Job Information
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Senior Program Officer, Global Health R&D Financing in Seattle, Washington
The Foundation
We are the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on a simple premise: people everywhere, regardless of identity or circumstances, should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives. We believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve. We provide an exceptional benefits package to employees and their families which include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-paid retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities to engage in several employee communities. As a workplace, we’re committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.
The Team
The Program Advocacy and Communications (PAC) team works in partnership with program teams and other teams in the Global Policy and Advocacy (GPA) division to achieve their policy and finance goals by:
Developing and coordinating the execution of advocacy and communications strategies.
Using leadership and foundation voice to implement advocacy strategies.
Developing policy recommendations or proposals in partnership with programmatic and regional offices.
Developing and managing a grant portfolio dedicated to achieving advocacy and policy (AP) outcomes.
Directly advocating with sector leaders, influencers, media, and government officials in order to achieve advocacy and policy outcomes.
Leading issue-specific communications in service of advocacy goals.
Within the PAC team, the Global Health Innovations (GHI) cluster supports efforts to accelerate development of, access to, and initial uptake of innovations with the highest potential global health impact by. We address cross-cutting health R&D policy and funding challenges, while supporting innovation systems that respond to the needs of low and lower-middle income countries. We also advance innovative platform interventions and functions – such as collaborative disease surveillance and AI for health – that support across all of the foundation’s specific global health goals.
Application deadline: Sunday, September 22 (11:59 PM PDT
Your Role
As the Senior Program Officer (SPO), you will design and lead advocacy efforts that mak e the case for investment in R&D for health innovations that are informed by the needs of , and designed by and/ or to benefit , populations in low and lower middle -income countries (LMICs) . In doing so, you will aim to accelerate development of, access to, and uptake of specific new technologies with the highest potential health impact . They will also enable financing for LMIC needs-led and gender equal R&D systems, platforms , and policies that can reduce the cost s and timeline s of product development and access efforts – and support greater investment in LMIC -based innovators .
Working with grantee partners and f ocusing primarily on sovereign donors ( as well as philanthropic and industry partners in higher-income countries ) , t he SPO will coordinate strategy , evidence, engagement , and investments across foundation R&D priorities and donor markets in order to :
Maximize overall global health R&D funding and the global health impact of national R&D spending
Ensure thematic, technical or policy alignment between the foundation’s R&D goals and that of other funders
Advocate for sufficient financing for existing or new pooled R&D financing mechanisms , key public/private partnerships , and other financing channels for global health R&D
Work with foundation program and regional teams to help identify and develop specific R&D co-financing partnerships
This role will report to the Deputy Director, Global Health Innovations, in PAC and will work closely with the full GHI PAC team and teams across foundation divisions and geographies .
What You’ll Do
Within the foundation’s overall GHI policy , advocacy , and communications strategy, and as part of a dynamic and collaborative team, develop, implement and refine advocacy and communications strategies and tactics to advance R&D and innovation financing goals. These strategies and tactics may includ e : market-specific coalition building t o increase R&D financing; policy analysis and political/economic assessments of R&D ecosystem issues and equity challenges; and /or evidence-based investments that drive policy and resources outcomes for health innovations .
Develop and maintain a comprehensive view of cross-foundation health R&D and innovation priorities , as well as external financing partnerships and opportunities ; serve as a n internal go-to expert on R&D financing needs.
Develop partnerships with people and organizations in the public and private sector s , including in civil society, industry, and research institutions – relevant to foundation R&D and health innovation goals. Conceptualize and lead high impact and complex coalitions and advocacy campaigns, as well as policy-oriented partnerships with technical stakeholders.
Develop, negotiate, and manage a portfolio of investments that support R&D financing outcomes , including all related grant making processes (e.g., research and analysis, investment reviews, strategic alignment, grantee engagement, etc.).
Lead key relationships with other internal teams across the Global Health, Global Policy and Advocacy, and other Divisions to advance cross-functional global health R&D and innovation financing goals . E ngage more specifically w ith the North America and Europe , Middle East and East Asia government relations teams , as well as program colleagues managing a broader range of foundation-supported public/private partnerships.
Serve as a point of contact on portfolio-related issues for internal and external partners, working within a complex matrix style organization.
Represent the foundation to external constituencies. This could include formal and informal presentations such as making speeches, attending conferences, committee representation and other meetings. May serve on boards and working groups.
Produce high-quality and informative written briefs, reports, and other materials for foundation leadership on key Global Health R&D topics, health innovation challenges, and other relevant issues.
Your Experience
Experience as a leader in global health R&D advocacy or other highly relevant topic , whether in the public, private, or NGO sector ; experience in the conception, design and management of advocacy strategies, initiatives and programs.
Deep familiarity with how health R&D financing works , including experience with different financing archetypes (public/private, ODA R&D spend, national R&D and health budgets, grant / loan and pull/push financing, etc . ). Familiarity with bi-lateral and multi-lateral finance institutions and mechanisms that fund global health R&D programs at global, national , and regional level s .
Demonstrated understanding of how health R&D policies can advance impactful and more equitable health outcomes; and of how health R&D issues and partnerships intersect with national and regional health systems.
Demonstrated understanding of the role of advocacy and communications efforts to increase awareness of global health and development issues and to inform political and financial support for health and development goals.
Familiarity with clinical trials process es , product development, product manufacturing, product introduction, AI utilization , regulatory systems , and other key health innovation policy issues.
Connection and networks within the global R&D community; experience working with industry on the development and introduction of global health products; and /or some in-country experience in Asia-Pacific and/or on the African continent.
Experience interacting with senior level policy makers, civil society organizations, coalitions, and governments.
E xperience managing grants or as a philanthropic grantee.
Demonstrated ability to collaborate within fast-paced, dynamic, and matrixed teams across many time zones ; and to provide vision and influence others in a constructive, optimistic manner, while forming and sustaining key relationships.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to effectively synthesize information to reach diverse audiences and build consensus.
Application deadline: Sunday, September 22 (11:59 PM PDT)
Must be willing to travel up to 25 %
The salary range for this role is $204,600 to $317,100 USD. We recognize high-wage market differences in Seattle and Washington D.C., where our offices are located . The range for this role in these locations is $222,900 to $345,500 USD. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our mission. New hires salaries are typically between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidate’s job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.
Hiring Requirements
As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Candidate Accommodations
If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request here.
Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and cultural workplace that supports ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion — of voices, ideas, and approaches — and we support this diversity through all our employment practices.
All applicants and employees who are drawn to serve our mission will enjoy equality of opportunity and fair treatment without regard to race, color, age, religion, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and prior protected activity.