The Gates Foundation is hiring a full-time Program Assistant in Dakar, Senegal (2026). Gates Foundation Program Assistant. Competitive benefits, strong career growth, and impact-driven nonprofit work. Apply by 13 February 2026.
Overview
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is recruiting a Program Assistant for its West & Central Africa team, based in Dakar, Senegal.
This full-time role supports senior leaders and programme teams working across health, gender equality, and economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is ideal for experienced administrative and programme support professionals seeking to work within a high-impact global nonprofit while benefiting from one of the most competitive benefits packages in the sector. Gates Foundation Program Assistant Roles 2026 | Competitive Benefits | Apply by 13 February 2026
Job Details
- Job Title: Program Assistant
- Location: Dakar, Senegal
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Job Requisition ID: B021387
- Application Deadline: 13 February 2026
- Work Model: Office-based (Senegal country office)
About the Foundation
The Gates Foundation is the largest nonprofit organization in the world dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity. For over two decades, the foundation has partnered with governments, NGOs, and the private sector to advance global health, gender equality, and economic opportunity.
The organization is known for its inclusive culture, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and for offering employees exceptional professional growth and well-being support.
The Team: West & Central Africa
The Africa regional team works directly with countries to implement evidence-based solutions and scalable delivery models. Its work focuses on:
- Strengthening health systems
- Advancing gender equality
- Supporting economic development
- Influencing policy and financing for development priorities
The Dakar office plays a strategic role in coordinating these efforts across West and Central Africa.
Key Responsibilities
As a Program Assistant, you will provide high-level administrative and organizational support, including:
Administrative & Scheduling Support
- Managing complex calendars and scheduling for multiple leaders
- Coordinating domestic and international travel arrangements
- Anticipating scheduling conflicts and advising on priorities
Events & Coordination
- Supporting the planning of meetings, conferences, and presentations
- Managing logistics, materials, and participant coordination
Communications & Workflow
- Managing and prioritizing emails, calls, and correspondence
- Maintaining organized records, files, and task-tracking systems
Financial & Operational Support
- Processing expense reports, reimbursements, and check requests
- Supporting special projects, including basic research and data analysis
Relationship Management
- Liaising with grantees, partners, and internal stakeholders
- Supporting collaboration across teams, time zones, and cultures
Required Qualifications for Gates Foundation Program Assistant
Education
- Academic background in administration, communications, diplomacy, foreign languages, or a related field
Experience
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience in:
- Administrative or executive support
- Programme or project management
- Complex calendar and travel coordination
- Experience supporting senior leadership in a regional or global organization
- Proven ability to establish organizational systems in dynamic environments
Skills & Languages
- Fluency in French (written and spoken)
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote
- Experience with SharePoint and MS Teams preferred
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
- Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage confidential information
Additional Requirements
- Legal right to work in Senegal (no visa sponsorship)
- Willingness to travel up to 25% (domestic and international)
- Strong understanding of the Senegal working environment
Benefits & Compensation
The Gates Foundation offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nonprofit sector, including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (no premiums)
- Generous paid time off and regional holidays
- Paid family leave
- Foundation-funded retirement contributions
- Access to employee communities and learning opportunities
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
The Gates Foundation believes all lives have equal value. It is deeply committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities it serves and ensures equal opportunity and fair treatment for all applicants and employees.
Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official Gates Foundation careers platform.
📅 Deadline: 13 February 2026
Shortlisted candidates will undergo background checks as part of the hiring process.
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Gates Foundation |
| Position | Program Assistant |
| Location | Dakar, Senegal |
| Employment Type | Full-time |
| Benefits | Competitive, fully covered healthcare + retirement |
| Deadline | 13 February 2026 |
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