Senior Officer, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Africa, Europe & Middle East

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 People team is a strategic partner in shaping a thriving, inclusive, and high-performing organization. We steward the employee experience across the full talent lifecycle—from attracting and developing exceptional talent to strengthening culture, supporting well-being as well as impact, and aligning people strategies with our mission.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team within the Office of the Chief People Officer is a central functional team made up of advisors, strategists, and enabling partners to provide foundation-wide direction, governance, tools, and resources to drive the foundation’s DEI strategy and impact.

DEI Strategy Priorities

• Engaging more effectively across differences and contexts, including strengthening competencies, tools, and support needed to collaborate inclusively.
• Better equipping the organization to forge partnerships for impact by providing clearer guidance and ensuring partners feel supported, valued, and respected.
• Shared expectations focused on driving impact, valuing diverse backgrounds and contributions, and sustaining progress through reflection and learning.

Your Role

The Senior Officer, DEI is a subject matter expert who will lead DEI efforts across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. This role provides guidance, partnership, and execution support to senior leadership, partners, and teams to improve the impact and effectiveness of DEI strategies.

The role involves designing and delivering context-specific DEI content, collaborating across global teams, and ensuring alignment with organizational messaging and expectations.

This position reports to the Johannesburg-based Deputy Director, Global DEI Learning & Development.

What You’ll Do

• Provide strategic DEI leadership as a subject matter expert across regions.
• Lead planning and implementation of DEI strategies and workstreams.
• Advise senior leadership and teams on inclusion strategies and priorities.
• Integrate DEI into business functions, talent management, and programs.
• Ensure cultural and regional alignment of DEI initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop tools and resources.
• Support change management and build inclusive leadership capabilities.
• Design and deliver inclusive culture and DEI learning content.
• Manage DEI portfolios, partners, and contracts across regions.

Your Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience with at least 10 years in DEI, organizational development, or related fields.
• Experience designing and implementing DEI tools, processes, and strategies.
• Experience facilitating dialogue sessions and engagement initiatives in global contexts.
• Ability to build trusted relationships and influence leadership and teams.
• Strong critical thinking, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex workloads and deliver results.
• Experience working in high-pressure, collaborative environments.
• Excellent communication and change management skills.
• Ability to adapt DEI expertise across diverse geographies and cultures.

Other Attributes

• Strong cultural sensitivity and adaptability across diverse environments.
• Commitment to development issues and high standards of integrity.
• Ability to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.
• Must have legal authorization to work in the country without visa sponsorship.

Hiring Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Candidate Accommodations

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience. Candidates requiring accommodations during the application or interview process can contact HR@gatesfoundation.org with their needs. All requests will be handled confidentially.

Inclusion Statement

We believe all lives have equal value and are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We ensure equal opportunity and fair treatment for all applicants and employees regardless of background or identity.

Skills Required:

• Education / Teaching / Training