Interim Senior Program Officer (SPO)

Job Posting Organization:
The Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting 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 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 employees to engage in various community initiatives. The Foundation is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth, ensuring that employees thrive in their roles.

Job Overview:
The Interim Senior Program Officer (SPO) will play a crucial role in implementing advocacy and communications strategies aimed at advancing the policy, financing, and leverage goals of the Foundation’s Nutrition programs. This position is integral to three Program Strategy Teams (PSTs): Large-Scale Food Fortification, Nutrition Food Systems, and Maternal, Newborn, and Child Nutrition and Health. The SPO will focus on strengthening policies and securing financing partnerships essential for increasing investment in research and development as well as program delivery. The role will prioritize financing initiatives, particularly in securing diversified funding sources across the large-scale food fortification value chain, which includes donor funding, private and philanthropic capital, corporate investment, and domestic resources. The SPO will collaborate with Global Policy and Advocacy colleagues to identify opportunities that will enable fortification programs to scale effectively and serve a broader consumer base. Additionally, the SPO will support the Child Nutrition Fund, a financing mechanism hosted by UNICEF, aimed at helping countries enhance their domestic nutrition programs. This position is a limited-term assignment for 9 months, and relocation assistance will not be provided.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPO will be responsible for several key functions, including: supporting the implementation of the Foundation’s nutrition advocacy strategy with a focus on global donor advocacy and domestic budget advocacy in targeted countries; managing a portfolio of investments in nutrition advocacy partners, overseeing budget and grant-making processes; leading complex partnerships and advocacy campaigns; analyzing incentives for increased public and private investment in the food processing value chain; providing advocacy and communications support to key grantees and partners; maintaining relationships with critical donor and government stakeholders; representing the Foundation in external constituencies; producing clear and insightful briefings and reports; and participating in the Foundation's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts to enhance integration and impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in public policy, international relations, nutrition, or a related field, along with a minimum of 7 years of progressive senior-level experience in leading advocacy initiatives related to nutrition or health and development issues. A deep understanding of advocacy and communications efforts to raise awareness of global development issues and influence political and financial support is essential. Candidates should have the ability to engage with private sector markets in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly regarding financing for medium and large enterprises in the food and nutrition sectors. Experience in agriculture, health, and nutrition policy and financing, as well as familiarity with the global donor landscape, is also required. Proven leadership skills, project management capabilities, and excellent communication skills are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in public policy, international relations, nutrition, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in relevant areas may be advantageous but are not explicitly stated as mandatory.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressive senior-level experience in advocacy initiatives, particularly in nutrition or health and development issues. Experience working with global donors and multilateral institutions, as well as a track record of managing complex projects and grants, is essential. Familiarity with the global and regional development financial institutions and mechanisms is also important.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is implied as essential due to the nature of the role. Additional language skills relevant to the regions of focus may be considered beneficial but are not explicitly mentioned.

Additional Notes:
This position is a limited-term assignment for 9 months, and relocation assistance will not be provided. The salary range for this role is between $212,800 to $329,800 USD, with specific adjustments for the Seattle and Washington D.C. markets. The Foundation emphasizes a mission-driven approach to compensation, balancing competitive pay with its overarching mission. Candidates must have unrestricted work authorization in the United States, as the Foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. The hiring process will include a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities or medical conditions.