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Public Affairs Council

Senior Program Officer - Research & Policy

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty.

In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people - especially those with the fewest resources - have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett.

Job Description

The Financial Services for the Poor (FSP) initiative aims to increase the poor's access to a range of low-cost, high value financial services that better enable them to meet daily needs, cope with risk, and lead healthy and productive lives. A critical component of our work is to ensure that practitioners, donors, investors, and policymakers understand what types of programs and policies are most effective. This demands rigorous research on the demand, delivery, and impact of financial services.

Qualifications

Advanced degree in Economics, Public Policy, or related field; PhD preferred

Good familiarity with policy and regulatory aspects in a particular sector; preference for knowledge in access to finance

Track record in publishing policy-relevant research on financial services for the poor

Five years or more relevant work experience in public policy research and/or advisory services (Significant field experience strongly preferred)

Demonstrated capacity to conceptualize, structure, negotiate, document, and supervise projects/programs

Excellent written and oral communication skills to convey complex concepts in a clear, concise manner

Experience leading and working with a range of clients, colleagues, consultants and other partners with broad exposure to private, public, and NGO sectors

Exceptional results orientation combined with strong relationship management skills

Ability to establish priorities among multiple, competing demands

Solid team player who can also operate independently, with a demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy in a fast-paced environment

Innovative and open-minded approach to all aspects of work. Ability to question and challenge colleagues, including managers, in a constructive manner

Proficiency in a foreign language preferred

Ability to travel up to 25% of time as needs dictate

To apply:

http://posttrak.arbita.net/cgi-bin/PostTrak.cgi?RefCode=R1686245507448


SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 3/30/09