Senior Program Officer, NTD Surveillance, Global Health

The Foundation

We are the largest nonprofitfighting 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, we're committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.

The Team

Your Role

As a key member of the Neglected Tropical Diseases team's Upstream Domain, the Senior Program Officer (SPO) is responsible for creating and driving innovations in surveillance. The SPO is responsible for developing and executing a strategy to create the digital tools and strategies that will support NTD-endemic countries in Africa to better target their programs and to sustain the gains of NTD programs after years of mass drug administration. This includes a) partnering across the foundation and global ecosystem to identify surveillance platforms, digital tools and networks that can be re-purposed to include NTD surveillance and/or co-develop new platforms, tools and networks; b) lead the NTD modeling strategy and innovations in data analytics, including the use of AI, in support of surveillance and program decision-making; and c) drive appropriate adoption of AI tools in operations research in the NTD space. This will include designing, executing and managing a portfolio of grants and contracts with key external partners.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, you will liaise with functional teams and disease experts from across the foundation to optimize these strategies. You will work closely with the SPO, Product Development and the Program Officer, Operational Research, and the Deputy Director (DD), Upstream Domain to contribute to the continued development of the team's strategic vision including participating in the setting of the overall strategy and goals for the group.

What You'll Do

Surveillance & Data Enablement for NTD Programs

• Design and implement a portfolio of grants to support development of integrated surveillance strategies for NTDs, in partnership with the foundation surveillance team, malaria team, and other disease area teams
• Invest in data-driven approaches to monitor NTD transmission dynamics and identify resurgence risks.
• Identify and design opportunities for integration of NTD surveillance into broader disease surveillance platforms in priority countries
• Facilitate partnerships with ministries of health, WHO, and global health institutions to align with best practices in NTD surveillance.

AI Tool Development & Modeling for Decision-Making

• Oversee the development and application of geostatistical, transmission model, and AI-driven tools for predictive modeling of NTD burden and intervention impact.
• Partner with academic institutions, software and AI developers, and public health researchers to refine machine-learning models that optimize NTD control strategies.
• Support integration of AI-based analytics into programmatic decision-making processes for NTD control and elimination.

Grant & Portfolio Management

• Design, structure, and manage a portfolio of grants and contracts that support innovative surveillance, related data systems, and modeling for NTDs.
• Provide technical guidance to grantees and partners on best practices for data governance, digital infrastructure, and AI implementation.
• Work with internal and external stakeholders to ensure projects align with the foundation's NTD strategy and broader global health priorities.
• Synthesize insights from grantee projects to inform strategy development, policy recommendations, and funding decisions.

Cross-Sector Collaboration & Advocacy

• Build and manage partnerships with governments, WHO, academic institutions, technology providers, and funders to support NTD surveillance innovations.
• Represent the foundation at global health convenings, expert panels, and technical working groups focused on disease surveillance and AI applications.
• Advocate for scalable and sustainable solutions that leverage AI and data science to drive NTD elimination goals.

Your Experience

• Advanced degree (PhD, MD, MPH, or equivalent) in epidemiology, public health, biostatistics, computational modeling, data science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in global health, with demonstrated expertise in disease surveillance, epidemiological modeling, AI applications, or data system strengthening.
• Deep knowledge of disease program design, implementation, and surveillance strategies at global and country levels. NTD-specific experience preferred.
• Experience working in LMIC settings and engaging with ministries of health, WHO, and other global health stakeholders.
• Technical expertise in digital health infrastructure, and/or data governance in public health. Preference for candidates with experience in AI-driven analytics and machine learning applications.
• Proven track record in grant management, program implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong ability to translate complex data into actionable insights for policy and programmatic decision-making.

Other Attributes

• Familiarity with WHO guidelines and frameworks for NTDs.
• Demonstrated ability to work across multidisciplinary teams and cross-cultural settings.
• Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and leadership skills.
• This role requires up to 25% travel to partner sites, including internationally.

**Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.

The salary range for this role is $233,600.00 to $362,200.00 USD. We recognize high-wage market differences in Seattle and Washington D.C., where our offices are located. The range for this role in these locations is $254,700.00 to $394,700.00 USD. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to balance competitive pay with our mission. New hires salaries are typically between the range minimum and the salary range midpoint. Actual placement in the range will depend on a candidate's 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 - of voices, ideas, and approaches - 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.