Senior Program Assistant (LTE) – Gates Foundation, Nairobi
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is inviting applications for a Senior Program Assistant (LTE) position based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a full-time, limited-term opportunity supporting senior foundation leaders and the Africa team.
The position provides high-level administrative, coordination, travel, event and operational support to multiple principals, including at least one director-level leader. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic international environment and help ensure the smooth functioning of both senior leadership and the wider Africa team.
The position is a limited-term role ending 31 December 2027, and relocation support will not be provided. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in Kenya without visa sponsorship.
Senior Program Assistant Job Overview
- Organisation: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Position: Senior Program Assistant (LTE)
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Job ID: B021847
- Employment type: Full-time
- Contract: Limited-term
- Contract end date: 31 December 2027
- Relocation: Not provided
- Work area: Africa team / programme support
About the Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation is a global nonprofit organisation focused on addressing poverty, disease and inequality. Its work aims to ensure that people everywhere have opportunities to live healthy and productive lives.
The Foundation’s Africa team works to advance evidence-based interventions addressing diseases and socioeconomic challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa. This includes direct engagement with countries and the development of partnerships and delivery models that can be replicated across multiple countries.
The Senior Program Assistant will therefore work within an international team supporting programmes and senior leaders involved in the Foundation’s work across Africa.
Key Responsibilities
The Senior Program Assistant will provide comprehensive administrative support to several senior leaders, including a director-level principal.
A major responsibility will be complex calendar management. The successful candidate will independently manage high-level calendars, coordinate meetings across different time zones, anticipate scheduling conflicts and help leaders manage their priorities.
The role will also involve managing complex and sensitive communications, tracking priorities and actions, drafting responses when required and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Another important area is team and division support. The Senior Program Assistant will help coordinate team activities, support onboarding, contribute to team culture initiatives and participate in the broader assistant community. The role may also involve mentoring new assistants and supporting training and information-sharing activities.
Events, Travel and Logistics
The position includes substantial responsibility for events and logistics management.
The successful candidate may lead or support the planning of meetings, retreats, team-building activities, field visits, presentations and domestic or international conferences. Responsibilities can include venue arrangements, participant coordination, travel logistics, reimbursements, meeting materials and post-event follow-up.
Travel support is another central part of the position. The Senior Program Assistant will coordinate flights, accommodation, transportation, visas and security arrangements for principals. They will also manage visa and passport documentation, track applications and liaise with embassies and external travel providers.
Skills and Experience Required
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent demonstrated experience and experience working in an administrative role supporting senior management or executives.
The Foundation is looking for candidates who can prioritise effectively, communicate clearly and exercise sound judgement when working on behalf of senior leaders.
Experience supporting high-level or C-suite delegation trips is required, together with the ability to build strong relationships and gain the trust of colleagues and stakeholders.
Applicants should also be comfortable working in dynamic environments and adapting to changing priorities. Experience with Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Teams, is important. Experience using Copilot, ChatGPT and other AI tools is strongly preferred.
Work Authorisation
Applicants must be legally authorised to work in Kenya without visa sponsorship. The position is based in Nairobi and does not provide relocation support. Employment will also be subject to successful completion of the Foundation’s standard background-check process.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This role offers an opportunity to work for a globally recognised foundation focused on reducing poverty, disease and inequality. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership and an international Africa team, gaining exposure to complex programmes, partnerships, government engagement and international operations.
The Foundation also highlights a comprehensive employee benefits package, including medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays and opportunities to participate in employee communities.
For experienced executive assistants and senior administrative professionals in Kenya, this position provides an opportunity to contribute to a global development organisation while supporting high-level leadership and programmes across Africa.
