Senior Program Officer, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Product Development

$229,100 - $355,200/Yr

Disability Solutions - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Senior

Seattle, WA

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Senior Program Officer (SPO) for Product Development within the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) team plays a crucial role in the foundation's mission to combat poverty, disease, and inequity globally. This position is responsible for designing, executing, and managing a portfolio of grants and contracts aimed at developing drugs, vaccines, and diagnostics to accelerate the elimination of eight priority NTDs. The SPO will work closely with functional team experts across the foundation to optimize product development programs and will partner with the Deputy Director of PC Operations and Product Development to contribute to the strategic vision of the team. The role requires identifying innovative technologies and scientific advancements that can enhance the effectiveness of NTD control programs worldwide. In this position, the SPO will be tasked with managing a diverse portfolio of grants and performance-based contracts, ensuring alignment among internal and external stakeholders on funding priorities, and actively troubleshooting any issues that arise. The SPO will also be responsible for documenting key activities and decisions related to the grant portfolio, preparing communication materials for foundation leadership, and providing support to grantees to maximize project impact. This role involves representing the foundation externally, forging collaborations with global experts in product development, and maintaining cutting-edge approaches to addressing NTD tools. The SPO will be expected to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally to fulfill these responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, execute, and manage a portfolio of grants and contracts for drug, vaccine, and diagnostic development targeting NTDs.
• Identify and leverage forward-leaning technologies and scientific innovations to improve NTD control programs globally.
• Partner with team leadership to set and communicate strategies for new product development within the NTD strategy.
• Negotiate and manage grants or performance-based contracts, ensuring alignment of stakeholders on funding priorities.
• Track grant progress, troubleshoot issues, and provide insightful analyses and recommendations for funding.
• Document key activities and decisions related to the grant portfolio and prepare communication materials for leadership.
• Consult and support grantees to maximize project impact and create integrated product development plans.
• Liaise with drug, vaccine, and diagnostic development experts to support grantees.
• Represent the foundation and program externally, forging collaborations with key global experts in product development.

Requirements

• PhD and/or MD with 15+ years of work experience.
• Experience in end-to-end drug development or vaccine development required, with industry experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience in neglected tropical diseases preferred.
• Experience working in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) settings preferred.
• Familiarity with the WHO prequalification process preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new disease areas and drug development technologies quickly.
• Proven ability to lead data-driven strategy planning and implementation.
• Excellence in scientific writing, data analysis, and communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience advocating and communicating with a broad and diverse audience.
• Ability to work with flexibility and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong program and stakeholder management skills.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums.
• Generous paid time off and paid family leave.
• Foundation-paid retirement contribution.
• Regional holidays and opportunities to engage in employee communities.