The Foundation
We are the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on a simple premise: people everywhere, regardless of identity or circumstances, should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives. We believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve. We provide an exceptional benefits package to employees and their families which include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-paid retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities to engage in several employee communities. As a workplace, we’re committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.
The Team
The mission of the Global Policy & Advocacy (GPA) division is to understand and shape the public policy debates affecting the foundation's work, build support for its major program and policy objectives, and develop partnerships and alliances that can advance the foundation's objectives nationally and globally. Because the foundation's resources alone are not enough to solve the challenges ahead, GPA also supports advocacy efforts to engage diverse stakeholders and promote innovative solutions that advance our program goals. We work in close partnership with grantees, our colleagues in the Global Health, Global Development, Global Growth & Opportunity, U.S. and Gender Equality programs and foundation Communications to build the environment in which all people have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives.The Role
The Senior Program Officer - Korea Lead will be responsible for supporting the East Asia team to achieve its regional and country strategy, primarily for Korea. To achieve this goal, the postholder will 1) develop and implement the Korea country strategy in close collaboration with key partners, 2) develop and cultivate key relations with decision-makers and effectively communicate our policy priorities and positions, 3) make grants and contracts that support the country strategy and support the project management for new partners. You will bring a depth and breadth of knowledge about government relations and the advocacy landscape in Korea.
The postholder will work closely with the EMEEA team, and report to the Head of East Relations based in Tokyo, who leads the regional and country strategies and all our engagement in the region.
This is a limited-term position (LTE) for 23 months, based in Seoul, South Korea. Relocation will not be provided.
What you’ll do
Develop the Korea country strategy development and implementation, primarily to achieve goals, in close collaboration with EMEEA’s leadership team, our grantees and partners.
Develop and cultivate key relationships with a broad range of political and government partners, private sector, civil society/NGOs, think tanks, and academia to broaden our relationship network in Korea.
Develop and cultivate key relations with internal colleagues, including EMEEA, the Policy Advocacy and Communications team, other program strategy teams, acting as contact point for Korea related agenda, providing written analysis of key topics for foundation teams and management; drafting briefs, memos, background research and other materials upon request.
Represent the foundation’s voice in the country, effectively communicate to key decision makers and partners about our policy priorities and positions and prepare briefing materials on a regular basis across key topics.
Establish a presence in the country, managing not only government related stakeholders but all the partners in the country to achieve our targeted outcomes for each investment.
Manage key foundation events in Korea, leadership visit, and international events including and key replenishments.
Your Experience
Bachelor’s or other advanced degree in public policy, international development/relations, public health, or any other relevant fields.
Minimum 7+ years of relevant or equivalent experience in government relations and policy and advocacy is preferred. Experience in strategy development and implementation is a plus.
Fluency in Korean and English is critical.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills in the advocacy space, articulating our priorities to a range of partners including key decision makers within the government, business leaders, and our partners.
Proven excellence in logically sound writing and data analysis, written and oral communication skills, and experience handling diverse set of partners.
Comfortable multi-tasking and managing a range of projects with various partners and team members.
Comfortable in a wide range of cultural, geographic and operational situations, demonstrating culturally critical behavior with a diverse range of people.
Other Attributes
Comfortable in a wide range of cultural, geographic and operational situations, demonstrating culturally sensitive behavior with a diverse range of people and a deep commitment to development issues and high standards of personal integrity.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
*Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.
The Gates Foundation is partnering with PERSOL to support the search for this role. If you are interested in being considered, please submit your CV by 28 June 2026.
Should you have any questions regarding the role or the application process, please contact Linda Oh at linda.oh@persolapac.com
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Hiring Requirements
As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Candidate Accommodations
We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates. If you have a disability or medical condition and need an accommodation at any stage of the application or interview process—such as an ASL interpreter, alternative interview format, or physical accessibility support—we’re happy to help. Please contact HR@gatesfoundation.org with the position number and a brief description of your accommodation needs. Requests will be handled confidentially.
Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and cultural workplace that supports ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion — of voices, ideas, and approaches — and we support this diversity through all our employment practices.
All applicants and employees who are drawn to serve our mission 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, and prior protected activity.