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 Europe, Middle East and East Asia (EMEEA) team is the “ambassadorial network” of the foundation operating out of offices in London and Berlin. In addition to the two offices, the team’s country representatives are embedded in the political capitals of each major government donor and based in country (London, Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Stockholm, and Tokyo). As a team, we bring deep insights on the political landscape, media and public attitudes, and the foundation’s ability to influence decision making on our issues to the rest of the foundation. Through our network of representatives and advocacy partners in these capitals, we advocate on behalf of our program teams to relevant decision makers to build support for our programmatic objectives. Our currency is the strength of our relationships with decision makers, our credibility as an effective partner co-investing alongside our donors, the depth of our political analysis and intelligence, and the influence of our leadership. Our ultimate objective in EMEEA is to secure sustained and/or increased funding for the foundation’s key programmatic priorities as well as a supportive policy environment.

Application deadline: 18th November, 2024.

Your Role

With the election of a new government in the UK, we’re looking for someone to help us take advantage of a time-limited opportunity to look afresh at our partnerships inside and outside government, and to strengthen our networks. You will identify and grow opportunities for joint funding and thought partnership at the global level with the UK government. And you will work with the foundation’s grantees and other civil society partners to help foster a more informed, positive debate on global health and development among UK politicians and opinion-shapers.

This position is a limited-term employment (LTE) for 12 months. The role will report to Senior Program Officer, Global Policy and Advocacy, UK.

What You’ll Do

Find opportunities for new or strengthened partnerships with UK government or other UK institutions, and guide their development, working with program teams across the foundation.
Grow the foundation’s network in the UK among political leaders, decision-makers and influential voices in debates on the UK’s international role.
Work with the foundation’s existing advocacy and policy grantees in the UK to support them in increasing their impact, while also identifying and shaping potential new grantee partnerships.
Represent the foundation with the UK government and other external partners in policy and funding discussions.
Produce high-quality and informative analysis, written briefs, reports, and other materials for foundation leadership on political and policy developments in the UK.
Organize and support visits by foundation leaders to the UK.
Work closely with the communications lead for the UK on events and creative opportunities to spotlight the foundation’s priorities for partnership in the UK.

Your Experience

Significant professional experience working in, or with, UK government institutions.
Demonstrated experience of policy analysis, policy development, advocacy or campaigns.
Professional experience working on international development or global health is desirable.
Deep knowledge of the UK political context, in particular as it relates to the government’s policy on international development. Familiarity with UK civil society and advocacy organizations would be an asset.
Strong analytical approach to understand and react to real-time data and insights, and excellent judgement. Ability to assimilate and understand sometimes complex new subjects.
Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to credibly represent the foundation, and to influence and negotiate with individuals at all levels internally and externally.
Ability to effectively cultivate and manage relationships both with internal staff and foundation partners.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under deadlines, with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple and competing demands and establish priorities, remain flexible, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
Must be able to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.

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

If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request here.

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.

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

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LTE Program Officer, UK Relations, EMEEA