Senior Program Coordinator - Africa Team

Senior Program Coordinator - Africa Team

Gates Foundation

August 23, 2026August 20, 2026SeattleUnited States
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The foundation is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
In this role, the Senior Program Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating, developing, and managing a portfolio of investments related to the foundation's mission in Africa. This includes overseeing the lifecycle of grants and contracts, managing projects that align with programmatic and strategic goals, and continuously improving resource allocation and operational processes. The coordinator will provide oversight for budget planning, financial reporting, and portfolio monitoring, ensuring effective execution of investments. Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including grantees and local partners, is essential to facilitate successful project implementation. The role requires strong relationship management skills and the ability to translate strategic objectives into actionable plans.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Coordinator will act as a subject matter expert on investment tools and systems, providing training and coaching to both internal teams and external partners. Responsibilities include supporting the development and management of a diverse portfolio of investments, conducting initial investment due diligence, and performing portfolio analysis to identify trends and risks. The coordinator will advise on complex investments and financial analyses to maximize impact and propose mitigation strategies. Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders is crucial for facilitating the investment lifecycle. The role also involves operationalizing key business processes, providing project management support, and leading implementation efforts for new processes and best practices. Additionally, the coordinator will maintain organized files and systems for tracking tasks and projects, while promoting an inclusive culture within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, preferably in business administration or program management. They should have experience in project and portfolio management, financial reporting, and familiarity with the non-profit sector. A practical understanding of the investment lifecycle, including relevant rules and regulations, is essential. Proficiency in investment systems and tools is required, along with experience in financial planning and budgeting. Candidates must also have unrestricted work authorization in the United States, as the foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in business administration, program management, or a related field is required. Equivalent demonstrated experience may also be considered. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training relevant to project management and financial analysis.

Experience:
Candidates should have a solid background in project management and portfolio management, with experience in financial reporting and the non-profit sector. Practical understanding of all stages of the investment lifecycle is necessary, along with experience in financial planning and budgeting. The role may require 10-15% commitment to domestic and international travel, so candidates should be prepared for this aspect of the position.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role and the organization's global operations. Additional language skills relevant to the African context may be considered beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Seattle, United States. The foundation emphasizes an inclusive hiring process and is committed to providing accommodations for candidates with disabilities. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of various personal characteristics.
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