Senior Communications Officer – EMEEA | Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation is inviting applications for a Senior Communications Officer – Europe, Middle East and East Asia (EMEEA) position based in London, United Kingdom. This is a full-time opportunity for an experienced communications professional to support the foundation’s global communications, policy and advocacy objectives across France, Italy, Spain and Arab League countries in the Middle East.
The application deadline is 21 November 2026.
About the Gates Foundation
The Gates Foundation is a global nonprofit organization focused on tackling poverty, disease and inequality. Its work brings together governments, businesses, nonprofit organizations and other partners to improve health, development and opportunities for people around the world.
The foundation provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays and opportunities to participate in employee communities.
About the EMEEA Team
The Europe, Middle East and East Asia team works across major donor markets outside North America and China. Its geographic focus includes Europe, the Middle East and selected Asia-Pacific countries.
EMEEA serves as a bridge between foundation teams and donor markets, providing insights into geopolitical developments, media environments, public attitudes, communications priorities and advocacy opportunities.
The team also works with grantees and external partners, including media organizations, civil society groups, think tanks and academic institutions.
Senior Communications Officer Responsibilities
The successful candidate will support the foundation’s Communications Division, Global Policy and Advocacy Division and EMEEA team.
The role involves developing and implementing communications strategies for France, Italy, Spain and Arab League countries in the Middle East. The successful applicant will need to understand the political, cultural, media and communications environments in these markets.
Key responsibilities include developing communications strategies, preparing leadership messaging, managing editorial planning and creating content for different audiences.
The Senior Communications Officer will also provide communications advice to program teams, grantees and partners while managing a portfolio of grants and contracts.
Additional responsibilities include media relations, public relations, senior-level stakeholder engagement, partnership development and reputation management. The role will involve working with government institutions, grantees, creators, influencers and other external voices to strengthen the foundation’s communications impact.
The successful candidate will also develop narratives and key messages, support leadership visits and speaking opportunities, coordinate communications campaigns and build coalitions of third-party voices to advance priority issues.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree and senior-level experience in journalism, communications, public relations, public policy or a related field.
Candidates should have substantial experience working with print, broadcast and digital media in the relevant countries, together with experience managing events and complex communications initiatives.
The foundation is seeking someone with a demonstrated ability to provide strategic advice to senior stakeholders, manage executive communications and handle reputational risks.
Experience working with government institutions, public organizations or NGOs is desirable.
Strong knowledge of global and local politics, particularly in France and/or the Middle East, is also important. Candidates should have strong analytical skills, sound judgment and the ability to respond effectively to changing information and circumstances.
Full professional proficiency in French and English is essential, while Arabic is highly desirable.
Travel and Work Location
The position is based at the Gates Foundation’s London office. The successful candidate will be expected to travel internationally, with approximately 30–40% travel to France, Southern Europe, the Middle East and occasionally the foundation’s headquarters in Seattle.
The role reports to the Deputy Director, EMEEA Communications.
How to Apply
This is a senior-level communications opportunity for professionals interested in international development, global health, public policy and advocacy.
Interested candidates should review the official vacancy requirements carefully and ensure their application demonstrates relevant strategic communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement and international experience.
Application deadline: 21 November 2026.
The foundation also emphasizes diversity, inclusion, collaboration, innovation, rigor and integrity throughout its employment practices.
