Gates Foundation Senior Program Officer Jobs 2026 (Salary Competitive): Polio Outbreaks Programme | Apply by 13 August
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Explore the Gates Foundation Senior Program Officer opportunity supporting polio eradication programmes. Learn about eligibility, responsibilities, benefits, and how to apply.
The Gates Foundation is recruiting a Senior Program Officer – Polio Outbreaks to support one of the world’s largest public health initiatives aimed at eradicating polio. This senior-level opportunity is ideal for experienced global health professionals with expertise in immunization programmes, epidemiology, emergency response, and infectious disease control.
Working closely with governments and international partners, the successful candidate will help strengthen outbreak response strategies, improve vaccination programmes, and contribute to efforts to eliminate variant poliovirus transmission in some of the world’s most complex public health settings.
Application Deadline: 13 August 2026
About the Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations, working to reduce poverty, improve health, and create opportunities for people around the globe. The Foundation partners with governments, United Nations agencies, research institutions, civil society organizations, and donors to address some of the world’s most pressing development challenges.
Its programmes focus on global health, agricultural development, education, gender equality, financial inclusion, and innovation, supporting evidence-based solutions that improve lives worldwide.
About the Senior Program Officer Role
The Senior Program Officer will join the Foundation’s Polio Team, which works closely with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary International, Gavi, and national governments to accelerate progress toward global polio eradication.
The position will play a strategic leadership role in supporting polio outbreak response, strengthening immunization systems, coordinating partners, and using data to guide programme decisions.
The successful candidate will also contribute to internal analytics, grant management, policy discussions, and partner engagement while helping shape long-term eradication strategies.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities include:
- Leading strategic polio eradication programmes
- Coordinating outbreak response activities
- Supporting routine immunization strengthening
- Managing grants and programme portfolios
- Building partnerships with governments and international agencies
- Using epidemiological data to improve programme performance
- Monitoring implementation and addressing operational challenges
- Supporting vaccination strategies in humanitarian settings
- Preparing technical briefings and strategic reports
- Representing the Foundation in regional and global forums
The role requires regular collaboration with organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary International, Gavi, and national Ministries of Health.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunity is suited to experienced professionals with qualifications in:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
- Medicine
- Global Health
- Health Sciences
Applicants should possess significant professional experience in:
- Polio eradication programmes
- Immunization and vaccine delivery
- Disease outbreak response
- Health emergencies
- Programme management
- International public health
Experience working in low- and middle-income countries and managing complex partnerships is highly desirable.
Skills and Experience
Strong candidates should demonstrate:
- Strategic programme leadership
- Grant and portfolio management
- Data analysis and evidence-based decision-making
- Partnership development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Public health programme implementation
- Emergency response coordination
- Excellent communication skills
- Fluency in English and French
Knowledge of Portuguese or Arabic is considered an advantage.
Applicants should also be willing to undertake frequent international travel.
Employee Benefits
The Gates Foundation offers a highly competitive employee benefits package designed to support both professional success and personal wellbeing.
Benefits include:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Foundation-funded retirement contributions
- Generous paid annual leave
- Paid family leave
- Regional holidays
- Employee wellbeing programmes
- Professional development opportunities
- Inclusive employee communities
These benefits complement a competitive salary package for successful candidates.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Polio eradication remains one of the world’s most significant public health priorities. Joining the Gates Foundation offers professionals the opportunity to contribute directly to global disease eradication efforts while collaborating with leading experts across international organizations.
The role provides exposure to:
- International health policy
- Vaccine strategy
- Disease surveillance
- Global partnerships
- Humanitarian response
- Health systems strengthening
- Large-scale programme management
For professionals seeking a meaningful leadership role in global health, this opportunity offers the chance to create lasting impact.
Application Tips
To strengthen your application:
- Highlight experience in immunization or outbreak response.
- Demonstrate programme leadership and grant management experience.
- Showcase work with governments, UN agencies, or international NGOs.
- Include examples of data-driven decision-making.
- Tailor your CV to reflect the Foundation’s leadership and partnership requirements.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official Gates Foundation careers portal before the closing date.
Official Vacancy:
Application Deadline: 13 August 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications are required?
Applicants should hold an advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, vaccinology, medicine, or a related field, together with significant experience in immunization, outbreak response, or global health programmes.
Is international experience important?
Yes. Experience working in low- and middle-income countries and collaborating with international health partners is highly valued.
Which organizations will the successful candidate work with?
The role involves collaboration with organizations including WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Gavi, Rotary International, national governments, and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.
Does the role involve travel?
Yes. The position requires frequent international travel, with travel expected for up to 75% of the time.
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Disclaimer
ResearchJobsHub is an independent careers information platform and is not affiliated with the Gates Foundation. Applicants should verify all vacancy information and submit applications through the official Gates Foundation careers website.
