Senior Program Officer (SPO)

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 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 (SPO) will play a crucial role within the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) team, specifically in the Upstream Domain. This position is focused on driving innovations in surveillance for NTDs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The SPO will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that leverage digital tools and data analytics to enhance surveillance capabilities in NTD-endemic countries in Africa. This includes identifying and partnering with various stakeholders to repurpose existing surveillance platforms and co-develop new tools. The SPO will also lead the modeling strategy and the integration of AI into operational research, ensuring that these innovations are effectively adopted in program decision-making processes. The role requires collaboration with functional teams and disease experts to align with the foundation's strategic vision and goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and implement a portfolio of grants to support the development of integrated surveillance strategies for NTDs, collaborating with the foundation's surveillance team and other disease area teams.
• Invest in data-driven approaches to monitor NTD transmission dynamics and identify resurgence risks.
• Identify opportunities for integrating NTD surveillance into broader disease surveillance platforms in priority countries.
• Facilitate partnerships with ministries of health, WHO, and global health institutions to align with best practices in NTD surveillance.
• Oversee the development and application of geostatistical, transmission models, and AI-driven tools for predictive modeling of NTD burden and intervention impact.
• Partner with academic institutions, software developers, and public health researchers to refine machine-learning models that optimize NTD control strategies.
• Support the integration of AI-based analytics into programmatic decision-making processes for NTD control and elimination.
• Design, structure, and manage a portfolio of grants and contracts that support innovative surveillance, related data systems, and modeling for NTDs.
• Provide technical guidance to grantees and partners on best practices for data governance, digital infrastructure, and AI implementation. 1
• Work with stakeholders to ensure projects align with the foundation’s NTD strategy and broader global health priorities. 1
• Synthesize insights from grantee projects to inform strategy development, policy recommendations, and funding decisions. 1
• Build and manage partnerships with governments, WHO, academic institutions, technology providers, and funders to support NTD surveillance innovations. 1
• Represent the foundation at global health convenings, expert panels, and technical working groups focused on disease surveillance and AI applications. 1
• Advocate for scalable and sustainable solutions that leverage AI and data science to drive NTD elimination goals.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MPH, or equivalent) in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, computational modeling, data science, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in global health, with demonstrated expertise in disease surveillance, epidemiological modeling, AI applications, or data system strengthening.
• Deep knowledge of disease program design, implementation, and surveillance strategies at both global and country levels, with a preference for NTD-specific experience.
• Experience working in low- and middle-income country settings and engaging with ministries of health, WHO, and other global health stakeholders.
• Technical expertise in digital health infrastructure and/or data governance in public health, with a preference for candidates experienced in AI-driven analytics and machine learning applications.
• Proven track record in grant management, program implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for policy and programmatic decision-making.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree such as a PhD, MD, or MPH, or an equivalent qualification in relevant fields such as epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, computational modeling, or data science. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the organization's mission and objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in global health, particularly with a focus on disease surveillance, epidemiological modeling, and the application of AI in public health contexts. Candidates should have a strong background in working with low- and middle-income countries and engaging with key stakeholders such as ministries of health and global health organizations. Experience in managing grants and implementing programs is also crucial, as is familiarity with the specific challenges and opportunities present in the field of neglected tropical diseases.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and its work. Additional language skills relevant to the regions of focus, particularly in Africa, would be advantageous and could enhance communication and collaboration with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Seattle, WA, and relocation assistance will be provided for the right candidate. The role requires up to 25% travel to partner sites, including international travel. The salary range for this position is between $233,600.00 and $362,200.00 USD, with specific adjustments for high-wage markets like Seattle and Washington D.C., where the range is between $254,700.00 and $394,700.00 USD. The organization emphasizes a balance between competitive pay and its mission-driven focus. New hires typically start within the range minimum and midpoint, with actual placement depending on the candidate's skills and experience as assessed during the interview process. Additionally, employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.