Senior Program Officer, Agriculture Advocacy

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity on a global scale. Founded with the belief that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The organization offers an exceptional benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, 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 an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) for Agriculture Advocacy will play a pivotal role in implementing advocacy and communications strategies aimed at advancing the policy, financing, and leverage goals of the foundation’s Agricultural Development program (AgDev). This program is designed to catalyze an inclusive agricultural transformation process that benefits small-scale producers, empowers women, and enhances nutritional outcomes. The SPO will focus on empowering farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia by providing them with the necessary knowledge, tools, and technologies to improve their livelihoods and escape poverty. The role requires a strong emphasis on adapting to climate shocks, which is crucial for the millions who rely on agriculture for their sustenance. The foundation's advocacy and communications strategy seeks to align donor support for agriculture, strengthen country policies, enhance the environment for innovation, and facilitate access to climate finance for agricultural adaptation needs. This position is limited to a 12-month term and is primarily based in Seattle, WA, with the possibility of remote work for candidates located within the US.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will collaborate with the AgDev program team, Regional Offices, and PAC colleagues to support the implementation of the foundation’s agricultural development advocacy strategy, focusing on global donor advocacy and fostering an enabling environment for innovations in targeted countries. Responsibilities include managing a portfolio of investments in agriculture advocacy partners, overseeing budget and grant-making processes, leading complex partnerships and advocacy campaigns, providing advocacy and communications support to key grantees, maintaining relationships with critical donor and government entities, representing the foundation at external events, and producing insightful materials on agricultural topics. The SPO will also participate in the foundation's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts and contribute to enhancing team integration and impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in public policy, international relations, agricultural development, climate science, or a related field, along with at least 7 years of progressive senior-level experience in leading advocacy initiatives related to agriculture or development issues. A deep understanding of advocacy and communications' role in raising awareness of global development issues and influencing political and financial support is essential. Experience in agricultural development policy and financing, as well as familiarity with the global donor landscape, is required. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with global donors and multilateral institutions, along with strong project management and leadership skills. Excellent verbal and written communication abilities are crucial, as is experience managing grant portfolios and complex projects in support of policy initiatives.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in relevant fields such as public policy, international relations, agricultural development, climate science, or development is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively engage in advocacy and policy development related to agricultural issues.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressive senior-level experience in advocacy initiatives, particularly in agriculture or development issues. This experience should include a deep understanding of agricultural development policy, financing, and the global donor landscape. Proven experience in managing complex projects and grants, as well as engaging with senior-level policymakers and stakeholders, is also necessary.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication. Additional language skills relevant to the regions of focus, such as French or Spanish, may be considered advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited-term role for 12 months, and relocation assistance will not be provided. The foundation prefers candidates located in Seattle, WA, but is open to remote candidates currently residing in the US. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US without visa sponsorship. The salary range for this role is between $208,600 and $323,400 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The foundation aims to balance competitive pay with its mission-driven objectives, and new hires typically fall within the range minimum and midpoint based on their skills and experience.