Deputy Director, Development Policy & Finance, Africa

Deputy Director, Development Policy & Finance, Africa

Gates Foundation

March 5, 2026April 19, 2026NairobiKenya
Job Description
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. 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 employee engagement in various communities. The organization is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director, Development Policy & Finance, Africa, plays a crucial role in providing strategic, technical, and operational leadership in the areas of fiscal policy, public financial management, domestic resource mobilization, and development finance across the African continent. This position is pivotal in aligning the foundation's regional priorities with government relations and other development finance actors, ensuring coherence with the foundation's global fiscal policy and capital mobilization agenda. The role involves close collaboration with the Africa team and regional government relations leadership to drive coordinated fiscal and economic policy engagement, particularly focusing on priority countries. The Deputy Director will supervise Senior Program Officers working on development finance and fiscal policy initiatives, ensuring that the foundation's ambitious goals are met through effective regional and country engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Director will lead the development and execution of fiscal policy and development finance strategies tailored for Africa, collaborating closely with various teams within the foundation. Responsibilities include translating complex macroeconomic and fiscal challenges into actionable policy priorities, ensuring alignment with broader advocacy strategies, and leading insights and briefings for leadership decision-making. The role also involves cultivating high-level relationships with key government ministries and institutions, supervising and mentoring Senior Program Officers, engaging with stakeholders to strengthen fiscal governance, and overseeing grantmaking portfolios related to fiscal policy and development finance. Additionally, the Deputy Director will represent the foundation in policy dialogues and technical forums, ensuring that Africa's priorities are reflected in global initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Economics, Public Policy, Public Finance, International Development, or a related field. A minimum of 15 years of senior-level experience in development finance, fiscal policy, or macroeconomic policy analysis is required. Strong stakeholder experience, particularly with African ministries of finance and central banks, is essential. The candidate should demonstrate leadership in managing complex policy portfolios, possess strong analytical capabilities, and have the ability to communicate economic insights effectively. Political acumen and a deep understanding of Sub-Saharan Africa’s political economy are crucial, along with proven mentoring abilities and experience managing multi-functional teams across different geographies.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree, such as a Master's or higher, in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Public Finance, or International Development is required for this position. This educational background is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of fiscal policy and development finance in the African context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of senior-level experience in development finance, fiscal policy, or macroeconomic policy analysis. Candidates should have a proven track record of overseeing complex policy or advocacy portfolios and managing multi-functional teams across different geographical regions. Experience working with African ministries of finance, central banks, and regional and global economic institutions is highly valued, as is the ability to build collaborative relationships and navigate sensitive policy environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while proficiency in French is preferred. This language requirement is important for effective communication and engagement with stakeholders across the African continent, where both English and French are commonly used in governmental and institutional contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and involves a significant amount of travel, up to 40% internationally. The application deadline is set for 15 March 202
  • The hiring process will include a background check, and the organization is committed to providing accommodations for candidates with disabilities or medical conditions during the application and interview process. The foundation emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring that all applicants are treated fairly and without discrimination.
Apply now
Similar Jobs