Program Officer, Polio Outbreaks

Job Posting Organization:
The Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to combating 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 among its employees, reflecting the varied populations it serves. The organization boasts a comprehensive benefits package that includes extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, a foundation-funded retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The Foundation is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
In this role, you will strategically develop and manage portfolios of grants and contracts that require advanced grant management skills, as well as monitoring and evaluation capabilities. You will serve as a key advisor on strategic initiatives and contribute to the ongoing development of the team’s strategic vision. This involves close collaboration with team leadership to establish the overall strategy and goals for the team. Additionally, you will coordinate the team’s engagement with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) on outbreaks at both regional and global levels, which includes managing and hiring talent. Your work will involve close collaboration with national authorities, NGOs, and GPEI partners at various levels, ensuring effective implementation of polio eradication strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include supporting the Senior Program Officer and the Non-Endemic Outbreaks team in executing strategies aimed at halting outbreaks of Type 2 circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses globally, with a specific focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Lake Chad Basin (francophone) countries. You will coordinate with the GPEI partnership in Kenya to ensure optimal implementation of the polio strategy. Your role will also involve facilitating project management, partner management, and following up on initiatives and projects aimed at addressing cVDPV2 transmission led by the Polio Outbreaks team. This includes strengthening grant management and tracking program progress. You will draft sections of key documents, reports, and presentations for various audiences, summarizing developments and recommendations for both internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, you will conduct basic data analysis to support the Foundation’s work and maintain clear communication with grantees and partners in the field, while also supporting team program officers on select investments. You may directly manage a small number of investments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience in management, administration, consulting, public health, or a related field, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience. Experience in strategic planning and strategy implementation, particularly in relation to polio eradication and immunization, is essential. Furthermore, candidates should have experience in emergency response, program management, and program operations. Previous experience managing teams in cross-cultural and cross-location settings is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in management, administration, consulting, public health, or a related field is required. Equivalent demonstrated experience may also be considered in lieu of a formal degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of professional experience in relevant fields, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning and implementation, particularly in the context of polio eradication and immunization efforts. Experience in emergency response and program management is also crucial, along with a proven track record of managing teams in diverse cultural and geographical settings.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Portuguese will be considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a multilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nairobi and reports to the Interim director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, Health, who is based in South Africa. The role may require international travel of up to 50%. As part of the standard hiring process, employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The Foundation is committed to inclusivity and equality, ensuring that all applicants and employees are treated fairly without regard to race, color, age, religion, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or prior protected activity.