Senior Program Officer, Vaccine Forecasting & Financing

Job Posting Organization:
The Gates Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting 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. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The foundation is committed to fostering a thriving work environment for personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer for Vaccine Forecasting & Financing will play a crucial role in enhancing vaccine forecasting processes and financing strategies to ensure sustainable immunization in low- and middle-income countries. This position involves collaboration with various stakeholders, including Gavi, UNICEF, and country immunization programs, to improve forecasting accuracy and funding mechanisms. The officer will lead efforts to strengthen budgeting processes, enhance domestic financing for immunization, and develop innovative financing solutions to facilitate equitable access to vaccines. The role is integral to the foundation's mission of eradicating vaccine-preventable diseases and ensuring that immunization programs are robust and resilient, contributing to the global commitment of ia2030.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will be responsible for several key functions:

• Improve Global Vaccine Forecasting and Planning Systems: Collaborate with Gavi and UNICEF to enhance forecasting, supply planning, and allocation processes. Strengthen demand forecasting and budgeting at both global and country levels. Lead analysis to address systemic challenges in forecasting that impact vaccine availability.
• Optimize Financing Solutions: Support the efficient use of vaccine procurement and pre-financing mechanisms. Monitor Gavi co-financing performance and design financing solutions for immunization investments.
• Strengthen Domestic Financing: Work with country offices and partners to maintain and increase financing for immunization. Influence Gavi co-financing policies and support countries in increasing domestic resources for vaccines.
• Advance Innovative Financing: Collaborate with teams to explore innovative financing mechanisms, such as debt swaps and blended finance models, to increase resources for immunization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in global health or development, with deep expertise in immunization program design, health financing, and vaccine procurement. Strong analytical skills in forecasting, budgeting, and financial modeling are essential. Experience working with governments and global health institutions is required, along with a proven ability to influence policy and drive collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to translate complex financing challenges into practical solutions that enhance immunization outcomes.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is required, typically including a master's degree in public health, international development, economics, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in health financing or immunization programs are highly desirable.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in global health or development, particularly in roles that involve immunization program operations, health financing, and vaccine procurement. A minimum of 10 years of experience is expected, with a strong track record of influencing policy and collaborating with various stakeholders in the health sector.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of French is desired but not required. Strong communication skills are essential for conveying complex issues clearly and effectively.

Additional Notes:
The position may require up to 25% international and domestic travel, including to low-resource or conflict-affected settings in sub-Saharan Africa or Southeast Asia. The role is full-time and requires unrestricted work authorization in the United States, as the foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this position. The salary range for this role is between $173,000 and $259,600 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle and Washington D.C. The foundation emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven goals.