Program Officer: Innovative Financing & Policy

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 143,000 - 214,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The Gates Foundation in Washington, DC is seeking a Program Officer to support the Policy Function and innovative financing initiatives. The role focuses on rapid-response analysis, investment due diligence, and creating policy-ready materials for senior leaders and external partners.

You will coordinate with cross-functional teams, manage relationships with external partners, and contribute to strategy for domestic capital mobilization and private financing instruments.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in economics, finance, public policy, international development or related field.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with ability to translate data into policy insights.
• Excellent writing, editing, and synthesis for senior/non-specialist audiences.
• Experience in development finance, investment, or policy analysis is desired.

Responsibilities

• Respond to analytical and policy requests from leadership and program teams.
• Conduct rapid research, data analysis, and evidence reviews to inform policy decisions.
• Lead research on blended finance, local currency financing, and capital markets, with clear outputs for stakeholders.
• Draft policy memos, briefs, and presentations for leadership and external partners.
• Collaborate across teams to manage portfolio investments and support grantees.

Skills

Advanced data analysis

Policy writing

Clear communication

Excel proficiency

Project management

Education

Advanced degree in economics/finance/public policy

Tools

Power BI

Azure Databricks

SharePoint

Job description

The Gates Foundation in Washington, DC is seeking a Program Officer to support the Policy Function and innovative financing initiatives. The role focuses on rapid-response analysis, investment due diligence, and creating policy-ready materials for senior leaders and external partners.

You will coordinate with cross-functional teams, manage relationships with external partners, and contribute to strategy for domestic capital mobilization and private financing instruments.