Senior Program Officer, Global Policy & Advocacy, Digital Public Infrastructure & Inclusive Financial Systems

Senior Program Officer, Global Policy & Advocacy, Digital Public Infrastructure & Inclusive Financial Systems

Gates Foundation

June 1, 2026July 16, 2026SingaporeSingapore
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, 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 community engagement. The foundation is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer will play a crucial role in advancing the policy and advocacy goals of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Inclusive Financial Systems (IFS) teams. This position involves engaging with government decision-makers across Southeast and South Asia to promote the adoption of safe and inclusive digital public infrastructure. The officer will serve as a trusted advisor to various governmental bodies, ensuring they have access to the necessary evidence, technologies, and policy frameworks to effectively implement and govern DPI. The role also includes representing the foundation in key regional and international forums, developing and executing advocacy strategies, and building partnerships to facilitate knowledge exchange and learning among countries. The officer will be responsible for managing a portfolio of investments aimed at enhancing digital systems and will produce high-quality analyses and recommendations to guide strategic decisions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to Asian governments on DPI and AI-enabled systems.
  • Ensure access to evidence and policy frameworks for effective DPI governance.
  • Represent the foundation in regional and international forums, influencing global policy agendas.
  • Develop and execute advocacy strategies for DPI and IFS across Asia.
  • Partner with the Africa Regional Office to facilitate South-South learning on DPI.
  • Build partnerships with Singaporean government agencies to share best practices.
  • Act as an internal expert on DPI, IFS, and AI, connecting teams and partners.
  • Design and manage a portfolio of investments with clear outcomes.
  • Cultivate a network of partners and grantees to promote DPI momentum. 1
  • Collaborate with resource mobilization leads to secure donor financing. 1
  • Produce analyses and recommendations for investment strategies. 1
  • Support broader policy and advocacy priorities as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess an advanced degree in public policy, business, international relations, development, or a related field. They must have at least 10 years of senior-level experience in financial inclusion, DPI, or related fields, particularly within Singapore and the Asian region. A strong understanding of digital ID, payments, and data systems, especially those powered by AI, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate success in designing and executing policy and advocacy strategies that influence various stakeholders, including policymakers and donors. Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and risk mitigation approaches for DPI systems is required, along with knowledge of policies needed to close gender gaps in financial inclusion. Excellent strategic thinking, organizational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences are also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree is preferred in fields such as public policy, business, international relations, or development. This educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of digital public infrastructure and inclusive financial systems.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of senior-level experience in relevant fields, demonstrating a deep understanding of the dynamics of digital public infrastructure and inclusive financial systems in Asia. Experience should ideally span both public and private sectors, showcasing the ability to navigate complex policy environments and engage with a variety of stakeholders.

Languages:
While the job does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential due to the international nature of the role. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to Southeast and South Asia would be advantageous, facilitating better communication with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Singapore and requires the ability to legally work in the country without visa sponsorship. The role may involve travel up to 25% domestically and internationally. The application deadline is set for 14 June 202
  • The organization emphasizes an inclusive hiring process and is committed to providing accommodations for candidates with disabilities or medical conditions. The foundation values diversity and strives to create a workplace that reflects the communities it serves.
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