Senior Program Officer (SPO)

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting 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 foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. Established with a mission to improve global health and well-being, 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, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The foundation is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will be part of the China Health Innovation & Partnership (HIP) team, focusing on advancing maternal and women's health innovation partnerships within China's academic and industrial ecosystems. This role is crucial as China is a significant player in developing health products aimed at low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The SPO will engage in various priority domains, including heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual health, contraception, non-HIV sexually transmitted infections, and vaginal microbiome research. The position requires a blend of medical training, strategic partnership management, and innovation scouting to enhance the foundation's impact in these areas. The SPO will report to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Health, Innovation & Partnership at the China Country Office, and will be instrumental in shaping and advancing portfolios that facilitate the translation of impactful innovations from China to LMIC markets.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPO will be responsible for several key functions: 1) Asset Scouting & Evaluation: Identify and evaluate promising research and development opportunities, particularly in innovative diagnostics and treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual health, and related conditions. Conduct thorough due diligence on the scientific, clinical, and commercial viability of these opportunities, and develop investment cases and partnership structures to advance selected assets. 2) Partnership Building & Cross-Sector Engagement: Build and maintain trusted relationships with medical leaders, academic innovators, biotech companies, and funders to foster innovation in China for LMICs. Collaborate with domestic and international innovators to support research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization efforts. Represent the foundation in engagements with academic and industry partners. 3) Portfolio Strategy & Execution: Shape and manage a portfolio of product development partnerships that align with global health priorities. Provide strategic guidance on translational development plans and work with specialists to ensure assets are positioned for global regulatory pathways. Track progress, milestones, and impact metrics to ensure portfolio success.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, public health, microbiology, human health, or a related field. An MBA or dual training is also valued. Medical training in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) is highly regarded, along with experience in medical affairs within the pharmaceutical or medical device industry. Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in innovation acceleration, alliance management, R&D strategy, business development, or venture capital, with a proven track record of building partnerships around health product R&D. Familiarity with maternal and women's health innovation and the health needs of LMICs is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to bridge science and investment, with comfort operating at the intersection of biotech innovation, capital markets, and global health needs.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in relevant fields such as life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, public health, microbiology, or human health is required. Additional qualifications such as an MBA or dual training in related disciplines are considered advantageous. Medical training in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) is also highly valued, particularly for candidates with experience in the pharmaceutical or medical device sectors.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in areas such as innovation acceleration, alliance management, R&D strategy, business development, or venture capital. Candidates should have a strong track record of building partnerships focused on health product research and development, as well as familiarity with the specific needs of maternal and women's health innovation in low- and middle-income countries.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Chinese is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered beneficial but is not required.

Additional Notes:
This is a 24-month Limited-Term position. The role may require travel up to 30% domestically and internationally. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in China without the need for visa sponsorship. The hiring process will include a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities during the application process. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and without discrimination.