Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is Now Hiring: Senior Program Officer, Research and Measurement, Digital Public Infrastructure (Salary Range: $185,000 to $277,400)

Location: Seattle, WA (Hybrid)
Application Deadline: May 27, 2025, at 12:00 PM Pacific Time
Job Requisition ID: B020972

About the Bill Foundation

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the world’s largest private philanthropic organization, dedicated to reducing poverty, disease, and inequality. Built on the belief that everyone deserves the chance to live a healthy and productive life, the Foundation supports evidence-based solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.

With a workforce that reflects the global communities it serves, the Foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level. It offers an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive healthcare (no premiums), generous paid time off, family leave, foundation-funded retirement contributions, regional holidays, and vibrant employee resource groups.

The Division: Global Growth and Opportunity (GGO)

The GGO division works to foster sustainable economic development through innovation and market-based solutions. Program areas within GGO include Agricultural Development, Global Education, Inclusive Financial Systems, Nutrition, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). The division operates on the belief that markets often fail the world’s poorest, and through strategic investments, aims to unlock inclusive growth and break down systemic barriers.

About the DPI Team

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to foundational digital systems that enable countries to deliver public services and economic opportunities more effectively and equitably. DPI plays a critical role in connecting people, money, and data—much like roads and electricity infrastructure.

The DPI team supports the development and regulation of key digital systems, including:

• Digital identity systems: Enabling secure, verifiable identification for digital and in-person transactions.
• Digital payment platforms: Facilitating instant and accessible money transfers for individuals, businesses, and governments.
• Data exchange systems: Allowing safe, interoperable sharing of digital information.

Emerging areas of interest also include consent mechanisms, digital credentials, registries, and digital signatures. The goal is to establish open, standardized, and interoperable platforms that drive digital inclusion, service delivery, and economic growth—especially for women and underserved communities in low- and middle-income countries.

The Role: Senior Program Officer, Research and Measurement

The Foundation seeks a Senior Program Officer (SPO) to lead its research and measurement strategy for DPI. Based in Seattle, WA, this role plays a central part in generating the data, evidence, and insights needed to guide the design, implementation, and governance of DPI in the Global South, particularly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.

This individual will identify evidence gaps, lead strategic research efforts, and support the Foundation’s engagement with policymakers, regulators, and commercial providers to ensure DPI initiatives are inclusive, impactful, and evidence-based.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a high-impact research and measurement strategy aligned with the Foundation’s goals for DPI.
• Build and manage a grant portfolio that supports rigorous studies on DPI adoption, usage, and impact in LMICs.
• Identify and define key indicators and metrics for monitoring DPI progress across sectors.
• Lead causal impact evaluations on how DPI affects household welfare, service delivery, and inclusive development.
• Translate complex research findings into clear, actionable insights for global partners, including governments and NGOs.
• Partner with DPI program officers to address market-specific research needs and ensure local context is embedded in strategy.
• Serve as the internal knowledge lead on research and evidence for the DPI team.
• Represent the Foundation at conferences, global working groups, and policy forums.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including think tanks, research institutions, regulators, and commercial actors.
• Produce detailed briefings, presentations, and reports to support internal decision-making and strategy updates.
• Travel up to 20% of the time, both domestically and internationally.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in economics, public policy, development studies, business administration, or a related field.
• Deep expertise in data analysis, impact measurement, and research design.
• Experience working on digital public infrastructure initiatives, especially in Africa or Asia.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to manage complex projects.
• Demonstrated ability to translate research into policy and programmatic guidance.
• Excellent communication and writing skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder relationships and working across sectors.
• Independent, proactive thinker with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without visa sponsorship.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary Range (General): $169,700 – $254,500 USD
• Salary Range (Seattle & DC): $185,000 – $277,400 USD
  Final offer will be based on qualifications and experience, typically falling between the range minimum and midpoint.

Benefits include:

• No-premium medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous paid time off and family leave
• Foundation-paid retirement contributions
• Professional development resources
• Relocation support for eligible candidates

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by May 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM Pacific Time. Apply through the official Gates Foundation Careers Portal.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the hiring company. For any inquiries, please contact the hiring organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.