Senior Strategy Officer (SSO), Special Initiatives

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 workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Strategy Officer (SSO) for Special Initiatives is a limited-term position lasting 11 months, primarily aimed at providing parental leave coverage for the Special Initiatives team within the Global Development Office of the President. The SSO will lead the Geospatial Insights portfolio, collaborating across the foundation to refine the strategic vision and approach for investments focused on geospatial data and location-based analytics. This role encompasses both global and specific country-level implementation efforts, particularly in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The SSO will bridge the gap between geospatial science, data strategy development, grant management, and partner engagement to enhance health, economic development, and equity outcomes in low-resource settings. Additionally, the SSO will support high-priority projects that align with the Global Development division's strategic goals, ensuring that emerging initiatives are effectively translated into actionable plans and that lessons learned inform broader strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SSO will be responsible for refining the strategic roadmap for the Geospatial Insights work, ensuring alignment with the Gates Foundation's overarching impact goals. This includes translating strategic priorities into an actionable portfolio of investments, managing a complex portfolio of grants and contracts, and engaging with external partners such as NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector geospatial firms. The SSO will act as an internal advisor, supporting program teams in adopting geospatial methodologies, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and managing risks associated with geospatial work. Additional responsibilities include leading discrete strategy projects related to data and insights, coordinating across programs and functions, developing deliverables and performance measures, and preparing strategy briefs and updates for leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess 8-10 years of progressive experience, including dual expertise in geospatial data and experience at a leading strategy or consulting advisory firm. A postgraduate qualification in Geography, Data Science, Public Health, or a related field is required. Candidates should have experience working with geospatial data/analytics in development or health sectors, an understanding of data systems in low- and middle-income countries, and the ability to analyze complex quantitative and qualitative data. Strong problem-solving and strategic planning skills are essential, along with the ability to communicate frameworks effectively. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in stakeholder management, organizational skills, and the ability to work across cultural and language barriers.

Educational Background:
A postgraduate degree in Geography, Data Science, Public Health, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of geospatial data and its application in health and development contexts.

Experience:
The position requires 8-10 years of progressive experience, particularly in geospatial data and analytics, as well as experience in a strategy or consulting advisory role. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex projects and partnerships in relevant sectors.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role and the organization. Additional language skills relevant to the regions of focus, such as French for DRC, may be advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a limited-term position for 11 months, and relocation assistance will not be provided. The salary range for this role is between $169,700 and $254,500 USD, with specific adjustments for high-wage markets like Seattle and Washington D.C., where the range is $185,000 to $277,400 USD. The organization emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven focus. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country without visa sponsorship. The role may require travel up to 20%.