerships and service development. The role requires a balance of strategic thinking, operational excellence, and relationship leadership to position Patvocates as a trusted partner to NGOs working on critical policy and advocacy challenges.

Working closely with the Patvocates Executive Team and collaborating across internal units, the Head of NGO Services brings together cross-functional expertise to design and deliver integrated offerings that respond to the evolving needs of NGO partners. The role ensures an exceptional client experience, measurable outcomes, and long-term partnerships that strengthen both the organisation’s positioning and its impact.

This is a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to shape the direction of the NGO portfolio, expand its influence, and play a central role in advancing the mission of Patvocates. The position reports directly to the Executive Director.

 

Key Responsibilities

1) Strategy & Leadership

  • Develop and lead the strategy, annual plan, and priorities of the NGO Services Unit in alignment with Patvocates’ organisational goals.
  • Be accountable for achieving the annual objectives and performance targets of the unit.
  • Translate strategic priorities into operational plans, resource allocation, and measurable performance indicators.
  • Serve as the senior internal and external lead for NGO services.
  • Lead, coach, and manage the NGO Services team, including recruitment, development, and performance management as the unit grows.

2) Operational Oversight & Service Delivery

  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the NGO Unit to ensure consistent, high-quality execution.
  • Design, lead and deliver projects within the agreed budget and time.
  • Build and continuously improve delivery processes (proposals, project management, reporting, and client satisfaction).
  • Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in line with budget and quality standards.
  • Manage unit-level forecasting, capacity planning, and resource allocation across active work.
  • Support implementation and continuous improvement of SOPs and operational frameworks.

3) Business Generation & Growth

  • Lead business development for NGO services, identifying opportunities, building a strong pipeline, and converting leads into engagements.
  • Develop and implement business development and sales strategies.
  • Provide strategic oversight of NGO clients, ensuring the development and implementation of strategies that enable independent project management and delivery.
  • Ensure client diversification across all NGO secretariats and projects.
  • Lead service pitches and partnership discussions with prospective NGO partners.
  • Define and package NGO service offerings (e.g., capacity building programmes, awareness campaigns, and Secretariat) in collaboration with internal units.
  • Oversee proposal development (including budgeting), pitches, and contracting of projects in collaboration with relevant internal stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain strategic partnerships and networks to expand potential client reach and revenue.

4) Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner closely with the Head of Patient Engagement Services to align NGO offerings with patient engagement services and shared delivery standards.
  • Collaborate with Patient Evidence & Research to integrate research and evidence-generation capabilities into NGO-facing solutions.
  • Work with the Digital & Innovation team to package and pitch digital and innovation solutions for NGOs.
  • Facilitate cross-unit planning to ensure smooth handoffs, shared learning, and consistent partner experience.
  • Contribute to organisation-wide planning, positioning, and continuous improvement of the unit.

5) Stakeholder & Partner Management

  • Build trusted relationships with NGO leaders and key stakeholders, acting as a strategic advisor and primary escalation point.
  • Ensure partner needs are understood, expectations are managed, and outcomes are documented and communicated.
  • Act as the primary escalation point for partner issues when needed.
  • Represent the organisation in external meetings, conferences, and industry events relevant to NGO partnerships.

6) Governance, Risk & Quality

  • Ensure compliance with ethical engagement standards, data protection requirements, and organisational policies when working with NGOs and patient organisations.
  • Establish quality assurance standards and success metrics in partnership with other business units for NGO services and track performance against them.
  • Identify potential operational, delivery, or partnership risks, and implement mitigation strategies.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Significant experience leading programs, services, or operations in an NGO, health nonprofit, patient advocacy, healthcare services, or related mission-driven environment.
  • Demonstrated success experience in business generation, partnerships, or revenue growth (pipeline building, proposals, winning bids and pitches).
  • Proven leadership experience managing teams, programmes, or organisational units with operational accountability.
  • Strong strategic planning and execution skills; able to build structure in evolving environments.
  • Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Comfort working cross-functionally across patient engagement, research & evidence, digital & innovation, and other operational teams.

Skills & Attributes

    • Strategic thinker with strong operational and delivery focus.
    • Entrepreneurial and proactive, with the ability to identify opportunities and drive growth.
    • Relationship-driven and credible with senior NGO and healthcare stakeholders.
    • Comfortable working in fast-moving, collaborative environments.
    • Experienced at leading diverse and international teams and working in an international business environment
    • Data-driven decision maker with experience using KPIs and performance metrics.
    • Strong programme management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively. Highly collaborative and aligned with Patvocates’ mission to strengthen patient advocacy, patient engagement, and to empower patient communities.

How to apply:

  • Apply for this job offer by sending your CV and your motivation letter to HR@patvocates.net with the subject “Application Head of NGO Services”.
  • Please note that only applications sent via email with a CV and motivation letter will be regarded.