Senior Program Officer – Child Survival | Nutrition Intl – 22 octobre 2026

Contexte

Nutrition International is seeking an experienced Senior Program Officer – Child Survival to support the implementation and expansion of child survival and vitamin A supplementation programmes in Katsina and Jigawa States, Nigeria. The position is a full-time, on-site contract for two years, with potential for renewal, and is open exclusively to Nigerian nationals. The application deadline is 4 September 2026, although applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Highly qualified candidates from Northwestern Nigeria are particularly encouraged to apply.

Founded in 1992, Nutrition International is a global organisation focused on delivering proven, cost-effective nutrition interventions to populations most in need. The organisation works with governments, donors and implementing partners across more than 60 countries, primarily in Africa and Asia. Its work focuses on reducing malnutrition and improving health outcomes through evidence-based interventions, nutrition research, policy support and stronger health systems. In Nigeria, Nutrition International works closely with government partners to improve access to high-impact interventions benefiting mothers and children.

The Senior Program Officer will provide technical and operational leadership for vitamin A supplementation (VAS) activities in Katsina and Jigawa. The programme forms part of the twice-yearly Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Weeks (MNCHW), which aim to increase access to essential health services for women and children. The successful candidate will help ensure that VAS activities are effectively planned, implemented, monitored and sustained. The position will strengthen state- and Local Government Area (LGA)-level service delivery while supporting community uptake of essential child survival interventions.

Missions et responsabilités

• Contribute to programme development by maintaining updated analyses of VAS programming and identifying implementation gaps and bottlenecks.
• Develop projects with government and other stakeholders, prepare budgets, monitor financial commitments and identify opportunities to expand Nutrition International’s child survival engagement.
• Coordinate VAS activities across Katsina and Jigawa and manage a team of LGA-level coordinators.
• Develop workplans, conduct regular performance reviews, provide technical guidance, troubleshoot implementation challenges and recommend corrective actions.
• Coordinate with government and community stakeholders to promote cost-effective use of programme resources.
• Conduct regular field visits, online monitoring, project tracking and reporting to ensure activities remain aligned with agreed objectives and deliver results.
• Support research and evaluation activities related to child survival programming, including working with researchers and external evaluators, facilitating government approvals and stakeholder engagement, and helping disseminate findings.
• Contribute to policy briefs, case studies, blogs, summary documents and other knowledge products, and participate in national and sub-national forums.
• Build and maintain strong external relationships with Ministries of Health, government agencies, UN organisations, NGOs and other partners at national and state levels.
• Supervise more than 20 LGA Coordinators, as well as two State Coordinators covering Katsina and Jigawa, ensuring effective leadership, team motivation, performance management and cross-functional collaboration.

Profil recherché

• Applicants must hold a master’s degree or postgraduate-level qualification from a recognised university in nutrition, public health with a nutrition focus, or another relevant discipline supported by significant professional experience.
• Training in epidemiology, data analysis and research methodologies is desirable; a postgraduate project management qualification is an advantage.
• At least 10 years of professional experience in child survival, health, nutrition or related programmes, particularly in low- and middle-income or low-resource settings.
• At least three years of field experience is required.
• Experience managing grant-funded health and nutrition programmes, particularly in Northern Nigeria, is highly relevant.
• Candidates should understand Nigerian health systems and community structures, especially in Katsina and/or Jigawa.
• Experience working with local communities, government health systems, conflict-affected or hard-to-reach populations, and gender-responsive programming will be advantageous.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of Hausa or relevant local languages is an advantage.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, critical thinking, attention to detail, organisational ability and strong time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, including remotely.

Conditions et avantages

• Competitive market-based pay
• Health benefits
• Pension plan
• Flexible working arrangements
• Vacation
• Learning and development opportunities
• Health and wellness support
• Zero-tolerance approach to safeguarding violations, sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. Recruitment is subject to appropriate screening and satisfactory reference checks, including safeguarding verification with previous employers.

Comment postuler

Interested Nigerian professionals who meet the required qualifications and experience are encouraged to apply before 4 September 2026. Because applications are assessed on a rolling basis, early submission is recommended. This opportunity is particularly suited to senior public health and nutrition professionals with substantial programme management experience and strong knowledge of health systems and communities in Northwestern Nigeria.

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