Senior Program Officer, Digital & AI - Global Health

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation•Seattle, WA

3d•$212,800 - $362,800

About The Position

The Senior Program Officer (SPO) for Digital health and AI applications within the Evidence and Analytics Unit will play a critical role in advancing AI-driven solutions to strengthen HIV and TB programs globally. This position will focus on developing novel AI tools for testing and programmatic deployment, designing sustainable self-care models, and coordinating product introductions for HIV and TB prevention and treatment programs. The SPO will also contribute to the integration of AI across both HIV and TB delivery teams, focusing on innovative solutions that align with global health priorities. The SPO will report directly to the Deputy Director (DD) and collaborate closely with global and country teams, stakeholders, and various foundation program teams to drive transformative solutions. The successful candidate will bring technical expertise in AI and data systems in healthcare, a deep understanding of HIV and TB programming, and a passion for improving health outcomes through innovative technology. This SPO role offers a unique opportunity to leverage AI and data science to transform and upgrade the landscape of HIV and TB prevention, treatment, and program delivery. By integrating cutting-edge AI tools and self-care models, the SPO will directly contribute to advancing health outcomes and strengthening health systems globally. The role offers a chance to work with passionate, skilled teams and have a direct impact on the health and well-being of populations affected by HIV and TB worldwide.

Requirements

Advanced degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Public Health, or related field.
At least 10 years of experience in applied data science, AI, or a related technical field, with a strong background in global health programming (ideally in HIV and TB).
Proven experience in developing digital and AI models and tools/products, machine learning, modeling, and data analytics solutions.
Familiarity with AI applications in healthcare, particularly in HIV and TB and in public health contexts.
Proven knowledge of HIV and TB prevention, treatment, and adherence programs, with an understanding of self-care strategies.
Experience in managing cross-functional teams and working with stakeholders at global and country levels.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
Knowledge of ethical, regulatory, and monitoring considerations related to AI use in healthcare programs.
Experience working in low- and middle-income countries and an understanding of global health systems and challenges.
Technical versatility and product development experience: hands-on experience on AI, modeling and data science applied to healthcare, ideally with real-world data, for e.g. health product development or public health policy support.
Understanding, knowledge and know-how about underlying data science techniques and the related good practices (e.g. MLops, good modeling practices, tool development process).
Ability to identify key issues, design innovative solutions, and execute them effectively within complex healthcare environments.
Ability to align AI solutions with long-term programmatic goals and impact metrics.
Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary and cross-functional team, fostering a collaborative environment across different stakeholders.
Capacity to drive innovative thinking and bring creative AI solutions to global health challenges.
Successful completion of a background check.

Nice To Haves

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.
Workplace committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.
Focus on the health problems that have an impact in developing countries but get too little attention and funding.
Where proven tools exist, support sustainable ways to improve their delivery.
Where they do not, invest in research and development of interventions, such as vaccines, drugs, and diagnostics.
Work focuses on strategies to fight and prevent HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, enteric and diarrheal diseases, and pneumonia.
Programs strategy teams are supported by functional teams that focus on Discovery and Translational Sciences, Vaccine Development, the Accelerator, and Integrated Development.
TB and HIV work is combined under a joint TB/HIV Program Strategy Team (PST), which focuses on research, development, and delivery of new products and tools.
Accessible, high-quality, affordable diagnostics are essential for early detection of TB, timely linkage to treatment, and effective monitoring of people living with HIV.
TB/HIV Diagnostics Delivery portfolio focuses on expanding access to innovative screening and diagnostic tools—including CAD-enabled digital chest X-ray, near-point-of-care and point-of-care (nPOC/POC) molecular assays, distributable PCR kits, and essential HIV diagnostics such as CD4 and viral load testing.
Work in close partnership with the TB/HIV Research & Development teams and the Enterics, Diagnostics, Genomics & Epidemiology (EDGE) team, which advance next-generation diagnostic platforms and ensure new tools meet programmatic needs.
Collaboration with Senior Program Officers (SPOs) in our priority countries and regional offices across Africa, India, and China is essential to ensure successful field introduction, adoption, and scale-up.
Leverage AI and data science to transform and upgrade the landscape of HIV and TB prevention, treatment, and program delivery.
Integrate cutting-edge AI tools and self-care models.
Directly contribute to advancing health outcomes and strengthening health systems globally.
Work with passionate, skilled teams and have a direct impact on the health and well-being of populations affected by HIV and TB worldwide.
Up to 30% domestic and international travel to support country implementation and partner engagement.
Candidate Accommodations: Committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates. If you have a disability or medical condition and need an accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process—such as an ASL interpreter, alternative interview format, or physical accessibility support—we’re happy to help. Please contact [email protected] with the position number and a brief description of your accommodation needs. Requests will be handled confidentially.
Inclusion Statement: Dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. Strive for a global and cultural workplace that supports ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion — of voices, ideas, and approaches — and 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.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of novel digital health and AI tools and approaches for deployment in HIV and TB prevention, treatment, and adherence programs.
Collaborate with HIV and TB delivery teams to integrate digital health and AI into existing and new programmatic strategies.
Design digital health and AI solutions that can support self-care approaches for both prevention and treatment, enhancing the sustainability and scalability of programs.
Contribute to the development of a robust, scalable self-care program strategy applicable to priority countries, integrating digital health and AI solutions to empower individuals and providers in primary prevention, HIV/TB treatment and adherence.
Design consumer- and provider-facing tools that promote sustainability and long-term impact for HIV and TB treatment programs.
Coordinate the introduction of prevention products (e.g., Len and MK8527) in alignment with other Product Strategy Teams (PSTs) and country teams.
Provide technical support and guidance to ensure smooth integration and alignment of these products with digital health and AI-driven solutions.
Develop and manage a digital health and AI framework across HIV and TB delivery, ensuring alignment with key use cases across consumer, provider, and program intelligence.
Address ethics, regulatory, and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) considerations to ensure responsible and effective use of AI in program delivery.
Identify, develop, and manage key investments in digital health and AI solutions to support self-care initiatives, clinical decision support systems, and enhance overall HIV and TB program delivery.
Ensure that investments align with the foundation’s strategic goals for HIV and TB, focusing on sustainable, scalable, and impactful solutions.
Engage stakeholders at global and country levels, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between delivery teams, other foundation teams, and external partners.
Represent the HIV and TB delivery teams on the AI task force and on other internal and global forums as needed.
Contribute to the development of AI strategies and frameworks at the foundation, and related access to relevant data and information systems.
Provide evidence to inform the design and targeting of prevention product introductions for maximum impact in HIV and TB programs.
Contribute to the development of metrics/KPIs and evidence generation plans to monitor public health impact of deployed digital tools.
Contribute to the development of digital health tools for epidemiologic surveillance of HIV and TB, including creating more affordable and agile tools for TB prevalence surveys and HIV household/community surveys.
Advocate for digital health and AI-driven innovations that enhance service delivery and health outcomes by addressing workforce shortages and increasing access to stigma-free, high-quality care.
Drive the integration of digital health and AI to strengthen program intelligence, improving health systems’ resiliency in the face of global health challenges.
Drive the integration of digital health and AI powered tools to local data systems to ensure scalability and sustainability.
Work closely with cross-functional teams within the foundation, ensuring that digital health and AI solutions align with broader health system strengthening efforts.
Collaborate with global and country teams to ensure the successful deployment of AI solutions and programmatic tools.
Work closely with and align efforts with the foundation’s AI Taskforce, ensuring that the strategy for AI deployment across HIV and TB programs is consistent with the foundation’s overall AI framework and objectives.
Keep abreast of new technological advancements in AI, ensuring that strategies and tools are up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in the field of data science and AI.
Ensure close alignment between strategy and technology, maintaining coherence in AI solutions, technological capabilities, and programmatic objectives.