Gates Foundation Deputy Director Job in London, UK 2026 | Apply Before 2 November
The Gates Foundation is inviting applications for the position of Deputy Director, UK & Australia, EMEEA, based in London, United Kingdom. This senior leadership opportunity is suited to experienced professionals in international development, public policy, government relations, advocacy and strategic partnerships.
The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of the foundation’s engagement strategies across the United Kingdom and Australia, helping advance its priorities in global health, international development and research and development (R&D).
The position offers an opportunity to work with senior government officials, policymakers, philanthropic organisations, civil society groups and other influential stakeholders to support initiatives addressing poverty, disease and inequality.
The application deadline is 2 November 2026.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Deputy Director, UK & Australia, EMEEA
- Organisation: Gates Foundation
- Job Location: London, United Kingdom
- Job Type: Full-time
- Job Category: International Development, Public Policy, Advocacy and Government Relations
- Job Requisition ID: B021797
- Application Deadline: 2 November 2026
About the Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation is a global philanthropic organisation working to reduce poverty, disease and inequality. Its work spans global health, global development, agricultural research, gender equality and economic opportunity.
The foundation collaborates with governments, nonprofit organisations, research institutions, businesses and other partners to support programmes that improve people’s lives.
Its Global Policy and Advocacy division works to understand political developments, influence policy discussions and build partnerships that advance the foundation’s objectives.
Within this division, the Europe, Middle East, and East Asia (EMEEA) team connects the foundation’s global programmes with governments, donors and partners across key international markets.
About the Deputy Director Role
The Deputy Director will lead the foundation’s engagement strategy across the UK and Australia. Both countries are significant contributors to global development and have important roles in health and agricultural research.
Working with the Managing Director, EMEEA, the successful candidate will provide strategic leadership, political and policy analysis, and guidance on advocacy and partnership development.
The position also involves coordinating colleagues across different departments and ensuring that country-level priorities align with the foundation’s wider global objectives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategy Development and Implementation
The Deputy Director will design and implement comprehensive country strategies for the UK and Australia. These strategies will align with the foundation’s overall priorities and identify measurable outcomes for policy engagement, advocacy and partnerships.
The role includes monitoring political developments, donor priorities and emerging risks to ensure that strategies remain relevant and effective.
The successful candidate will also oversee a regional investment portfolio involving grants and contracts.
2. Government Relations and Advocacy
A major responsibility will be building and maintaining relationships with senior government officials, policymakers, opinion leaders, civil society organisations and philanthropic partners.
The Deputy Director will represent the foundation at high-level conferences, policy dialogues and public events. They will also provide strategic advice and political briefings to senior leadership.
3. Partnership Development
The successful applicant will work with colleagues across the foundation to develop partnerships with governments, institutions and other stakeholders.
They will manage relationships with grantees and partners, support effective advocacy and communication strategies, and help ensure that collaborative initiatives deliver meaningful results.
4. Leadership and Team Management
The position includes managing, coaching and developing direct reports while coordinating a broader network of colleagues across the foundation.
Responsibilities include setting team priorities, establishing performance goals, supporting professional development and fostering an inclusive, collaborative working environment.
Qualifications and Experience
The Gates Foundation is seeking an experienced leader with strong strategic, diplomatic and analytical capabilities.
Applicants should have an advanced degree in economics, public policy, international relations, public health, international development or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Experience navigating political and policy environments in the UK and/or Australia.
- A strong track record of developing and implementing strategies that influence policy and achieve measurable results.
- Expert knowledge of international development policy and practice.
- Strong negotiation, diplomacy and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience building relationships with senior government officials, policymakers, multilateral institutions and other partners.
- Proven leadership, team management and staff development capabilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience working across complex organisations and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
The successful candidate must also be comfortable working across different cultural and geographical contexts and be willing to travel at least 10% of the time across the UK, Australia and foundation offices.
Employee Benefits
The foundation highlights a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision coverage without employee premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-funded retirement contributions and regional holidays.
Employees can also participate in employee communities and benefit from a workplace that emphasises professional development, collaboration and inclusion.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should review the full job description and submit their applications through the Gates Foundation’s official recruitment platform.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL LINK
Applicants should prepare an updated CV and provide information demonstrating their strategic leadership, policy expertise, government relations experience and ability to build partnerships.
Application deadline: 2 November 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Deputy Director, UK & Australia, EMEEA position is an opportunity for an experienced international development or public policy professional to contribute to global health and development objectives through strategic leadership and influential partnerships.
Candidates with strong political judgement, government engagement experience and a proven record of leading complex policy initiatives should review the requirements and apply before the deadline.
Deputy Director
