Associate Program Officer – Gates Foundation

Nearly 2.5 billion people live on less than $2 a day. For one person in eight, hunger is a constant, potentially deadly, companion. The vast majority of the poor also lack access to the most basic financial services and only a tiny minority have access to the Internet. The foundation’s Global Development Program is working with motivated partners to create opportunities for people to lift themselves out of poverty and hunger. Our strategy is focused. Because most of the world’s poorest people rely directly on agriculture, we support efforts to help small farmers improve crop production and market access. Because loans, insurance, and savings can help people weather setbacks and build assets, we facilitate access to financial services for the poor. And because information can change lives, we support free public access to computers connected to the Internet. We also support a range of learning opportunities, including potential new areas of long-term giving, and we respond to emergencies through our Special Initiatives grantmaking.

The Financial Services for the Poor initiative supports scalable, sustainable solutions in order to provide the world’s poor with high-impact financial services that can reduce financial vulnerability and promote improved livelihoods.
 
The Associate Program Officer works in collaboration with members of the Financial Services for the Poor team to assist in the development of team strategies and manages a portfolio of high-impact grants. In addition, the Associate Program Officer provides analytical and research support for ongoing grants management for the team. This position is within the Product Delivery at Scale initiative and will include grant management support for a portfolio of grants to international microfinance networks.
 
Responsibilities:
 
• Assists Program Officers in evaluating, developing, preparing and monitoring a broad portfolio of grants focused on delivery of financial services at scale:
     o Reviews grant proposals and conducts due diligence on proposals and potential grantees
     o Works with program team to facilitate external reviewers for proposals
     o Assists team in supporting grantees with optimizing performance, managing course corrections, reporting on results and aggregating learning
     o grant monitoring and evaluation activities
     o Assists in developing reviews, summaries and informative reports for leadership review
     o Manages directly a small portfolio of grants
• Provides ongoing research, background information and analytical support:
     o Provides substantive analysis of issues and policy developments relevant to the work of Financial Services for the Poor
     o Tracks current events related to the Financial Services for the Poor and shares relevant details with Program Officers and the Director
     o Prepares regular reports and presentations for a variety of purposes and audiences, summarizing developments and recommendations for key program areas
     o Provides research support to program leadership and team, as needed
• Participates actively in team building and workflow management
     o Supports recruitment efforts and mentors new staff as appropriate
     o Coordinates budget reports, grant submission calendars, and other reports
     o Develops quantitative and qualitative models and presentations related to grant payout and impact
• Travels as needed to assist in program-related events

Salary/Benefits:
SALARY: Salary commensurate with experience
BENEFITS:
SALARY: Salary commensurate with experience
STATUS: Full Time
Job Requirements:  
• An advanced degree and 5 years of professional experience which includes experience in a similar role requiring the application of research and writing skills to enhance decision-making and strategy development.
• Experience working with microfinance institutions
• Experience living and working in developing countries preferred.
• A strong understanding of international global development issues
• Experience in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability and initiative to juggle multiple and competing demands and establish priorities, while providing continual attention to detail in proofing materials, tracking projects and grants with high energy and positive attitude.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, cultural sensitivity and diplomacy, both individually and as part of a complex team effort.
• Second language competency preferred
• Experience in a role requiring collaboration within an organization, as well as a demonstrated ability to work with efficiency and diplomacy, particularly as part of a team effort.
• Demonstrated proficiency using MSWord, Outlook, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint or related software.            
• A healthy sense of humor and strong work ethic
• A demonstrated commitment to the foundation’s mission