Apply for the Gates Foundation Program Manager 2026 roles. Paid, remote and field opportunities with a global impact. Open to experienced public health professionals.
About the Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest private nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Built on a simple belief—that people everywhere should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives—the foundation works to accelerate progress in health, education, and economic opportunities.
Employees benefit from an inclusive, diverse workplace and enjoy competitive packages, including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums
- Generous paid time off and family leave
- Foundation-paid retirement contributions
- Regional holidays
- Opportunities to participate in employee-led communities
The foundation is committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally while making meaningful global impact.
The Team
The Global Development (GD) division focuses on delivering targeted healthcare solutions to communities across the developing world. Its strategic areas include:
- Polio Eradication
- Immunization
- Primary Healthcare
- Global Health Agencies and Funds
- Emergency Response Initiatives
The GD division operates through regional offices in Africa and India, working with governments, donors, and partners to scale impactful interventions.
The Nigeria Country Office team plays a critical role in advancing health and development goals through direct engagement, investments, and advocacy.
The Role: Program Assistant (PA) –
- Application Deadline: 8 October 2025
- Location: Remote & Field Roles
- Contract Type: Full-time
- Travel Requirement: Up to 25% (domestic and international)
The Program Assistant provides vital administrative and operational support to ensure the smooth delivery of health initiatives across Nigeria. This role is essential to the foundation’s mission of improving health outcomes and advancing equitable access to care.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate complex calendars across multiple time zones.
- Manage travel, visa processes, and scheduling for stakeholders.
- Support high-level meetings, conferences, and engagements.
- Draft and prepare correspondence, reports, and briefing materials.
- Provide logistical support for programmatic teams and ensure efficient follow-through.
- Maintain organized systems for tracking and prioritizing projects.
- Liaise with government stakeholders, grantees, and partners.
- Handle confidential information with discretion.
- Contribute to smooth daily operations within the Nigeria Country Office.
Qualifications & Skills for Gates Foundation Program Manager 2026
- Education: Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, Administration, or a related field (medical or public health background required).
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in administration, program support, or project coordination.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Proven ability to multitask and manage complex workflows.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools.
- Cultural sensitivity and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Legal authorization to work in Nigeria without visa sponsorship.
Preferred Attributes
- Previous experience supporting health-related programs.
- Client-service mindset and proactive problem-solving.
- Flexibility to adapt to evolving program needs.
- Ability to collaborate with cross-sectoral and cross-functional teams.
Hiring Process and Inclusion Commitment
All applicants will undergo a standard background check as part of the hiring process.
The foundation is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring fair treatment regardless of:
- Race, color, or national origin
- Age, religion, or gender identity
- Sexual orientation or disability status
- Veteran status or marital status
Qualified applicants are encouraged to request reasonable accommodations if needed during the recruitment process.
How to Apply
- Visit the official careers page of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
- Create a candidate profile and submit your application before 8 October 2025.
- Attach a detailed CV and cover letter tailored to the Program Assistant role.
- Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the application deadline?
A: The application deadline is 8 October 2025.
Q: Are these positions fully remote?
A: Roles are available in both remote and field settings, depending on operational needs.
Q: Is prior experience in public health required?
A: Yes, a background in public health or medical sciences is strongly preferred.
Q: Does the foundation sponsor work visas?
A: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Nigeria without sponsorship.
Q: Will I need to travel?
A: Yes, travel may be required up to 25%, including both domestic and international engagements.
Q: What benefits are included in the package?
A: The foundation offers premium medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid leave, retirement contributions, and regional holidays.
Q: Can persons with disabilities apply?
A: Yes, and reasonable accommodations can be requested during the recruitment process.
