Program Officer, Enterics Program

Program Officer, Enterics Program

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

November 6, 2025December 21, 2025SeattleUnited States
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation About
We are guided by the Gates family’s deeply held belief: that all lives have equal value. Our goal is to find solutions for people with the most urgent needs, wherever they live.
Job Description
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 that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. The organization boasts a comprehensive benefits package that includes extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage at no cost to employees, 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 a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer (PO) for the Enterics Program plays a crucial role in the Global Health Program, which leverages advancements in science and technology to address significant health challenges in developing countries. The PO is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of grants and contracts that align with the strategic priorities of the Enterics Program within the EDGE team. This position requires a self-starter who can integrate various perspectives to build consensus and drive progress on complex topics. The PO will work closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Enteric & Diarrheal Diseases to contribute to the strategic vision of the team, participating in the development of overall strategies and goals. The role involves project management, grant management, and communication planning to ensure the successful implementation of the Enterics Program's priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will negotiate, implement, and lead a portfolio of grants and performance-based contracts, ensuring alignment among internal and external collaborators. Responsibilities include reviewing letters of inquiry and grant proposals, providing insightful written analyses and recommendations for funding, and collaborating with team leadership to communicate and implement the Enteric Program strategy. The PO will document key activities and decisions related to the grant portfolio, input data into performance measurement tools, and prepare communication materials for foundation leadership. Additionally, the PO will consult with grantees and partners to enhance project impact, design epidemiological studies, and develop integrated vaccine plans. The role also involves project management, facilitating cross-cutting initiatives, and partnering with the Strategy, Planning and Management team to meet strategic and financial objectives. The PO will establish work plans, supervise grant progress, manage stakeholder interactions, and implement process improvements to increase program impact. This position may require up to 30% travel, both domestically and internationally.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Program Officer position should possess an advanced degree or relevant background in multidisciplinary research, particularly in infectious diseases, immunology, or gut physiology. They should have experience working in low- and middle-income settings and be adept at navigating geography-specific contexts. Strong program and collaborator management skills are essential, including the ability to coordinate inputs from multiple stakeholders, track progress against targets, and facilitate meetings. Candidates should demonstrate flexibility, efficiency, and passion in a fast-paced environment, along with proven scientific writing and data analysis skills. Excellent written and oral communication abilities are required, as well as experience advocating for and communicating with diverse audiences. The ideal candidate should be comfortable with ambiguity and capable of applying structure to complex problems, possess strong judgment, and be able to manage multiple tasks and priorities with discretion and attention to detail.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced degree in a relevant field such as public health, epidemiology, infectious diseases, or a related discipline. Candidates with a strong foundation in research methodologies and experience in scientific inquiry will be preferred. A background in global health or experience working in international settings will also be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have substantial experience in program management, particularly in the context of global health initiatives. Experience working in low- and middle-income countries is crucial, as is a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. Candidates should have a proven track record of successful grant management and the ability to navigate the intricacies of funding processes and partnerships. Experience in scientific writing, data analysis, and communication with a broad audience is also essential.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for communication and documentation purposes. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the regions served by the Foundation may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse populations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and requires the candidate to be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. The salary range for this role is between $169,700 and $254,500 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The Foundation aims to balance competitive compensation with its mission-driven focus, and new hires typically fall within the minimum to midpoint of the salary range based on their skills and experience. The hiring process includes 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.
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