Senior Program Officer, Regulatory Affairs and Market Development Lead - Onsite Sanitation and Water Reuse

Senior Program Officer, Regulatory Affairs and Market Development Lead - Onsite Sanitation and Water Reuse

Gates Foundation

April 14, 2025May 29, 2025LondonUnited Kingdom
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating 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 diversity within its workforce 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 employees to engage in various community initiatives. The organization is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer will play a pivotal role in the strategic and operational management of new product introductions, permitting, product certification, and market development within the realm of onsite sanitation and water reuse. This position requires a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and the ability to influence them effectively. The officer will lead cross-functional teams and engage with senior stakeholders to ensure that initiatives align with the organization's goals. The focus will be on advancing innovation in decentralized sanitation technologies, particularly in early adopter markets such as the US and France. The role will involve extensive travel, especially to France, to facilitate partnerships and drive market readiness for transformative sanitation solutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Regulatory Compliance and Process Management: Ensure that all industry products meet sanitation and water reuse regulations in France. Develop a comprehensive understanding of regulatory standards and propose strategies to optimize the permitting process for faster market entry. Collaborate with regulatory agencies and advise commercial entities on market strategies.
  • Grant Making and Investment: Identify and evaluate strategic partners that align with the foundation's mission. Develop criteria for selecting partners and projects that can influence regulatory processes. Manage program execution plans, ensuring alignment with regulatory and market development goals.
  • Equity and Inclusion in Grant Funding: Ensure that project funding prioritizes equity and inclusiveness, focusing on initiatives that benefit underserved communities.
  • Market Readiness and Strategic Planning: Develop strategic plans for market entry that integrate regulatory compliance with broader goals of gender equity and social inclusion. Provide insights to ensure funded projects are market-ready and compliant with industry standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s or advanced degree in Regulatory Affairs, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Quality Assurance, or a related field. They should have demonstrable experience in regulatory compliance, product testing, and permitting, particularly in decentralized water and sanitation. A proven track record of launching new product categories or innovations into markets is essential, with a preference for experience in onsite sanitation and water reuse products. Candidates should also have expertise in streamlining regulatory processes and formulating strategies for high-impact initiatives.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree or other advanced qualifications in relevant fields such as Regulatory Affairs, Environmental Engineering, or Environmental Science is required. This educational background should provide a solid foundation for understanding the complexities of regulatory frameworks and environmental standards.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in regulatory compliance, product conformity testing, and permitting processes, ideally within the context of onsite or decentralized water and sanitation solutions. A history of successfully launching new products or innovations into the market is crucial, along with experience in managing cross-functional teams and engaging with senior stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is essential for this position, as the role involves significant interaction with stakeholders in France. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in London and requires extensive travel, particularly to France, with an expected travel commitment of up to 40%. The role is full-time and involves working in a culturally diverse environment. The organization emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all employment practices, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants.
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