Senior Program Officer

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

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer will play a crucial role within the Global Partnerships & Grand Challenges (GPGC) Program, which operates under the Discovery & Translational Sciences (DTS) team. This position is designed to manage a portfolio of investments that focus on scientific projects aimed at addressing immediate programmatic needs while also strengthening the research and development (R&D) ecosystem in low- and middle-income countries. The Senior Program Officer will work across all four strategic pillars of the GPGC strategy: innovation platforms, convenings, knowledge integration, and partnerships. This role requires collaboration with local African partners and internal teams to shape and manage grants that align with the foundation's dual strategy, contributing to the advancement of scientific priorities and the overall strengthening of the R&D ecosystem.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: shaping and managing a portfolio of grants that align with the GPGC strategy; negotiating and implementing performance-based contracts; reviewing letters of inquiry and grant proposals; providing insightful analyses and recommendations for funding; consulting with grantees and partners to develop integrated execution strategies; actively seeking and creating opportunities for new partnerships; strengthening communities of practice and fostering intra-Africa collaborations; collaborating with national governments and regional partners; building and maintaining measurement and evaluation systems; representing the foundation in external networks and meetings; organizing high-level meetings and preparing background documents; identifying and managing portfolio risks; and contributing to the planning and evaluation of the Grand Challenges Annual Meeting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a PhD in biomedical science and have a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in academia and innovation programs based in Africa. They should demonstrate personal qualities such as integrity, empathy, and commitment to the foundation's mission. A passion for and expertise in strengthening the R&D ecosystem in low- and middle-income countries is essential. Experience in coalition-building and transformational partnerships is a plus, along with a tolerance for ambiguity and the ability to simplify complex problems. Candidates should have significant experience in grantmaking to scientific organizations and a proven track record of working closely with African partners, including governments and NGOs.

Educational Background:
A PhD in biomedical science is required for this position, reflecting the advanced level of expertise needed to navigate the complexities of scientific research and development in the context of global health and innovation.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of directly relevant professional experience, particularly in the context of Africa-based innovation and science programs. This experience should include a strong background in managing complex projects and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to drive transformational change.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while proficiency in French is considered a valuable asset. This linguistic capability will facilitate communication and collaboration with a broader range of partners and stakeholders across the continent.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and may require up to 30% travel, both internationally and domestically. The foundation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and equitably. The hiring process will include a background check, and accommodations will be provided for candidates with disabilities during the application process. The foundation values transparency and real-time information sharing, and candidates are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the foundation's values and mission.