The Foundation
We are the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on a simple premise: people everywhere, regardless of identity or circumstances, should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives. We believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve. We provide an 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. As a workplace, weโre committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.
The TeamSince we opened our China Office in Beijing in 2007, we have been committed to supporting our Chinese partners as they play an ever-increasing role in improving the health and well-being of people both in China and around the world. We collaborate with our Chinese partners and accelerate innovations in health, agricultural development and poverty reduction for needed populations in low and middle income countries around the world. Together we have seen the tremendous impact that life-saving innovations can have when they become available to those most in need.
The China Office is part of the Global Policy and Advocacy (GPA) Division. The mission of the Division is to understand and shape the public policies affecting the foundation's work, build support for its major program and policy objectives, and develop partnerships and alliances that can advance the foundation's objectives nationally and globally. Because the foundation's resources alone are not enough to solve the challenges ahead, GPA also supports advocacy efforts to engage diverse stakeholders and promote innovative solutions that advance our program goals. We work in close partnership with grantees, our colleagues in the Global Health, Global Development, Global Growth & Opportunity, and Gender Equality programs and foundation Communications to build the environment in which all people have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives.
Your Role
Based in our China Office in Beijing, the Deputy Director, Policy and Advocacy (DDPA) is a senior leader responsible for developing and executing high-impact strategies in policy, advocacy, government relations, and resource mobilization. The role focuses on building political and financial partnerships to advance global programmatic priorities, such as malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS, vaccine-preventable diseases, maternal, neonatal, and child nutrition and health, medical product R&D, development finance, agriculture innovation, and sanitation technologies that are funded by, or executed within China.
The DDPA works closely with the GPA Office of the President, foundation program strategy and function teams to build and sustain trusted relationships with decision makers and influencers at the national, select provincial, and municipal levels in China and with international partners in support of foundation priorities. The postholder will leverage deep government relations expertise to navigate complex landscapes, secure high-level engagements, and drive policy and financing solutions that align with the foundation's mission.
This role demands a seasoned team leader and manager, with a proven track record of leading diverse, high-performing teams, managing complex portfolios, and working at the intersection of government, international organizations, and the private and philanthropic sectors. The DDPA is also expected to prioritize collective success, model courageous inquiry and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
The postholder will report to the Director, China Office, and be a member of the China Leadership Team.
What Youโll Do
Work closely with the Director, China Office, to manage the foundationโs political partnership and engagements in China and advise Chair and CEO of the foundation, President of GPA, and Executive Leaders on these partnerships and engagements.
Build and nurture a strong and high-performing team in the policy, advocacy, and resource mobilization space.
Design and manage staff and budget to execute policy, advocacy and resource mobilization strategy portfolio in China based on a clear understanding of programmatic goals and direction across the China portfolio, in support of the overall foundation strategies and priorities.
Act as a key representative across the scope of the foundationโs work in China including serving as a spokesperson to partners, at events, and for media at the local, regional, national, and global levels.
Work collaboratively with the China leadership team to develop policy, advocacy and resource mobilization strategies and to drive implementation with impact.
Jointly accountable with the Deputy Director for Health and Innovation Partnership, Deputy Director for Global Development, and Deputy Director for Communications, to co-develop advocacy and government relations strategies for people, policy, and resource mobilization for programs like malaria elimination, agriculture, and other global health/global development programs.
Collaborate effectively with various partners across the foundation, including global and regional programmatic leads for the achievement of the foundationโs goals in China and globally.
In collaboration with other Deputy Directors, lead engagement with foundation leaders when they visit the China office.
Communicate with division and program staff about opportunities and progress (as well as barriers and challenges) with critical partnerships.
Develop reports, reviews, and summaries for key stakeholders with the foundation (e.g., Division President, CEO, and Chair).
Be a critical thought partner, provide functional expertise to program teams on strategy and priority on program development and investments.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with senior leadership within the foundation to ensure overall success of the Office and the Division.
Contribute towards building an effective culture for impact within the China office.
Your Experience
Advanced degree with 15+ years of experience or equivalent combination, with extensive leadership experience in government, international organizations, policy banks, financial institutions, public or private sectors, social impact or philanthropic organizations, and/or academic institutions.
Recognized expertise in working with central government and ministerial leaders in China, ideally across a range of policy matters, including health, development, international collaboration and foreign affairs.
Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage diverse, high-performing teams.
Demonstrated excellence in effective written and oral communication skills in Chinese and English languages and working with a broad and diverse audience.
Knowledge of international development policy and key issues, at global and national levels.
Experience collaborating effectively in complex organizations and with external partners, demonstrating efficiency, diplomacy, and flexibility, particularly in team settings.
Significant experience in strategic planning and strategy implementation.
Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain composure in high-pressure or fast-paced situation
Experience working in a highly matrixed environment.
Ability to work in the office as needs dictate.
Other Attributes
Comfortable in a wide range of cultural, geographic and operational situations, demonstrating culturally sensitive behavior with a diverse range of people and a deep commitment to development issues and high standards of personal integrity.
Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.
*Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.
Application deadline: 15 October 2025
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Hiring Requirements
As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Candidate Accommodations
If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request here.
Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and cultural workplace that supports ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion โ of voices, ideas, and approaches โ and we 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.