Senior Program Officer, Novel Technologies & Regional Transboundary Policy

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves the chance to lead a healthy and productive life, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It 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 supportive work environment that promotes personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will play a pivotal role in leading the foundation's initiatives on regional coordination and transboundary policy, focusing on political engagement for novel and emerging health technologies across Africa, particularly in East and West Africa. This position is designed for a seasoned leader in policy, advocacy, and political engagement, possessing extensive knowledge in biosafety policy, cross-border governance, and regional institutional processes. The SPO will collaborate with national governments, African Union institutions, and Regional Economic Communities to enhance regional policy coherence and political coordination, ensuring the effective implementation of existing regulatory frameworks. The role requires translating complex scientific and regulatory dynamics into actionable policy strategies that facilitate cross-country alignment and decision-making, while also addressing the political economy dynamics that influence the adoption of health technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Transboundary Policy, Governance & Political Strategy: Develop and execute strategies for cross-border policy and governance related to emerging health technologies. Translate complex scientific and regulatory dynamics into clear advocacy strategies. Identify and address political economy dynamics and regional sensitivities affecting policy adoption.
• Engagement with AU, Regional Economic Communities, and Transboundary Authorities: Lead engagement with the African Union and affiliated institutions, Regional Economic Communities, and relevant policy platforms. Strengthen transboundary governance mechanisms and facilitate high-level regional dialogues.
• National Engagement & Cross-Border Coordination: Support alignment among governments and regional actors in navigating emerging cross-border policy challenges and governance questions. Build confidence among policymakers on complex cross-border issues.
• Technical Leadership in Emerging Technology Governance: Serve as the foundation's strategic adviser on policy considerations for emerging technologies. Maintain a strong understanding of regulatory and scientific considerations to inform policy strategies.
• Policy Advocacy & Political Engagement: Provide strategic advice on political dynamics affecting cross-border technologies and develop engagement strategies for senior policymakers.
• Strategy, Grantmaking & Internal Leadership: Manage a portfolio of investments that advance policy and advocacy objectives. Develop high-quality briefs and strategic recommendations for foundation leadership.
• Cross-Foundation Collaboration: Collaborate across teams to ensure integrated strategy execution and align efforts across multiple countries and institutions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in public policy, law, international relations, global health, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of experience in policy, governance, and advocacy, particularly in transboundary governance, is required. Demonstrated experience working across multiple African countries, especially in East and West Africa, is essential. Proven track record of engaging with governments and regional institutions is necessary, along with experience in politically sensitive multi-country environments. Familiarity with African Union institutions and Regional Economic Communities is highly desirable, particularly in regional policy coordination and governance.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in public policy, law, international relations, global health, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to understand the complexities of policy and governance in the context of emerging health technologies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in policy, governance, and advocacy, with a strong emphasis on transboundary governance. Candidates should have a proven ability to navigate complex political environments and engage effectively with high-level stakeholders across multiple African countries, particularly in East and West Africa. Experience within African Union institutions or Regional Economic Communities is highly valued.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the role. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the regions of East and West Africa may be advantageous but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a 24-month, limited-term position reporting to the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Deputy Director of Advocacy & Communications Africa. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Kenya without visa sponsorship. The role may require travel up to 30% domestically and internationally. The foundation emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices and provides accommodations for candidates with disabilities.