Senior Program Officer (SPO), R&D Systems Advocacy

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Position Title: Senior Program Officer (SPO), R&D Systems Advocacy
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Deadline Date: 28/2/25

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The foundation is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Established with the mission 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 populations it serves. The organization 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 among employees. The foundation is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) for R&D Systems Advocacy will be responsible for designing and leading advocacy efforts aimed at strengthening health innovation systems, particularly in Africa. The role focuses on ensuring that these systems can expedite the development and approval of new global health tools and technologies. The SPO will collaborate with various internal and external partners to advocate for clinical research financing, regulatory systems, health product manufacturing, and the overall importance of global health R&D. This position is integral to the foundation's Africa PAC team and will also engage with the global GHI PAC team, emphasizing partnerships and outcomes across the foundation's health R&D systems agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SPO will develop, implement, and refine advocacy and communications strategies to advance R&D systems goals. Responsibilities include building coalitions and advocacy campaigns, conducting policy analysis, and making evidence-based investments to drive policy outcomes. The SPO will manage a portfolio of investments supporting R&D systems outcomes, particularly in Africa, and lead collaborations with various internal teams to advance global health R&D financing goals. The role also involves representing the foundation to external constituencies, producing high-quality written materials for leadership, and engaging with stakeholders across the health R&D ecosystem.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have experience as a leader in global health R&D advocacy or a related field, with a strong background in designing and managing health R&D advocacy strategies. Familiarity with global health R&D systems, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries, is essential. The ideal candidate should understand how health R&D policies can promote equitable health outcomes and how these issues intersect with national health systems, especially in Africa. Experience interacting with senior policymakers and managing grants is also required.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is necessary, ideally with advanced degrees in public health, international development, or related fields. Candidates should have a strong understanding of health systems and R&D processes, particularly in the context of global health.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in global health R&D advocacy, including the conception and management of related initiatives. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in dynamic, matrixed environments and collaborating across various teams and time zones. Experience in grant management or as a philanthropic grantee is also important.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in additional languages relevant to the regions of focus, such as French or Portuguese, is considered a strong asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Nairobi and may require travel up to 25% domestically and internationally. The role is full-time and involves working within a complex organizational structure. The foundation is committed to diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants.