Senior Program Officer, Vaccine Forecasting & Financing

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation•Seattle, WA

22h•$190,300 - $285,500

About The Position

The Senior Program Officer, Vaccine Forecasting & Financing will lead the design, implementation, and improvement of vaccine forecasting processes and systems, and financing approaches that strengthen immunization sustainability in low- and middle-income countries. The role will support countries, Gavi, UNICEF, and other partners to strengthen forecasting and budgeting processes, improve vaccine prefinancing and co-financing mechanisms, increase domestic financing for immunization, and develop innovative financing approaches that accelerate equitable vaccine access. The position will serve as a connection between the team’s wider access-oriented efforts across an important continuum of topics (upstream market shaping efforts, procurement system strengthening, and downstream supply chain performance optimization). The role involves collaboration with internal and external stakeholders including the Gavi Alliance partners, vaccine financiers and country immunization programs.

Requirements

A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in global health/development
Deep expertise in global immunization program design/operations, health financing, vaccine procurement, or development finance
Strong analytical skills in forecasting, budgeting, and financial modeling
Experience working with governments, global health institutions, and donor-funded programs
A proven ability to influence policy and drive cross-functional collaboration across technical and financing stakeholders
Demonstrated ability to translate complex financing challenges into practical solutions that improve immunization outcomes
Strong strategic problem solver using evidence-based strategic or operational plans as well as shaping and leading sustainable and scalable ventures
Must have unrestricted work authorization in the country where this position is located.
The Foundation does not provide immigration-related sponsorship for this role. This includes direct company sponsorship and any work authorization requiring a written submission or other immigration support from the company (eg: H-1B, O-1, L-1, E, OPT, STEM-OPT, CPT, TN, J-1, etc.).

Nice To Haves

French language proficiency is desired but not required.
Demonstrates strong personal initiative and the ability to work independently, while also being a collaborative team member.
Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex issues clearly and simply, and to listen attentively.

Responsibilities

Improve Global Vaccine Forecasting and Planning Systems by collaborating with Gavi and UNICEF to drive continued improvements in forecasting, supply planning, and allocation processes.
Strengthen global and country-level demand forecasting, budgeting, and funding source identification.
Work across partners to improve forecasting accuracy, transparency, and decision-making.
Lead analysis and process improvements to address systemic forecasting challenges affecting vaccine availability and financing.
Optimize Financing Solutions to unlock Vaccine Procurement by supporting efficient utilization of vaccine procurement and pre-financing mechanisms.
Monitor and strengthen Gavi co-financing performance and tracking systems.
Design and evaluate financing solutions for campaigns, cold chain equipment, and other immunization investments.
Explore financing mechanisms for novel vaccines and other priority immunization products.
Strengthen Domestic Financing for Immunization by collaborating across country offices, regional (ARO) and global teams (DPAF, PAC, SIF) to maintain and increase financing for immunization.
Coordinate efforts with Gavi and UNICEF as well as other DFI partners.
Influence and inform Gavi co-financing policies and implementation.
Supply efforts to strengthen national forecasting, supply planning, and budgeting processes for vaccine-related commodities.
Support priority countries to increase and sustain domestic resources for vaccines and immunization programs.
Advance Innovative Financing for Immunization by collaborating with country offices, regional and global teams, and partners to explore and implement innovative financing mechanisms where appropriate.
Assess opportunities for innovative financing approaches, including debt swaps, vaccine bonds, MDB multiplier mechanisms, and blended finance models.
Collaborate with financing specialists and partners to identify scalable mechanisms that can increase resources for immunization.