Senior Program Officer - Korea Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity on a global scale. Founded on the principle that every individual, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to lead a healthy and productive life, the foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the 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, 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.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer - Korea Lead will play a crucial role in supporting the East Asia team in executing its regional and country strategies, with a primary focus on Korea. The individual in this position will be responsible for developing and implementing the Korea country strategy in collaboration with key partners, cultivating relationships with decision-makers, and effectively communicating the foundation's policy priorities. This role requires a deep understanding of government relations and the advocacy landscape in Korea, as well as the ability to manage grants and contracts that align with the country strategy. The postholder will work closely with the EMEEA team and report to the Head of East Relations based in Tokyo, who oversees regional and country strategies and engagement efforts. This is a limited-term position for 23 months, based in Seoul, South Korea, without relocation support.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Korea country strategy in collaboration with EMEEA leadership, grantees, and partners to achieve strategic goals.
• Cultivate relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including political and government partners, private sector entities, civil society organizations, think tanks, and academic institutions to expand the foundation's network in Korea.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues across various teams, acting as the primary contact for Korea-related agendas, and provide written analyses of key topics for foundation teams and management.
• Represent the foundation's interests in Korea, effectively communicating policy priorities and positions to key decision-makers and partners, and preparing briefing materials on relevant topics.
• Establish a strong presence in Korea, managing relationships with government stakeholders and other partners to achieve targeted outcomes for investments.
• Organize and manage key foundation events in Korea, including leadership visits and international events, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in public policy, international development/relations, public health, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in government relations, policy, and advocacy is preferred, with experience in strategy development and implementation being a significant advantage. Candidates should demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal skills, particularly in advocacy contexts, and have the ability to articulate priorities to a diverse range of partners, including government officials and business leaders. Proven excellence in writing, data analysis, and communication skills is essential, along with the ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with various partners and team members.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree in fields such as public policy, international development/relations, public health, or other relevant disciplines. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of the role and the environment in which the foundation operates.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 7 years of relevant experience in government relations, policy advocacy, and strategy development. This experience should include a proven track record of working effectively with diverse stakeholders and managing complex projects. Familiarity with the advocacy landscape in Korea and experience in developing and implementing strategies are highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in both Korean and English is critical for this position. Effective communication skills in both languages are necessary to engage with a wide range of partners and stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a limited-term employment position for 23 months, based in Seoul, South Korea. The organization will not provide relocation assistance. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in South Korea without the need for visa sponsorship. The hiring process will include a background check, and the foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates, offering accommodations as needed. The foundation values diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of their background.