Senior Program Officer, Agricultural Transformation Strategy & Analysis, Part

Please note this is a part-time job share with an expectation of 20 hours/week.

The Global Growth & Opportunity (GGO) division works to catalyze sustainable and transformative socio-economic change. In the face of inequities and market failures, GGO seeks to realize the potential of untapped markets and ensure that economic and social benefits reach everyone. We focus on the areas of Agricultural Development; Financial Services for the Poor; and Water, Sanitation & Hygiene. We seek solutions that are sustainable, transformative, and inclusive with an eye toward applying technology innovations as well as data evidence to drive change in the world?s developing countries.

The Agricultural Development (AgDev) program aims to catalyze a country-led, inclusive, agricultural transformation (IAT) process by developing and scaling products, services, policies, and system-wide innovations that benefit small-scale producers, empower women and improve nutritional outcomes. We want farmers in Sub- Saharan Africa (SSA) and South Asia (SA) to be empowered with the knowledge, tools, and technologies to improve their livelihoods and lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Leadership & Culture
Our culture shapes our choices about what we do and how we do it. We believe that energized people, working well together, fueled by great leadership in an inclusive environment can do extraordinary things. We expect foundation employees to intentionally and consistently embody our four agreements; show respect, offer trust, be transparent, and create energy.

Position Summary
In this role, you will help lead the strategic evolution of AgDev?s country-led inclusive agricultural transformation (IAT) strategy. As a key advisor and technical specialist on IAT, you will work with all portfolio teams and the leadership team, bringing the latest data and evidence to bear on our strategy and providing analytical insights that help advance our goals.
Core Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in the theoretical and practical application of inclusive agricultural transformation processes, coupled with expert-level knowledge of data and models that underpin such processes.
• Advise on AgDev strategic priorities and agenda setting through a variety of inputs, especially rigorous ex ante analyses and foresighting.
• Help guide the evolution of the inclusion of climate adaptation into AgDev?s IAT strategy at a global and country level.
• Provide technical assistance to priority areas and investments across the team, with a particular emphasis on investments that focus on IAT country roadmaps, policy prioritization, climate adaptation, and food systems inclusion.
• Provide analytical insights that inform our strategy evolution and communications. Support the development of learning opportunities for the AgDev team, foundation leadership, and grantees using these insights.
• Assist in the development and management of a grant portfolio that reflects our IAT goals and elevates the contribution of our portfolios to these goals
• Assess AgDev?s contribution to impact goals. Develop knowledge products that analyze these contributions and that seek to address unresolved issues within AgDev?s strategy, with an initial focus on inclusion and climate adaptation.
• Represent the foundation to key program-related external constituencies, as appropriate, on committees related to area of expertise and that are within the responsibilities of the position.

Core Knowledge & Skills

• Recognized by the global professional community as a specialist in the field of IAT with a background in the scientific and analytical constructs and a deep historical understanding of how IAT processes unfold, particularly in the Global South.
• Expertise in agricultural economics and agricultural data systems. Knowledge of climate adaptation within agriculture a plus.
• Deep understanding of the ecosystem of partners within agricultural development (funders, implementers, public and private sector).
• Demonstrates critical thinking and analytical skills that are multi-sectoral by nature.
• Capability to lead and influence others in a constructive manner and to build and sustain collaborative relationships.
• Excellent problem solver with strategy development experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; able to effectively synthesize information to reach diverse audiences and build consensus.

Education & Experience
An advanced degree in agricultural or environmental economics plus 15+ years of experience working in agriculture or climate change/adaptation in sub-Saharan Africa or South Asia.

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

As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We?re committed to creating a workplace where employees thrive both personally and professionally. We also believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve?in race, gender, age, cultures and beliefs?and we support this diversity through all of our employment practices.

All applicants and employees who are drawn to serve the mission of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation 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
• Prior Protected Activity