Job Description
The Team
Since opening our China Office in Beijing in 2007, we have been committed to supporting our Chinese partners as they play an increasing role in improving the health and well-being of people in China and around the world. Today, China is a key strategic partner in advancing our global health and development goals. We provide financial and technical support to our Chinese partners and build bridges for international collaboration to accelerate innovations in health, agricultural development, and poverty reduction. Our goal is to ensure these innovations reach vulnerable populations at scale as quickly as possible. Together, we have witnessed the tremendous impact life-saving innovations can have when they reach those most in need.
The China Office is part of the Global Policy and Advocacy (GPA) Division, whose mission is to understand and shape public policies affecting the foundation’s work, build support for program and policy objectives, and develop partnerships and alliances that advance our goals nationally and globally. Because the foundation’s resources alone are not sufficient to solve global challenges, GPA supports advocacy efforts that engage diverse stakeholders and promote innovative solutions. We work closely with grantees and colleagues across Global Health, Global Development, Global Growth & Opportunity, Gender Equality programs, and Foundation Communications to create an environment where all people can lead healthy and productive lives.
Application Deadline: 13 March 2026
Your Role
The China Health Innovation & Partnership (HIP) team is seeking a 24-month Limited-Term Senior Program Officer (SPO) to advance the foundation’s maternal and women’s health innovation partnerships within China’s academic and industrial ecosystem.
China provides a strong environment for the development and translation of women’s health products for application in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This role will expand engagement across priority domains, including:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding and related underlying conditions
- Menstrual health
- Contraception
- Non-HIV sexually transmitted infections
- Vaginal microbiome research and innovation
While medical training in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) and experience in medical affairs within the pharmaceutical or medical device industry are highly valued, the ideal candidate will also demonstrate strong capability in:
- Scouting and evaluating research and development opportunities
- Building and managing strategic partnerships and alliances
- Shaping and advancing portfolios to accelerate the translation of impactful innovations from China to LMIC markets
This position reports to the Deputy Director, Health, Innovation & Partnership, China Country Office.
What You’ll Do
A. Asset Scouting & Evaluation
- Identify and evaluate promising R&D opportunities, emphasizing innovative diagnostics and treatments for: heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual health, vaginal microbiome disruptions (vaginal dysbiosis and bacterial vaginosis), non-HIV sexually transmitted infections, and contraception (novel approaches, non-hormonal methods, and innovations in insertion/removal of long-acting reversible methods).
- Conduct rigorous due diligence on scientific, clinical, and commercial potential.
- Develop clear investment cases and partnership structures to advance selected assets.
B. Partnership Building & Cross-Sector Engagement
- Build trusted relationships with medical leaders, academic innovators, biotech companies, and funders to catalyze “China for LMIC” innovation.
- Forge collaborations with domestic and international innovators to support research, development, manufacturing, and commercialization.
- Represent the foundation in engagements with academic and industry partners.
C. Portfolio Strategy & Execution
- Shape and manage a portfolio of product development partnerships aligned with global health priorities.
- Provide strategic guidance on translational development plans; work with internal and external specialists to ensure assets are positioned for global regulatory pathways.
- Track progress, milestones, and impact metrics to drive portfolio success.
Your Experience
- Advanced degree in life sciences, medicine, pharmacy, public health, microbiology, human health, or related fields (MBA or dual training valued).
- Medical training in OB/GYN with medical affairs experience in the pharmaceutical or medical device industry highly valued.
- 10+ years of experience in innovation acceleration, alliance management, R&D strategy, business development, or venture capital, with a strong track record of building partnerships around health product R&D.
- Familiarity with maternal and women’s health innovation and LMIC health needs.
- Ability to bridge science and investment, operating at the interface of biotech innovation, capital markets, and global health.
- Commitment to equitable access to healthcare innovations in LMICs, particularly for women.
- Proven negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and deal structuring skills with a strong record of impact.
- Exceptional results orientation, innovation, and adaptability in fast-paced, matrixed environments.
- Excellent written and oral communication, including strong presentation skills.
- Fluency in English and Chinese required.
Other Attributes
- Culturally sensitive and adaptable to diverse teams and operational contexts.
- Willingness to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally.
- Legal authorization to work in China without visa sponsorship.
Application Deadline: 13 March 2026
