Senior Program Officer - Korea Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The Gates Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded with the mission that everyone, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. 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 to implement the foundation's regional and country strategy, focusing primarily on Korea. This position involves developing and executing the Korea country strategy in collaboration with key partners, cultivating relationships with decision-makers, and effectively communicating the foundation's policy priorities. The role also includes managing grants and contracts that align with the country strategy and overseeing project management for new partners. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive knowledge of government relations and the advocacy landscape in Korea to achieve the foundation's strategic goals in health and development.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the Korea country strategy in collaboration with EMEEA’s leadership team, grantees, and partners to achieve targeted goals.
• Cultivate relationships with a diverse range of 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, including the EMEEA team and the Policy Advocacy and Communications team, to provide written analyses of key topics and draft briefs, memos, and background research as needed.
• Represent the foundation's voice in Korea, effectively communicating policy priorities to decision-makers and partners, and preparing regular briefing materials on relevant topics.
• Establish a strong presence in Korea, managing relationships with government stakeholders and partners to achieve desired 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 considered a plus. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential, particularly in articulating priorities to a diverse range of partners, including government officials and business leaders. Candidates should demonstrate excellence in writing, data analysis, and the ability to manage multiple projects effectively.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree or higher in public policy, international development/relations, public health, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees are preferred, as they provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in public policy and advocacy.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in government relations and policy advocacy. Candidates should have a proven track record in strategy development and implementation, showcasing their ability to navigate complex political landscapes and engage effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in both Korean and English is critical for this role. Candidates should possess effective communication skills to articulate the foundation's priorities to a range of partners, including government officials and business leaders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a limited-term position (LTE) for 23 months, based in Seoul, South Korea. Relocation assistance will not be provided. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in South Korea without visa sponsorship. The Gates Foundation is partnering with PERSOL for the recruitment process. Interested candidates should submit their CV by the application deadline of June 28, 202

• The hiring process will include a background check, and the foundation is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience for all candidates, accommodating any disabilities or medical conditions as needed.