Senior Program Officer, Markets

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, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes the importance of 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 organization is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer, Markets (SPO) will play a pivotal role in shaping inclusive markets within the Agricultural Development program. This position involves managing a portfolio of investments aimed at catalyzing inclusive agricultural growth, particularly focusing on the green fertilizer program area. The SPO will work closely with the Agricultural Delivery Systems team to drive innovations that enhance productivity and resilience among small-scale producers in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The role requires a strategic approach to understanding market dynamics, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and translating policy recommendations into actionable strategies tailored to specific country contexts. The SPO will also be responsible for overseeing grants, facilitating partnerships, and contributing to the foundation's broader goals of sustainable agricultural development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including: overseeing a portfolio of grants that support the development and delivery of goods and services to smallholder farmers; reviewing letters of inquiry and grant proposals, providing insightful analyses and recommendations; facilitating engagement with public, private, and donor partners to foster collaboration and identify investment synergies; analyzing the impact of global market trends on African agriculture and proposing viable solutions; mapping pathways for private sector commercialization of agricultural products; monitoring market intelligence to inform strategies; consulting with grantees to enhance project impact; contributing to the creation of background documents and presentations; representing the foundation in external committees related to agricultural markets; and promoting an inclusive culture within the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep understanding of agricultural markets, particularly fertilizer markets, and the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Africa. They should have experience in catalyzing change within market systems and a proven ability to engage diverse partners, including public and private sector actors. Strong strategic communication skills are essential, along with the ability to develop frameworks that guide execution and convey opportunities to various stakeholders. Candidates should demonstrate curiosity and adaptability, with a capacity to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment and work effectively with diverse teams.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field is required, along with at least 10 years of experience in agricultural development roles within public or private sector organizations. Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa is particularly valuable, as is a background in developing service delivery models and marketing agricultural products.

Experience:
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in agricultural development, particularly in roles that involve increasing responsibility. They should have a strong track record of working on complex agricultural market issues and developing innovative solutions that drive transformative change. Experience in strategic engagement with multinational organizations and institutions is also important, as is the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams.

Languages:
While specific language requirements are not mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages relevant to the regions of focus, such as those spoken in Sub-Saharan Africa, would be advantageous but not required.

Additional Notes:
This position is an 11-month limited term employment role, offering competitive base compensation along with a generous benefits package. The salary range for this role is between $169,700 and $254,500 USD, with higher ranges for positions based in Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC. The role is ideally based in Seattle, but remote work options are available for candidates located within the US. The position is ineligible for relocation benefits, and candidates must be legally authorized to work in the US without visa sponsorship. The organization emphasizes its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all employment practices.