Program Officer, U.S. Federal Government Relations

**This is a one-year limited term employment position with salary and foundation-provided benefits. No foundation-sponsored relocation support will be offered. Resume review will begin immediately.

Division Summary

The mission of the Global Policy & Advocacy (GPA) division is to understand and shape the public policy debates affecting the foundation's work, build support for its major program and policy objectives, and develop partnerships and alliances that can advance the foundation's objectives nationally and globally. Because the foundation's resources alone are not enough to solve the challenges ahead, GPA also supports advocacy efforts to engage diverse partners and promote innovative solutions that advance our program goals. We work in close partnership with grantees, our colleagues in the Global Health, Global Development, Global Growth & Opportunity, U.S. and Gender Equality programs and Foundation Communications to build the environment in which all people have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives.

The North America Team (NAT) develops and implements policy, advocacy, communications and government relations strategies to build political support and advance domestic and global programmatic priorities that are funded by, or carried out within, the United States, Canada, and the United Nations.

Our culture shapes our choices about what we do and how we do it. We believe that energized people, working well together, fueled by great leadership in an inclusive environment can do extraordinary things.

The Program Officer, US Federal Government Relations (PO) is responsible for strategic engagement of federal policymakers around the foundation’s priorities in global health and development. The successful candidate will bring knowledge about the political and budgetary landscape at the US federal level, as well as expertise in some area of global health and/or global development. You will also lead one or more portfolio of grants and contracts in support of the foundation’s US government relations’ goals. You'll also monitor policy developments within their portfolio and will provide excellent written analyses as needed on a host of key topics for foundation leadership. This role is open to cover for an employee who is going out on leave for 12 months.

Monitor and track issues across foundation’s global health and development priorities as they show up at the US federal level
Engage federal policymakers regarding the foundation’s U.S. government relations-focused policy and advocacy priorities.
Provide written analyses as needed to update NAT and other leadership about political and policy trends within the portfolio
Plan, manage, and implement a wide range of activities in support of a complex portfolio of grants or performance-based contracts. Review letters of inquiry and grant proposals and provide clear, concise and insightful written analyses and recommendations for funding.
Consult with grantees and other partners to improve impact of projects and ensure grants are meeting strategy goals.
Manage internal processes and portfolio progress while ensuring appropriate documentation, grant budgeting and reporting. Improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Operate effectively in a highly dynamic and matrixed environment
Adapt effectively to change

Strong working knowledge of the US federal budget and decision-making processes
Strong knowledge within a particular specialized field.
Shown ability to influence others in a constructive manner and to build and sustain collaborative relationships.
Experience as technical resource to teams and leadership on impact, cost effectiveness and decision analyses.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to effectively synthesize information to reach diverse audiences and build consensus.

Bachelor’s or other advanced degree in relevant field or equivalent experience
At least 5+ years of experience
Deep dedication to global health and development issues
Ability to synthesize and share political intelligence in a clear, succinct manner
Dedication to working as part of a highly collaborative team
*Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.
**This is a one-year limited term employment position with salary and foundation-provided benefits. No foundation-sponsored relocation support will be offered.
***The foundation requires all employees based in the United States of America to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19, subject to applicable laws.
#LI-TO1
As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.