Senior Program Officer, Polio Outbreaks (DRC & Francophone Africa focus)
Gatesfoundation
·Today
- Location
- Nairobi, Kenya
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Administration
- Seniority
- Senior
- Closing date
- Today
- Source
- Workday
Description
The 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 believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve. We provide an exceptional benefits package to employees and their families which include 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. As a workplace, we’re committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.
The Team
The Polio Team partners with the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), country governments, donors, and technical agencies to drive progress toward eradication. We focus on translating global strategy into effective country-level action—particularly in the most complex and high-risk settings.Our work is fast-paced, collaborative, and deeply mission-driven. We value clear thinking, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to solving tough problems in service of children and communities.
Application Deadline: 13/8/2026
Your Role
As a key member of the Polio Outbreak team, the Senior Program Officer- Country Support will be responsible for intensifying the engagement of the foundation with key partners (WHO, UNICEF, CDC, Rotary International and Gavi) to interrupt variant poliovirus transmission. The emphasis will primarily be on working with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to enhance the quality of supplementary immunization activities, to strengthen acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance and routine immunization, and to build a supportive environment for the application of new tools and strategies to improve the chances of polio eradication. The Senior Program Officer also leads on internal analytics and analysis on polio outbreaks.
This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya and reports to the Deputy Director of Non-Endemic Outbreaks.
What You’ll Do
Lead the Foundation’s polio strategy and portfolio in the Democratic Republic of Congo (and other francophone countries as assigned), with full accountability for performance, partner alignment, and impact.
Develop and execute integrated strategies to interrupt poliovirus transmission, aligning outbreak response, routine immunization, and health systems strengthening.
Serve as the Foundation’s primary polio lead in-country, managing a complex ecosystem of government, partners, and grantees.
Use epidemiological and program data to identify risks and gaps, and drive timely, data-informed course correction.
Drive accountability across partners and government counterparts by setting clear expectations, addressing underperformance, and ensuring follow-through.
Manage a portfolio of grants and contracts, ensuring strong performance management, strategic alignment, and delivery of results.
Design and implement strategies for humanitarian and high-risk settings, addressing access constraints and reaching zero-dose populations.
Engage senior national and provincial leaders and key partners to shape strategy, strengthen ownership, and unblock critical bottlenecks.
Travel regularly to assess program performance, resolve operational challenges, and strengthen campaign quality and execution.
Represent the Foundation and influence action in national, regional, and global forums; prepare clear, actionable briefs for leadership and contribute to a high-performance, collaborative culture.
Your Experience
Advanced degree in health, public health, epidemiology or vaccinology
Significant experience in polio eradication/outbreaks response/vaccine delivery/health emergencies programs in low- and middle-income countries, with an emphasis on program management, emergency response and program operations.
Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders and teams including elected officials, bureaucrats, public health specialists, business analysts, program implementers and developing country stakeholders.
Experience in strategic planning and strategy implementation, particularly as it relates to polio eradication and immunization.
Country-level familiarity with polio funding and planning processes, goal setting, implementation and evaluation of activities in DRC preferred.
Ability to develop and maintain strong partnerships and relationships inside and outside the organization, managing conflicts, and building consensus.
Other Attributees
Written and oral fluency in English and French; knowledge of Portuguese and/or Arabic an advantage.
Ability to travel up to 75% internationally.
Hiring Requirements
As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Candidate Accommodations
We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates. If you have a disability or medical condition and need an accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process—such as an ASL interpreter, alternative interview format, or physical accessibility support—we’re happy to help. Please contact [email protected] with the position number and a brief description of your accommodation needs. Requests will be handled confidentially.
Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and cultural workplace that supports ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion — of voices, ideas, and approaches — and we support this diversity through all our employment practices.
All applicants and employees who are drawn to serve our mission will enjoy equality of opportunity and fair treatment without regard to race, color, age, religion, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and prior protected activity.
