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 TeamThe Foundation partners with people and organizations worldwide, through grant making, to tackle critical problems across various program areas and divisions. Our Global Growth & Opportunity (GGO) Division focuses on creating and scaling market-based innovations to stimulate inclusive and sustainable economic growth. GGO focuses on the areas of Agricultural Development, Global Education, Inclusive Financial Systems (IFS), Nutrition, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WSH). We believe that people are poor because markets do not work for them, and we promote innovative products and policies that can break down barriers to economic opportunity, help people lift themselves out of poverty, and deliver sustainable and inclusive growth that benefits everyone.
The Inclusive Financial Systems (IFS) team believes that valuable, low-cost financial products have the potential to offer a pathway out of poverty, and that digital financial systems can enable the private sectorโs delivery of such products to the poor sustainably and at scale. IFS supports the buildout of inclusive digital financial services (DFS) systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) by (i) enabling the right policy and regulatory environment, (ii) supporting the implementation of inclusive instant payments systems, (iii) driving scale and economic sustainability by promoting pro-poor use cases; and (iv) closing the gender gap in the usage of formal financial products.
The Role
To serve unbanked populations in low-income countries, policymakers, regulators, and commercial providers must adopt evidence-based interventions which have been proven to expand the poorโs access to digital financial tools. The Senior Program Officer will identify areas where rigorous data and research can support the adoption of inclusive, pro-poor policies, regulations, and commercial strategies and increase the welfare impacts of digital financial services. They will develop and execute research and measurement strategies to fill these data and evidence gaps.
What Youโll Do
Critically evaluate and synthesize relevant research studies and evidence to inform IFSโs broader strategy
Write and produce analyses which advance the worldโs understanding of how to expand digital financial inclusion through evidence-based government policy, regulatory, and commercial interventions
Cultivate a high-impact grant portfolio and partner ecosystem to advance the IFS team research strategy, with a strong focus on regional partners in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Act an internal expert on the IFS team, fielding data and research-related questions: partner with IFS program officers to understand and address market-specific needs for research and data, and identify and track the optimal DFS access, usage, and impact indicators
Provide technical advice and research support to policymakers and commercial partners
Represent the foundation among key partners, including universities, think tanks, governments, regulators, grantees, donors, international standard setting bodies, and commercial providers
Consult with grantees and other partners to enhance the impact of projects and ensure optimal learning. This may include site visits and convening meetings of key partners.
Represent the foundation to external constituencies. This could include formal and informal presentations, attending conferences and sitting on working groups.
Write and produce briefings, reports, email updates, and other materials to inform foundation leadership.
Provide clear, concise, and insightful written analyses and recommendations for investments and team strategy.
Ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally.
Your Experience
Advanced degree (or equivalent experience) in economics, development studies, public policy, business administration, or related fields
Deep expertise in data analysis and research methods
Knowledge of the major issues related to financial inclusion
Ability to organize/prioritize work and meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment with multiple and competing demands
Capacity and initiative to solve problems with energy and positive attitude
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a cooperative and collegial fashion
Innovative, out-of-the box problem solver who is hands-on and willing to go as deep or broad as necessary to achieve outcomes
Fluent in English with excellent written and oral communication skills
Ability to question and challenge colleagues, including managers, in a constructive manner
Ability to travel up to 10% of time, as needs dictate
*Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.
The salary range for this role is $166,300 to $249,500 USD. We recognize high-wage market differences where our offices are located, in Seattle, WA & Washington D.C. The range for this role in these locations is $181,200 to $271,800 USD. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our mission and new hires are typically brought into the organization at a salary between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidateโs job-related skills, experience, and expertise, as evaluated during the interview process.
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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.