Senior Program Officer - Polio Outbreaks

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, 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 global 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 employees to engage in various community initiatives. The foundation is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
In this role, the Senior Program Officer will be a vital member of the Polio Outbreak team, focusing on enhancing the foundation's engagement with key partners such as WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary International, and Gavi to effectively interrupt the transmission of variant poliovirus. The primary focus will be on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the officer will work to improve the quality of supplementary immunization activities, strengthen acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance, and enhance routine immunization efforts. The position requires a strategic approach to building a supportive environment for the application of new tools and strategies aimed at improving polio eradication efforts. The Senior Program Officer will also be responsible for leading internal analytics and analysis related to polio outbreaks, ensuring that the foundation's strategies are data-driven and effective.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will lead the foundation's polio strategy and portfolio in the DRC and other assigned francophone countries, with full accountability for performance, partner alignment, and impact. Key responsibilities include developing and executing integrated strategies to interrupt poliovirus transmission, aligning outbreak response with routine immunization and health systems strengthening. The officer will serve as the foundation's primary polio lead in-country, managing a complex ecosystem of government, partners, and grantees. They will utilize epidemiological and program data to identify risks and gaps, driving timely, data-informed course corrections. The role involves ensuring accountability across partners and government counterparts by setting clear expectations, addressing underperformance, and ensuring follow-through. The officer will manage a portfolio of grants and contracts, ensuring strong performance management and strategic alignment. Additionally, they will design and implement strategies for humanitarian and high-risk settings, engage senior national and provincial leaders to shape strategy, and represent the foundation in national, regional, and global forums, preparing actionable briefs for leadership.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in health, public health, epidemiology, or vaccinology. Significant experience in polio eradication, outbreak response, vaccine delivery, and health emergencies programs in low- and middle-income countries is essential, with a strong emphasis on program management, emergency response, and program operations. The ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, public health specialists, and program implementers, is crucial. Experience in strategic planning and strategy implementation related to polio eradication and immunization is also required. Familiarity with country-level polio funding and planning processes, as well as goal setting and evaluation of activities in the DRC, is preferred. Strong partnership development and conflict management skills are necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in health, public health, epidemiology, or vaccinology is required for this position, ensuring that candidates have the necessary academic foundation to understand the complexities of polio eradication and public health initiatives.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in polio eradication and outbreak response, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This experience should include program management, emergency response, and operational roles that demonstrate the ability to navigate complex health systems and work effectively with various stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and oral English and French is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Portuguese and/or Arabic is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate in diverse settings and with various partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, and requires the ability to travel internationally up to 75% of the time. The hiring process will include a background check, and the foundation is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates. Accommodations for candidates with disabilities or medical conditions will be provided upon request. The foundation values diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and strives to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and equitably.