Senior Program Officer - Country Support

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the 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, regional holidays, and opportunities for community engagement. The workplace culture is focused on fostering an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer - Country Support will play a crucial role within the Polio Endemics team, focusing on enhancing the foundation's engagement with key partners such as WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary International, and Gavi, as well as national polio eradication programs in Pakistan. The primary goal is to interrupt the transmission of wild poliovirus by improving the quality of supplementary immunization activities and strengthening acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance. The officer will be responsible for building supportive environments for the application of new tools and strategies aimed at polio eradication. Ideal candidates will possess strong operational and project management skills, demonstrate exceptional interpersonal abilities to manage diverse stakeholders, and maintain a keen attention to detail. The role requires direct engagement with stakeholders in Pakistan to drive outcomes that accelerate the elimination of polioviruses, particularly in endemic districts, with a target of achieving global polio eradication by 202

• Candidates should be passionate about public health programming in emergency contexts and have a proven track record in managing complex partnerships and achieving measurable results.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will collaborate with foundation teams in Seattle, international development partners, and national and provincial governments in Pakistan to ensure the successful implementation of national strategies aimed at eradicating polio. Key responsibilities include: identifying, developing, and supporting the implementation of activities in Pakistan to enhance the quality of supplementary immunization activities and AFP surveillance, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province; providing consistent and high-quality technical assistance; conducting rapid and regular reviews of surveillance data; improving independent monitoring and reporting; ensuring sustained country engagement in polio eradication efforts; enhancing community demand and participation in immunization; addressing immunity gaps in sub-populations; collaborating with local administrations and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security forces to improve immunization services; developing innovative interventions to access children in conflict-affected areas; participating in technical reviews of program operations; and providing input on financial resource requirements for polio eradication programs.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an MPH or other relevant post-secondary degree related to public health, administration, international development, or business administration, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A proven track record in public health program management implementation is essential. Experience with immunization and/or polio eradication in Pakistan or similar developing countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region is beneficial but not mandatory. Familiarity with global partners such as GPEI, Gavi, WHO, and UNICEF, as well as knowledge of government health systems and political structures in Pakistan, is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate strong partnership-building skills and experience in managing projects within a matrix team environment, preferably with experience in Pakistan or Afghanistan.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master of Public Health (MPH) or a similar post-secondary degree that is relevant to public health and administration, international development, or business administration. Candidates with equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge in public health contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have a substantial level of experience in public health program management, particularly in the implementation of immunization and polio eradication initiatives. Experience working with global health partners and within the context of Pakistan or other developing countries is preferred. A demonstrated ability to influence the effective implementation of public health programs leading to measurable health outcomes is crucial, along with experience in engaging with national health programs and understanding program planning and operations.

Languages:
Proficiency in Urdu and/or Pashto is considered an asset for this position, as these languages are relevant to the context of public health programming in Pakistan. Strong verbal and written communication skills in English are mandatory, enabling effective communication with a diverse range of partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a limited-term position (LTE) for 12 months, based at the foundation’s office in London or potentially another foundation office location, such as Seattle, as deemed appropriate at the time of hire. Relocation assistance will not be provided. The role reports to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Polio Endemics. Candidates must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without requiring visa sponsorship. The position may require travel up to 60%, primarily within the Eastern Mediterranean Region. The application deadline is set for 30 November 2025.