The Gates Foundation is hiring a Senior Officer, Africa, Global Partnership Development in Nairobi, Kenya. The role focuses on African philanthropy, resource mobilization, strategic partnerships, and advancing health and development priorities across the continent.
Overview
The Gates Foundation has opened applications for the position of Senior Officer, Africa, Global Partnership Development, based in Nairobi, Kenya. This senior-level opportunity is designed for experienced professionals with expertise in philanthropy, partnership development, fundraising, business development, investment, or resource mobilization across Africa.
The successful candidate will play a leading role in building relationships with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), family offices, corporate foundations, and philanthropic institutions to mobilize resources for global health and development priorities across the continent.
Applications close on 22 June 2026.
About the Position
The Gates Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit organization focused on addressing poverty, disease, and inequity. Through its Global Policy & Advocacy (GPA) division, the foundation works to influence policy, strengthen partnerships, and mobilize resources that advance sustainable development outcomes worldwide.
This position sits within the Philanthropic Partnerships Team (PPT), which works to strengthen philanthropy and mobilize funding for global health and development initiatives.
The Senior Officer will lead the foundation’s Africa philanthropy strategy, identifying and cultivating high-value partnerships with philanthropists, family offices, foundations, businesses, and social impact investors across Africa and the African diaspora.
The role involves designing partnership frameworks, securing co-funding opportunities, supporting strategic philanthropic initiatives, and helping grow a stronger culture of giving throughout Africa.
The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya and requires candidates to have legal authorization to work in Kenya without visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
- Opportunity to work with one of the world’s leading philanthropic organizations
- Competitive compensation package
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Foundation-funded retirement contributions
- Generous paid leave
- Paid family leave
- Regional holiday benefits
- Professional development opportunities
- Access to employee resource communities
- Exposure to high-level philanthropic and development leaders
- Opportunity to influence major global health and development investments across Africa
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should possess:
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience
Advanced qualifications may be advantageous but are not mandatory.
Experience
Applicants must have:
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience
- Experience in partnership development, fundraising, business development, resource mobilization, investment, or strategic relationship management
- Demonstrated success in securing significant financial commitments or high-value partnerships
- Experience engaging with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices, foundations, or institutional donors
- Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships
Knowledge Requirements
Strong understanding of:
- African philanthropy ecosystems
- Business and investment environments across Africa
- Civil society and development sectors
- Resource mobilization strategies
- Cross-sector partnership development
Key Responsibilities
African Philanthropy Strategy
- Lead the foundation’s engagement with African philanthropists
- Build relationships with high-net-worth donors and family offices
- Expand philanthropic giving across Africa
Partnership Development
- Design and manage complex partnerships
- Structure co-funding and collaborative initiatives
- Identify opportunities for blended finance and innovative financing models
Resource Mobilization
- Develop funding partnerships for global health and development priorities
- Support fundraising and capital mobilization efforts
- Build donor engagement strategies
Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent the foundation within African philanthropic networks
- Engage business leaders, foundations, and civil society organizations
- Support donor cultivation and stewardship activities
Leadership Support
- Brief foundation leadership before strategic engagements
- Support Giving Pledge-related initiatives
- Coordinate executive relationship management efforts
Portfolio Management
- Manage partnership pipelines and donor portfolios
- Monitor partnership performance and outcomes
- Maintain accurate records and reporting systems
Preferred Qualifications
The foundation is particularly interested in candidates with:
- Existing networks among African philanthropists and business leaders
- Experience working with family offices
- Experience with corporate foundations
- Knowledge of blended finance and impact investing
- Experience in global health and development resource mobilization
- Experience supporting boards and senior executives
- Knowledge of the Giving Pledge initiative
- Proficiency in African languages
- Experience working across multiple African countries
Application Process
Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements
Confirm that you meet the educational and professional experience requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Application Materials
Update your CV and prepare information demonstrating your partnership development and fundraising achievements.
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Complete the application through the Gates Foundation recruitment platform.
Step 4: Participate in Interviews
Shortlisted candidates may undergo multiple interview stages and assessments.
Step 5: Background Verification
Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening procedures.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Academic qualifications
- Employment history
- Evidence of partnership development experience
- Professional references
- Additional documentation requested during recruitment
Deadline
Application Deadline
22 June 2026
Location
Nairobi, Kenya
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Position | Senior Officer, Africa, Global Partnership Development |
| Organization | Gates Foundation |
| Location | Nairobi, Kenya |
| Employment Type | Full-Time |
| Experience Required | Minimum 7 Years |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent Experience |
| Sector | Philanthropy and Development |
| Focus Areas | Resource Mobilization, Partnerships, Philanthropy |
| Travel Requirement | Up to 40% |
| Visa Sponsorship | Not Available |
| Application Deadline | 22 June 2026 |
| Application Status | Open |
Conclusion
The Gates Foundation’s Senior Officer, Africa, Global Partnership Development role presents a rare opportunity for experienced professionals to shape the future of African philanthropy and mobilize resources for transformative health and development initiatives. The successful candidate will work at the intersection of philanthropy, business, development, and policy while building partnerships that can influence lasting change across the continent.
Professionals with strong fundraising, partnership development, investment, or philanthropic experience are encouraged to apply before the 22 June 2026 deadline.
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