Senior Program Officer, Integrated Surveillance for NTDs

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating 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. 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 community engagement. The foundation is committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) for Integrated Surveillance for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) will be a key member of the NTD Upstream team, focusing on leading the innovation agenda for post-validation NTD surveillance. This role involves conceptualizing research, generating evidence, and building consensus within the community to define strategies for integrated surveillance of NTDs after elimination. The SPO will be responsible for shaping investments necessary for progress in this area. The position carries a dual mandate: to drive disease-specific surveillance innovation that meets the precision requirements of NTD control and elimination programs, while ensuring that the developed systems and tools contribute to and benefit from an integrated surveillance infrastructure that serves all disease programs. The SPO will collaborate closely with colleagues in both the Upstream and Downstream teams, as well as external partners, to ensure that NTD investments are aligned with broader health system goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and steward an evidence-based strategy for post-elimination surveillance for the foundation's six priority NTDs, determining the necessary surveillance architecture to detect resurgence and sustain elimination.
• Engage with partners to build global consensus for integrated post-elimination surveillance strategies.
• Design and oversee operational research studies to address gaps in evidence-based surveillance for NTDs post-elimination.
• Collaborate with the Downstream team to co-develop integrated NTD post-validation surveillance strategies tailored to national needs, particularly in countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, and DRC.
• Represent the foundation at high-level meetings and consultations, ensuring that NTD interests are included in global discussions on surveillance and integration.
• Communicate findings and priorities related to NTD surveillance innovation to internal and external stakeholders to drive alignment and attract co-investment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (PhD, MD, MPH, or equivalent) in epidemiology, public health, infectious disease, or a related field. They should have at least 10 years of experience in global health, with proven expertise in NTD or other campaign-based health programs, disease surveillance, and multi-disease integration, particularly in African contexts. A demonstrated track record in designing and leading operational research in Africa, as well as experience with digital health infrastructures for surveillance, is essential. Candidates should also have experience collaborating within the global health ecosystem and influencing health policy across complex stakeholder environments.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree such as a PhD, MD, or MPH in epidemiology, public health, infectious disease, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of disease surveillance and public health decision-making.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in global health, specifically with expertise in neglected tropical diseases or similar health programs. Candidates should have a proven track record of designing and leading operational research in African contexts, as well as experience working with Ministries of Health and National Public Health Institutes in Africa. Familiarity with health systems across multiple African countries is also necessary.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the role. Additional languages relevant to the regions of focus, such as French or local African languages, may be advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is an 18-month Limited Term Employment role, with relocation support provided to Seattle. The salary range for this role is between $238,400 to $369,400 USD, with higher ranges for positions in Seattle and Washington D.C. The foundation emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven goals. Candidates must have unrestricted work authorization in the United States, as the foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. The hiring process will include a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities.