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, weโre committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.
The TeamThe 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 stakeholders 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 South & Southeast Asia team advances the Gates Foundationโs mission in one of the worldโs most dynamic regions โ by strengthening government partnerships, mobilizing diverse forms of capital, and amplifying local voices to deliver impact at scale. The South & Southeast Asia team works to align foundation priorities with regional and country-led development agendas in Singapore, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh and other ASEAN nations. We partner with governments, multilateral development banks, philanthropists, and regional networks to position South and Southeast Asia as a key engine for innovation, financing, and policy leadership in global development.
This position is a limited-term position for 12 months. Relocation will not be provided.
Weโre accepting applications until 5:00pm PDT on January 6, 2026.
Please also include a cover letter highlighting your work experience in South & Southeast Asia.
Your Role
As the Program Officer (PO), you will report to the Deputy Director, Strategy, Planning and Management, and work in a hybrid work arrangement from our Washington DC office. You will play a crucial role in developing and implementing business operations and coordinating programmatic responsibilities for the South & Southeast Asia team. You will play a cross-cutting role that supports a ~6-person core team that is based across the world and works with 20 program teams at the foundation. You will travel up to 30% of the time between Seattle, DC, and South & Southeast Asia.
What Youโll Do
Business Operations (50% of time / deliverables)
Support the opening of the foundationโs physical presence in Singapore by coordinating with the Foundationโs technical experts in HR, IT, security, operations, finance, legal etc. Establish a rhythm of business and related administrative procedures and systems for the new office by leveraging best practices from the Foundationโs other global offices.
Coordinate the South & Southeast Asia teamโs resource planning and inputs for key governance moments (bi-weekly coordination meetings, portfolio reviews, strategy reviews, and board meetings). Work closely with internal teams to strengthen ways of working to ensure the effective implementation of integrated strategies and deliverables.
Coordinate other special projects that advance the teamโs operations (e.g., onboarding new team members or consultants, organizing team retreats & working sessions, improving adoption of Salesforce/CRM systems etc.)
Programmatic Responsibilities (50% of time /deliverables)
Support Director-level and above trips to the South & Southeast Asia region. Conduct research and write briefs on programmatic and regional topics. Provide qualitative and quantitative analysis to inform internal strategies and external communications. Provide on-the-ground logistical support if needed. Document and ensure follow-up from leadership trips.
Host the Foundationโs South & Southeast Asian partners/delegations in the US (e.g. visiting Foundation offices or attending global convenings like UNGA or World Bank meetings). Engage with diverse stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and multilateral organizations, to advance shared advocacy objectives.
Coordinate other special projects that advance the teamโs programmatic priorities (e.g. review grant proposals, support Foundation sponsored convenings in the South & Southeast Asian region etc.)
Your Experience
Masterโs degree or 7 years of equivalent experience in public policy, international relations, international development, or a related field with a focus on global health and/or advocacy issues in South and Southeast Asia.
Strong project management, operations, and business process capabilities. Experience setting up an international office and/or a new team is preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to synthesize and tailor complex information for different audiences.
Ability to collaborate effectively in a matrixed environment with diverse stakeholders, both internal and external, to achieve shared objectives.
*Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.
The salary range for this role is $154,200 to $231,400 USD. We recognize high-wage market differences in Seattle and Washington D.C., where our offices are located. The range for this role in these locations is $168,200 to $252,200 USD. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our mission. New hires salaries are typically between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidateโs job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.
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 โ of voices, ideas, and approaches โ 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.