The Deputy Director (DD), Country Finance will be accountable for delivering a program of work that strengthens the field of fiscal governance and fiscal policy to improve service delivery. The role is particularly focused on advancing fiscal issues related to scaling BMGF programs, by working with global and regional experts and directly in priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
The DD will manage the overall strategy and goals of the Country Finance initiative, amplifying upon work already underway. They will serve as an internal authority on aspects of domestic resource mobilization, fiscal policy, management, and governance. They will oversee a small team of staff and consultants in various locations around the world, and will be responsible for managing internal and external relationships. The DD will guide issues, budgets, and results according to the needs of the Gates Foundation planning cycle.
This role will also serve as part of the DPAF leadership team and will therefore work side-by-side with the Director, DPAF to set the strategic direction and management of the team as a whole. In particular, the DD will co-lead in annual planning processes and should expect to serve as a coach to staff on effective grantmaking, relationship management, and policy change.
This is a role that combines hands-on technical work with management and leadership so the effective candidate will be equally excited about both.
- Understand BMGF programs deeply in order to identify critical intersections with fiscal policy in delivery countries; understand current landscape of major players in this field to identify gaps in research and action.
- Develop and maintain a strategic framework to guide the foundation’s engagement in country finance that incorporates the above, evidence about what works, innovation and practicality to identify core areas for action, balancing nuances of country-specific needs with opportunities for global action
- Lead project prioritization and resource allocation for the Country Finance initiative against that framework
- Oversee a complex portfolio of analytic work, grants and advocacy activities by guiding a team of Senior/Program Officers (S/POs) and consultants in translating the overarching Country Finance framework into action
- Serve as primary interlocutor with key internal partners to provide advice on Country Finance topics and to ensure the Country Finance work is maximizing its relevance and impact across BMGF program teams
- Complement SPOs in developing excellent relationships with developing country governments and in-country actors – in priority countries – to pursue Country Finance and BMGF goals
- Oversee the work of S/POs to ensure technical integrity and clear plan measurement, and to foster documentation and dissemination of learning and evaluation efforts
- Serve as a senior member of the DPAF team in terms of performance management, teamwork, internal communications, and contribution towards team-wide priorities
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and implement exceptionally, translating analysis to ‘fundable’ ideas, advocacy and action
- Demonstrated ability to conceive and guide complex large-scale initiatives in one or more of the subject matter areas critical to the Country Finance strategy
- Significant leadership experience working in U.S., India and/or Africa (both highly preferred) with governments, think tanks, advocates and other organizations at the highest levels. Success in multiple countries is preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiating and influencing skills, including at the senior-most level and across different cultures. Able to secure government and partner commitment on strategic issues.
- Compelling team player who can work with multiple stakeholders including government, donors, grantees to create a common vision, visualize effective solutions to complex problems, then facilitate their implementation
- Ability to excite and manage a team of high performing professionals
- Highly collaborative in working with multiple Seattle, India, Africa and DC-based teams in generating interest and commitment
- Demonstrated results in roles requiring reasonable, systematic thinking while managing multiple priorities in a highly changing environment
- Experience in some of the foundation's global program strategies is expected; exposure to multiple strategies is ideal.
- Excellent communication skills–verbal and written; demonstrated effectiveness in persuasive writing and commitment to editorial excellence
- This position will spend significant time in Seattle, WA (minimum one week/month) plus international travel for a total of approximately 50% travel. If candidate chooses to be based in Seattle, travel will be at least once/month to Washington DC plus international for 50% total.
- 10+ years of experience working in the community of practice and in priority regions such that you are now a recognized and sought-after authority practitioner in Country Finance.