Gates Foundation Deputy Director Job 2026 in Ethiopia: Strategy, Planning & Management Opportunity
Professionals with extensive experience in strategy, public policy, government relations, programme management, international development, and public health may be interested in the latest Gates Foundation Deputy Director – Strategy, Planning & Management opportunity in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Gates Foundation is recruiting an experienced leader to support its Policy, Government Relations, & Partnerships (PGRP) portfolio and the Ethiopia Country Office. This senior leadership position offers the opportunity to shape strategic programmes, strengthen partnerships with governments and regional institutions, and contribute to initiatives that improve health, reduce poverty, and expand economic opportunities across Africa.
About the Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations dedicated to reducing poverty, fighting disease, and creating opportunities for people around the world. Working alongside governments, research institutions, civil society organizations, and private-sector partners, the Foundation invests in evidence-based solutions that improve health, agricultural productivity, financial inclusion, nutrition, and economic development.
Across Africa, the Foundation supports programmes aimed at strengthening health systems, reducing infectious diseases, improving maternal and child health, promoting agricultural transformation, and expanding economic opportunities.
About the Position
The successful candidate will serve as Deputy Director – Strategy, Planning & Management (DD-SPM), providing strategic leadership across the Foundation’s continental Policy, Government Relations & Partnerships strategy while also supporting the Ethiopia Country Office.
Reporting to the Ethiopia Country Office Director with a dotted reporting line to the Director of Policy, Government Relations & Partnerships, the Deputy Director will lead strategy development, portfolio management, operational planning, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting, organizational effectiveness, and cross-functional coordination.
The position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Key Responsibilities
The Deputy Director will play a central role in translating strategy into measurable impact across Africa.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading strategy development and implementation
- Supporting annual and multi-year planning
- Managing programme portfolios and budgets
- Strengthening monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems
- Developing strategic performance dashboards
- Advising senior leadership on programme performance
- Coordinating cross-country and regional initiatives
- Managing grants and investment portfolios
- Building partnerships with governments and regional organizations
- Leading and mentoring high-performing teams
- Driving organizational learning and continuous improvement
- Supporting change management initiatives
- Representing the Foundation at regional meetings and stakeholder engagements
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for senior professionals working in:
- International Development
- Public Health
- Strategy and Planning
- Government Relations
- Public Policy
- Programme Management
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Development Finance
- International Partnerships
- Philanthropy
Applicants should have experience managing complex regional programmes and working with governments or international development partners.
Qualifications
Competitive applicants should possess:
- An MBA or another advanced degree
- At least 10 years of professional experience
- Strong strategic planning and portfolio management experience
- Experience working with governments, multilateral organizations, or development partners
- Financial management and budgeting expertise
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and people management experience
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Experience working across diverse cultures and countries
The successful candidate should also be willing to travel up to 40% across the region.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Working with the Gates Foundation offers professionals the opportunity to influence large-scale development programmes that improve millions of lives across Africa.
Employees benefit from:
- Working with one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations
- Meaningful impact on health and development programmes
- Collaboration with governments and international partners
- Comprehensive employee benefits
- Professional growth and leadership opportunities
- Diverse and inclusive workplace culture
Application Deadline
21 July 2026
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Gates Foundation Careers portal. Candidates are advised to review the full job description, confirm they meet the eligibility requirements, and prepare all supporting documentation before applying.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Disclaimer: This article is published for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with the Gates Foundation and do not participate in its recruitment process. All applications should be submitted through the Foundation’s official careers website.
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