Gates Foundation
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The Role
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will lead the Foundation's work on regional coordination and transboundary policy, and political engagement for novel and emerging health technologies across Africa, with a primary focus on East and West Africa.
This role is designed for a senior policy, advocacy and political engagement leader, with deep expertise in biosafety policy, cross-border governance, and regional institutional processes. Experience working alongside regulatory authorities is strongly preferred.
The SPO will work with national governments, African Union institutions, and Regional Economic Communities to advance regional policy coherence, political coordination, and cross border governance mechanisms needed to support Innovation that operates across borders, while supporting coherent implementation of existing regional policy and regulatory frameworks.
While the Foundation's regulatory strategy, systems strengthening, and direct engagement with national regulatory authorities is led by our IDEV team and its partners, this role will focus on the broader policy, political, and cross-border governance environment, required to enable responsible development and deployment of emerging technologies.
This is a 24-month, limited-term position reporting to the Deputy Director, Advocacy & Communications Africa.
**What You'll Do **
**Transboundary Policy, Governance & Political Strategy **
Lead the development and execution of strategy on cross-border policy, governance and political alignment for emerging health technologies
Translate complex scientific, regulatory and governance dynamics into clear policy, advocacy, and political strategies that support cross-country alignment and decision-making
Identify and address political economy dynamics, cross-border risks, and regional sensitivities that influence adoption and coordination
Engagement with AU, Regional Economic Communities, and Transboundary Authorities
In partnership with the IDEV team, Lead engagement with:
African Union and AU-affiliated institutions (including AUDA-NEPAD)
Regional Economic Communities (EAC, ECOWAS, IGAD, and others)
Regional policy and coordination platforms relevant to cross-border governance
Engage with and strengthen transboundary governance mechanisms tied to shared ecosystems and cross-border dynamics (e.g., basin authorities, Great Lakes regional platforms, and other shared-resource governance bodies)
Facilitate high-level regional dialogue, agenda setting and policy alignment processes
National Engagement & Cross-Border Coordination
Engage governments, ministries and regional actors to support alignment and confidence in cross-border policy environments
Support countries in navigating:
Emerging cross-border policy challenges
Precedent-setting governance questions
Coordination with neighboring jurisdictions
Support confidence building among policymakers and regional stakeholders on complex and emerging cross-border issues, in coordination with IDEV and technical partners
Technical Leadership in Emerging Technology Governance
Serve as the Foundation's regional strategic adviser on policy and governance considerations for emerging technologies
Maintain strong understanding of regulatory and scientific considerations to inform policy and political strategy
Translate complex scientific issues into clear, actionable policy and advocacy options
Contribute to regional and global dialogue on emerging technology governance and cross-border policy frameworks
Policy Advocacy & Political Engagement
Provide strategic advice on political economy dynamics affecting cross-border technologies
Develop and deliver briefings and engagement strategies for senior policymakers, regional leaders and regional influencers
Support efforts to strengthen African leadership, ownership and coordination in regional and global policy discussions
Strategy, Grantmaking & Internal Leadership
Lead and manage a portfolio of investments that advance policy, advocacy, and transboundary coordination objectives
Shape and guide implementing partners and platforms working on regional and cross-border issues
Develop high-quality briefs, insights, and strategic recommendations for Foundation leadership
Support internal alignment across teams and contribute to overall strategy development for emerging technologies
Cross-Foundation Collaboration
Collaborate across technical, regulatory, advocacy, and communications teams to ensure integrated strategy and execution
Work in close collaboration with IDEV, ensuring that policy, political engagement and regional coordination efforts complement (and do not duplicate) regulatory strategy and implementation activities.
Serve as a key connector between global teams, Africa regional teams, and external partners
Align efforts across multiple countries and institutions to drive coherent regional outcomes
**Your Experience **
Advanced degree in public policy, law, international relations, global health, or related field
Minimum of 7 years of experience in policy, governance, advocacy transboundary governance
Demonstrated experience working across multiple African countries, including East and West Africa
Proven track record of engaging governments, regional institutions and high-level stakeholders
Experience operating in complex, politically sensitive, multi-country environments
Experience within African Union institutions or AU-affiliated bodies
Senior experience within a Regional Economic Community (e.g., EAC, ECOWAS, IGAD), particularly in regional policy coordination, policy harmonization or cross-border governance.
Deep expertise in:
Multi-lateral and transboundary governance
Regional policy coordination and harmonization
Multilateral environmental instruments like the convention on biological diversity and its protocols
Transboundary resource governance (e.g., basin authorities, shared ecosystem governance, cross-border health coordination platforms)
Familiarity with regulatory systems and processes related to emerging technologies is an asset
**Expected Outcomes of the Role: **
Strengthened regional alignment on transboundary policy and cross-border governance approaches.
Improved regional confidence and coordination supporting informed national decision-making.
Effective engagement of AU and REC platforms as coordination mechanisms
Reduced cross-border policy risk and fragmentation
Additional Attributes
Qualified candidates should submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their experience and interest in the role
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country where this role is based without visa sponsorship.
Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.
Policy & Governance Expertise – Strong understanding of biosafety policy and the regional regulatory landscape.
Institutional Navigation – Strong credibility with AU institutions, Regional Economic Communities, governments and other regional stakeholders.
Strategic Thinking – Ability to operate in complex, evolving, multi-country contexts
Political Acumen – Skilled at navigating sensitive policy environments
Partnership & Influence – Ability to convene and influence senior stakeholders
Communication – Ability to translate technical issues into clear, actionable insights