Program Manager The Global Resilience Initiative Washington

Program Officer – Agricultural Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

About the Role

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is seeking a dedicated and strategic Program Officer to join our Agricultural Development team. This pivotal role is centered on driving innovation and scaling impactful solutions to empower smallholder farmers in developing countries, ultimately reducing poverty and improving food security. You will be responsible for managing a complex grants and contracts portfolio, fostering key partnerships, and developing strategies that translate ambitious goals into measurable, on-the-ground results. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world’s most pressing challenges while working within a mission-driven, collaborative, and evidence-based organization.

Location: Seattle, WA, United States
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submission is encouraged.
Employee Type: Regular, Full-Time
Salary Range: $285,000 – $442,000 per year. This reflects the high level of expertise and impact associated with the role, and final compensation is determined by candidate experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

Core Responsibilities

In this role, you will leverage your deep technical knowledge and program management skills to advance the foundation’s agricultural goals. Your key duties will include:

• Strategy Development & Execution: Contribute to the design and refinement of initiative strategies within the Agricultural Development program. Synthesize complex data, research, and field insights to identify high-impact opportunities and potential barriers to success.

• Portfolio Management: Build and manage a diverse portfolio of grants and contracts. This includes the end-to-end process of sourcing new investments, conducting due diligence, drafting investment recommendations, negotiating awards, and monitoring progress against agreed-upon milestones and outcomes.

• Partner Cultivation & Relationship Management: Serve as a key liaison and thought partner for a wide range of stakeholders, including grantees, government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and private sector partners. Foster collaborative relationships to align efforts, share learnings, and drive collective impact.

• Knowledge Synthesis & Communication: Analyze and interpret monitoring data, evaluation reports, and academic research to assess program effectiveness. Prepare clear, concise, and compelling written materials—including briefs, reports, and presentations—for both internal leadership and external audiences.

• Cross-Foundation Collaboration: Work effectively with teams across the foundation, such as Gender Equality, Global Health, and Global Growth & Opportunity, to identify and execute on synergistic opportunities that maximize overall foundation impact.

Who You Are: Qualifications & Experience

Our ideal candidate is a systems thinker with a passion for agricultural development and a proven track record of managing complex projects. You are analytical, a skilled communicator, and thrive in a collaborative environment.

Required Qualifications:

• An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, International Development, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a related field.

• A minimum of 7+ years of professional experience, with significant exposure to program management, strategy, or policy roles within the context of international agricultural development.

• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the foundation’s key agricultural focus areas, such as:

  • Climate-resilient cropping systems

  • Soil health and sustainable land management

  • Digital agriculture and farmer services

  • Market access and value chain development

  • Policy and finance for smallholder farmers

• Proven ability to design, manage, and evaluate a portfolio of grants or contracts, ensuring financial integrity and programmatic results.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information for diverse audiences.

• A deep commitment to the foundation’s core values of optimism, collaboration, rigor, and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct field experience working in sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia on agricultural development projects.

• Experience working in or closely with both the public and private sectors.

• Strong network of contacts within the global agricultural development community.

• Proficiency in a second language relevant to our geographies of focus (e.g., French, Hindi).

The Team & Our Work

You will join the Agricultural Development team within the foundation’s Global Growth & Opportunity division. Our mission is to support country-led inclusive agricultural transformation across Africa and South Asia. We believe that all people—especially farming families—should have the opportunity to lift themselves out of poverty and build healthy, productive lives. We focus on catalyzing innovation in seeds, soils, livestock, and digital tools, while also working to strengthen markets and policies so that solutions are sustainable and scalable.

As a Program Officer, you will be part of a diverse, multidisciplinary team of experts—from agronomists and economists to data scientists and advocacy specialists. We foster a culture of intellectual curiosity, mutual respect, and a relentless focus on outcomes.

Employee Benefits & Foundation Culture

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for every employee. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, both professionally and personally.

Compensation & Financial Well-being:

• Highly competitive base salary within the posted range.

• Generous employer-matched gift and grant program.

• Comprehensive retirement savings plan with foundation contributions.

Health & Wellness:

• Full medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your eligible dependents with minimal employee premiums.

• On-site fitness center and wellness programs.

• Extensive mental health resources and employee assistance programs.

Work-Life Integration & Growth:

• Flexible and hybrid work models to support productivity and balance.

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and volunteer time.

• Paid parental leave and family-forming assistance.

• Significant investment in continuous learning and professional development, including tuition reimbursement and access to industry conferences.

Our culture is rooted in a belief that every life has equal value. We are optimistic, we collaborate broadly, we are rigorous in our analysis, and we are driven by innovation to find the best solutions to the world’s toughest problems.

How to Apply

If you are motivated by the challenge and opportunity to create lasting change for farming families around the world, we encourage you to apply.

To submit your application, please prepare the following:

1. An updated resume or CV detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.

2. A cover letter (no more than two pages) that addresses:

   • Your specific interest in the Program Officer role and the Gates Foundation.

   • How your experience aligns with the core responsibilities and required qualifications.

   • A brief description of one professional accomplishment that demonstrates your ability to manage a complex project or partnership in the agricultural development sector.