Senior Program Officer, Health Systems Strengthening - Health Financing and Supply Chain (6 Months LTE ) at Gates Foundation in Addis Ababa

Job 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 This role sits within the Foundation’s Africa Offices (AIO) and is based in Ethiopia, working in close partnership with the Government of Ethiopia, donors, and implementing partners to strengthen primary health care through health financing, pharmaceutical systems, and supply chain management. The team focuses on supporting country-led priorities and national health system institutions, strengthening the policy and financing environment for primary health care, and improving the availability and affordability of essential medicines and health commodities — grounded in country ownership, strong government engagement, and effective donor coordination. Application Deadline: 31/8/2026 Your Role The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will lead the development and management of a portfolio of strategic investments (grants and contracts) to strengthen primary health care through health care financing (HCF), pharmaceutical systems, and supply chain management (SCM). This role is designed for a senior health systems leader with deep expertise in health financing and health economics, pharmaceutical systems, and supply chain management. Experience working alongside Ministries of Health and national health financing, regulatory, and supply chain institutions is strongly preferred. Working closely with the Government of Ethiopia, donors, and implementing partners, the SPO will provide technical leadership, strategic analysis, and investment oversight to advance the Foundation’s health systems objectives. The SPO will cultivate strategic partnerships, represent the Foundation in national and global technical forums, and contribute to shaping the Foundation’s strategy in health financing, supply chain management, and health systems strengthening. While global strategy for health financing and supply chain systems is set by the relevant global program teams, this role focuses on country-level strategy, investment design and oversight, and the government and partner engagement required to translate that strategy into measurable improvements in Ethiopia’s primary health care system. This is a 6-month, limited-term position based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Prior experience working in Ethiopia is preferred. What You’ll Do 1. Portfolio Strategy, Investment Design & Grantmaking Lead the design, development, negotiation, execution, and management of a portfolio of grants and contracts aligned with the Foundation’s health financing, pharmaceutical systems, and health systems strengthening strategy Identify new investment opportunities and develop grant concepts that respond to national priorities and evidence gaps Review proposals, conduct technical and financial assessments, and provide evidence-based funding recommendations Manage portfolio budgets, grant documentation, reporting, and internal processes while ensuring compliance with Foundation policies and operational standards 2. Investment Oversight & Portfolio Management Provide strategic oversight of active grants and contracts, ensuring high-quality implementation and achievement of milestones Ensure effective risk management, learning, and measurable impact across the portfolio Track performance against agreed indicat