Senior Program Officer - Country Support (12-month LTE) in City of London

Senior Program Officer – Country Support (12-month LTE)

Apply for the Senior Program Officer – Country Support (12-month LTE) role at Gates Foundation.

We are the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on a simple premise: people everywhere, regardless of identity or circumstances, should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives.

We provide an exceptional benefits package to employees and their families: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums; generous paid time off; paid family leave; foundation‑paid retirement contribution; regional holidays; and opportunities to engage in several employee communities. We are committed to creating an environment where you can thrive personally and professionally.

The Team

The Polio Team works with partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), country governments, donors and other collaborators, to build and implement the global strategy to eradicate polio. We develop relationships and uplift each other in an inclusive environment.

The Role

As a key member of the Polio Endemics team, the Senior Program Officer – Country Support will intensify engagement with WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary International, Gavi, and national polio eradication programs in Pakistan to interrupt wild poliovirus transmission. The emphasis will be on improving the impact of foundation assets in these country settings, enhancing supplementary immunization activities, strengthening AFP surveillance and routine immunization, and building a supportive environment for new tools and strategies.

Ideal candidates have exceptional operational and project management skills, demonstrated interpersonal skills, and meticulous attention to detail. They will directly engage with key stakeholders in Pakistan to accelerate elimination of polioviruses, especially in endemic districts, and achieve global polio eradication by 2026. This limited‑term (12 months) position is based at the foundation’s London office or another suitable location; relocation will not be provided.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with foundation teams in Seattle, international development partners and grantees, and national and provincial governments in Pakistan to ensure successful implementation of national strategies to eradicate polio.
• Identify, develop and support activities in Pakistan to improve the quality of supplementary immunization activities and AFP surveillance, with a focus on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province:
  • Consistent and high levels of technical assistance.
  • Rapid and regular reviews of surveillance data.
  • Improved independent monitoring and reporting.
  • Sustained country engagement and dedication to polio eradication.
  • Improved community demand and participation in immunization.
• Support foundation efforts to identify and address immunity gaps sustaining wild poliovirus circulation in sub‑populations in endemic districts.
• Collaborate with provincial and district administration, security forces and partners on strategies to improve immunization services for children affected by security and conflict situations.
• Develop and execute innovative “Integrated Service Delivery” interventions to reach children where regular campaigns or EPI outreach cannot be conducted.
• Participate in provincial and district‑level technical reviews of program operations, surveillance reviews and communication and community engagement efforts to improve participation.
• Provide input to provincial and district‑level programs and partners on appropriate levels of financial resource requirements for polio eradication.

Your Experience

• MPH or other post‑secondary degree in public health, administration, international development, business administration, or equivalent.
• Track record in public health program management implementation.
• Experience with immunization and/or polio eradication in Pakistan or other Eastern Mediterranean region settings.
• Experience working with global partners such as GPEI, Gavi, WHO, UNICEF and/or in developing country settings.
• Proven partnership building with policymakers and development partners in Pakistan.
• Experience managing projects in a matrix team environment.
• Experience working in Pakistan and/or Afghanistan (preferred).
• Proficiency in influencing effective implementation of public health/immunization programs with measurable health outcomes.
• Skilled in engaging and interacting with national health/immunization programs in developing countries.
• Ability to drive action in matrixed environments and implement innovative solutions.
• Ability to identify new and opportunistic partnerships to achieve program goals.
• Understanding of key cultural and social issues in developing country context.
• High personal initiative and proactive partnership skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Urdu and/or Pashto language skills an asset.

Other Attributes

• Comfortable in diverse cultural, geographic and operational situations with culturally sensitive behavior.
• Ability to travel up to 60%, primarily internationally within the Eastern Mediterranean Region.
• Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.

Application deadline: 30 November 2025

Hiring Requirements

Employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Candidate Accommodations

If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request here.

Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and culturally diverse workplace and support this diversity through all employment practices. All applicants and employees enjoy fairness without regard to race, color, age, religion, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or prior protected activity.