Senior Program Officer, Private Sector Delivery

Senior Program Officer, Private Sector Delivery

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

November 20, 2025January 4, 2026Home Based Online
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 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, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It 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 a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will play a crucial role within the Gender Equality Division's Family Planning (FP) team, focusing on enhancing private sector delivery of family planning services in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. This position is designed for a strategic thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset, capable of integrating market dynamics, technological innovations, and policy frameworks to create scalable and sustainable solutions for family planning access. The SPO will collaborate closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Country Impact to strengthen market systems and forge new partnerships aimed at making family planning products and services more accessible and appealing, particularly for women. The role involves acting as a strategic advisor, grant maker, and thought partner, engaging with various stakeholders including internal teams, governments, donors, and private sector entities to improve family planning access and outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPO will be responsible for shaping and executing a regional strategy for private sector market growth in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, focusing on expanding access to high-quality family planning products and services. This includes developing investment theses with various stakeholders such as e-commerce platforms and local pharmacies. The role will also involve leading initiatives to explore AI and digital innovations in the private sector, identifying practical applications that enhance service delivery and client experience. Additionally, the SPO will work to strengthen in-country market systems by addressing regulatory, financing, and distribution barriers to private sector participation. Cultivating a robust ecosystem of private sector partners is essential, as is leveraging distribution expertise to support public sector supply chains. The SPO will develop and implement investments to support programmatic goals, manage relationships with donors and stakeholders, contribute to strategic planning materials, and actively monitor and evaluate programming to foster family planning uptake. The role requires consulting with grantees to ensure alignment with FP strategy goals and addressing complex problems that require in-depth evaluation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess substantial experience in catalyzing private sector growth and participation in healthcare or related sectors such as consumer goods, digital health, or pharmaceuticals. An MBA or other advanced degree is preferred, although equivalent experience will be considered. A demonstrated track record in private sector development and market shaping in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia is essential. Candidates should have the ability to translate market insights into actionable investment strategies and policy recommendations, along with strong collaboration skills to work across diverse sectors and cultures. Excellent analytical and communication skills are required, as well as a passion for improving access to family planning and women's health.

Educational Background:
A relevant advanced degree such as an MBA is preferred for this position. However, candidates with equivalent experience in related fields may also be considered. The educational background should ideally include studies related to public health, business administration, or international development, equipping the candidate with the necessary knowledge to navigate the complexities of private sector engagement in family planning.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience in private sector growth and participation, particularly in healthcare, consumer goods, or adjacent sectors. This experience should include a proven ability to shape health markets and develop strategies that enhance access to family planning services. The role requires a strong understanding of market dynamics and the ability to work effectively in diverse environments, demonstrating strong judgment on complex issues.

Languages:
Fluency in English is essential for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Proficiency in French is preferred but not mandatory, providing an additional advantage for candidates working in regions where French is spoken.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. It is anticipated that the role will involve up to 30% domestic and international travel. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is located without requiring visa sponsorship. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background.
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