Senior Program Officer (SPO)

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating 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 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 (SPO) will play a pivotal role within the Maternal Newborn nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Child Nutrition and Health (MNCNH) team, focusing on the Discovery & Drug Development portfolio. This position is crucial for advancing the discovery, development, and introduction of impactful products and interventions aimed at addressing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, such as preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. The SPO will be responsible for grantmaking within a defined portfolio, shaping and executing strategies in maternal health, and providing scientific and clinical leadership throughout the maternal health continuum. The role requires close collaboration with grantees, investigators, and country partners to facilitate the progression of promising candidates through the development pipeline and into scalable solutions in low-resource settings. This part-time role is expected to require around 20 hours per week and allows for remote work within the UK.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPO will lead and manage a portfolio of grants and investments that focus on hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and gestational diabetes. Responsibilities include sourcing and diligence, structuring, execution, monitoring, and reporting on these investments. The SPO will develop and refine investment strategies, identifying gaps and high-potential opportunities across discovery, development, and introduction phases. They will provide scientific and clinical leadership on the biology, risk stratification, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of relevant conditions. The SPO will partner with grantees and external investigators to design and oversee research, ensuring adherence to scientific rigor and ethical standards. Additionally, the SPO will contribute to budgeting, risk management, and sequencing of investments, ensuring effective stewardship of foundation resources. Tracking and reporting on portfolio progress, milestones, and outcomes will be essential, as will fostering coordination across various partners and guiding the translation of evidence into policy and implementation pathways. The SPO will also represent the foundation at scientific meetings and with partner governments and organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (PhD, DrPH, MD, OB/GYN, or equivalent) in a relevant clinical or scientific discipline, with specialized expertise in obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, endocrinology, or a related field being strongly preferred. Deep subject-matter expertise in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and/or gestational diabetes is essential, encompassing underlying biology, clinical management, and product or intervention development. Extensive relevant experience in research, drug or product development, clinical practice, or grantmaking is required, ideally with exposure to low- and middle-income country settings. Candidates should demonstrate experience in leading research programs or portfolios, with the ability to set strategy and make informed funding decisions. Strong knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), research ethics, and the translation of evidence into policy and practice is necessary, along with excellent cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across various sectors.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree is required for this position, specifically a PhD, DrPH, MD, or equivalent in a relevant clinical or scientific discipline. Specialized expertise in fields such as obstetrics, maternal-fetal medicine, or endocrinology is strongly preferred, indicating a high level of education and knowledge in the relevant areas of maternal health and related conditions.

Experience:
Candidates should have extensive experience in relevant fields, particularly in research, drug or product development, clinical practice, or grantmaking. Experience should ideally include work in low- and middle-income country settings, demonstrating an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities present in these environments. Proven experience in leading research programs or portfolios is essential, along with the ability to set strategic priorities and make informed funding decisions.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international scope of the foundation's work. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to the regions served by the foundation, such as local languages in Africa and South Asia.

Additional Notes:
This position is part-time, expected to require around 20 hours per week, and offers flexibility for remote work within the UK. Candidates must have unrestricted work authorization in the country where the position is located. 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 organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and equitably.