Senior Program Officer - Child Survival

AI summary

Nutrition International is hiring a Senior Program Officer - Child Survival to lead planning, implementation, and monitoring of Vitamin A supplementation programs in Katsina and Jigawa states, Nigeria. The role involves project development, stakeholder coordination, team supervision, and research support to improve child survival outcomes.

• Leads VAS program implementation in Katsina and Jigawa states
• Provides technical support at state and LGA levels
• Manages LGA-level coordinators and project budgets
• Coordinates with government, UN agencies, and NGOs
• Supports research, evaluation, and knowledge translation

Original source description

The position is responsible for planning, implementation, and monitoring of the program to ensure VAS activities are successfully implemented every six months, and high coverage is achieved and sustained in Katsina and Jigawa states. In line with Nutrition International's strategic objectives in Africa, and, in partnership with key stakeholders in Nigeria, the Senior Program Officer (SPO) will provide technical support at the state- and LGA-levels in Katsina and Jigawa. Key Responsibilities: Project Development: With the support and guidance of relevant members of the NI technical team, the Program Director, the Country Director, and in collaboration with the other Nigeria Child Survival SPOs: Develop project budgets and agree on financial commitments with country leadership and ensure appropriate inputs are made and updated in NI's NICOR system. Develop and plan projects in collaboration with key stakeholders and partners that respond to programming gaps and bottlenecks identified throughout the implementation of the project. Be alert to opportunities for NI engagement in child survival. Ensure a regularly updated landscape analysis is available on Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programs in Northern Nigeria states, in particular, Katsina and Jigawa states. Project Implementation and Management: Ensure close monitoring and tracking of the implementation of the planned project activities and results for VAS programming through regular online check-ins and field visits with LGA and State levels NI staff to ensure value for money. Ensure regular coordination for VAS programming with key government and community stakeholders to ensure NI funding for these interventions are being used cost-effectively. Coordinating with the Program Director, lead the management of VAS programming in Jigawa and Katsina states and any other child survival projects that may be assigned. Troubleshoot and recommend corrective actions drawing on internal NI expertise across the portfolio and in the Nigeria and Regional Offices. Manage a team of LGA level Coordinators, including overseeing the development of their workplans, engaging them in regular check-ins, and monitoring progress, performance and provide regular feedback and guidance. Ensure the NICOR system is regularly updated, in line with NI contract management procedures. Participate in regular coordination meetings with NI team members, to make sure that guidance to the State is cohesive and contribute technical guidance, capacity building and support as relevant. Prepare and share high quality periodic and annual project updates and reports as necessary. Program Research and Evaluation: Support the dissemination of research and program evaluation findings in Nigeria and elsewhere with the view to inform available new information and improved practices. In collaboration with NI child Survival support team and researchers, facilitate engagement with key stakeholders including relevant State and LGA level government entities for facilitating relevant clearances and authorizations for research and evaluation activities when necessary. Participate in the design of research and evaluation activities and work closely with researchers and external evaluators to ensure research and evaluations exercises are feasible, responds to NI, stakeholders and government needs and is effectively disseminated in timely fashion. External Relations: Keep up to date with developments in child survival intervention areas. Participate in national and sub-national fora relevant to child survival to share lessons learnt with other stakeholders. Build and maintain good collaborative relations with Ministry of Health, other government agencies, UN agencies, and NGOs, as appropriate at national and state levels. Contribute to knowledge translation documents such as policy briefs, summary briefs, blogs, and case studies relevant to child survival. Supervisory Responsibilities: The incumbent will supervise: 2 State Coordinators (Jigawa and Katsina) 20+ Local Government Area Coordinators in Jigawa and Katsina Requirements: Education: Training in epidemiology, data analysis and research methodologies is desirable. Other relevant disciplines will be considered with significant relevant experience. Post graduate certificate in project management is an added advantage. Postgraduate level degree, masters (at a minimum), from a recognized university in nutrition or public health (with emphasis on nutrition). Relevant experience: working in conflict or hard to reach communities is desired. Good understanding of the health systems and local community structures in northwestern Nigeria, and specifically in Katsina and/or Jigawa State is required. Experience: with gender responsive (nutrition or public health) program design and implementation is an asset. Experience: and sound understanding of Nigerian health systems. Significant experience: managing grant funded health and nutrition programs especially in northern Nigeria. Past experience: working within the national and/or state government health system is an added advantage. Relevant experience: working with local community actors in Katsina and/or Jigawa States. Proven experience: in leading, motivating, and managing cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals. At least 10 years of experience: in programs relating to child survival, health and nutrition, and/or in low- and middle-income countries or low resource settings, including at least 3 years of field experience. Language Skills: Fluent written and spoken English essential. Knowledge of Hausa and the local language is an added advantage. Superior communication skills (verbal and written). Benefits: A competitive market pay, health benefits, pension plan, flexible work hours, vacation, support for learning and development opportunities and health and wellness. We offer a collaborative and engaging work environment. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply online Important Information and Notice By applying to this position, candidates acknowledge and consent to these reference checks being conducted with previous employers. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that all our offers are conditional subject to appropriate screening checks and satisfactory reference checks. Nutrition International upholds a zero-tolerance policy on safeguarding concerns and sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH). This position is open to Nigerian nationals only Following the principles of the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, reference checks will include safeguarding verifications with previous employers. Application Deadline: 4th September, 2026 View all Jobs in Nigeria Abuja