Senior Program Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity on a global scale. Established with the mission that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the Foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. The organization boasts a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without 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 a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will play a crucial role within the Development Policy & Finance (DPAF) team, which is part of the Global Policy & Advocacy (GPA) division. This position is focused on leading the foundation's efforts to shape the future of development cooperation and financing, particularly for low- and lower middle-income countries (LICs and LMICs). The SPO will be responsible for integrating various perspectives on financing flows and instruments into a cohesive understanding of the broader development finance system. This role requires deep expertise in public, multilateral, and private development finance, and the ability to translate complex financing and macroeconomic trends into actionable insights that inform the foundation's strategies. The SPO will also advise senior leadership on the implications of shifts in aid architecture and innovative finance solutions, while managing complex grants and analytical work that supports the foundation's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPO will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Monitoring and analyzing domestic and external financial flows affecting LICs and LMICs, assessing their strategic implications.
• Translating global debates on the development finance system into actionable policy opportunities tailored to the specific challenges faced by countries in Africa and Asia.
• Clarifying the role of concessional finance within the broader development finance landscape and its relation to innovative financing instruments.
• Developing foresight on mega shifts in technology, population dynamics, and geopolitics that will impact developing countries.
• Contributing to the formulation of forward-looking principles and policy positions regarding the future of development cooperation and finance.
• Maintaining and deepening relationships with key institutions such as the OECD and leading think tanks.
• Engaging policymakers in donor capitals and country offices to inform reform efforts.
• Co-leading strategic analyses and briefings for senior leadership decision-making.
• Ensuring alignment between economic and financing policy engagement and broader foundation advocacy strategies. 1
• Representing the foundation in global policy dialogues and technical forums related to development finance reform.

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 10 years of experience in development finance, fiscal policy, or macroeconomic policy analysis is required. Additionally, candidates should have experience working with African ministries of finance, central banks, or economic institutions, and demonstrated leadership in overseeing complex policy or advocacy portfolios. Strong analytical capabilities and effective communication of economic insights are essential, along with the ability to build a collaborative and high-performance culture. Political acumen and the ability to navigate sensitive policy environments are also necessary, as well as established networks with regional policymakers and development partners.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree, specifically a Master’s or higher, in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Policy, Public Finance, or International Development. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of development finance and policy analysis.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in development finance, fiscal policy, or macroeconomic policy analysis. This experience should include working with governmental financial institutions in Africa, as well as a proven track record of leadership in managing complex policy or advocacy initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, while bilingual proficiency in French is preferred. This language requirement is essential for effective communication and engagement with diverse stakeholders in the global development finance landscape.

Additional Notes:
This is a two-year limited-term position that includes a competitive salary range of $173,000 to $259,600 USD, with specific adjustments for high-wage markets such as Seattle, WA and Washington, DC. The role reports to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of DPAF and is based in Washington, DC, with relocation assistance available for the hired candidate. However, visa support is not provided for this role. The Foundation emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and provides accommodations for candidates with disabilities during the application process.