Senior Program Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity on a global scale. Established with the mission to ensure that individuals everywhere, regardless of their identity or circumstances, have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity within its workforce to reflect the global populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions funded by the foundation, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The Foundation is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will play a crucial role in advancing the Foundation's mission by developing policy options and regulatory interventions that promote digital financial inclusion. This position is integral to supporting regulators in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to create inclusive financial regulations. The SPO will also collaborate with global standard-setting bodies to craft guidance that enhances financial inclusion while ensuring consumer protection and the integrity of financial systems. The role is based in either London, United Kingdom, or Washington, DC, USA, and reports to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Regulation, Policy & Research. The SPO will refine the Inclusive Financial Systems (IFS) team’s global regulatory strategy, focusing on competition as a lens for effective policy-making that supports financial inclusion. This involves addressing various regulatory topics, advocating for provider diversity, promoting interoperable digital financial systems, and ensuring secure data sharing for tailored financial services.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including refining the IFS team’s global regulatory strategy, advocating for provider diversity, and identifying policies that promote inclusive digital financial systems. The SPO will inform the regulatory architecture for consent-based data sharing, ensure fair access to digital public infrastructure, and support rules for outsourced services. Additionally, the SPO will identify customer onboarding mechanisms to expand access to financial products, particularly for previously excluded women. The role includes building and managing a portfolio of grants and contracts, conducting field visits, and providing advice to IFS Program Officers on regulatory elements of their projects. The SPO will also represent the Foundation in international forums and collaborate with other teams to inform regulatory aspects of their strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess experience advising financial regulators in LMICs on inclusive financial regulations. An advanced degree or equivalent experience in law, economics, development studies, public policy, business administration, or related fields is required. Knowledge of financial inclusion issues and competition policy in digital financial services is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment, possess problem-solving skills, and work both independently and collaboratively. Strong strategic skills and the capacity to manage projects effectively are also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in law, economics, development studies, public policy, business administration, or a related field is required for this position. Equivalent experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in advising financial regulators, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, on the design and implementation of inclusive financial regulations. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the regulatory landscape and the ability to navigate complex policy environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may require travel up to 25% of the time as needed. The hiring process will include a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the application process. The Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and workplace culture.