Program Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the global populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The organization is committed to fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Program Assistant (PA) is a vital position within the Nigeria Country Office, primarily supporting the Family Health Team. This role demands exceptional organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities effectively. The PA will coordinate complex calendars across different time zones, assist in stakeholder engagements, and manage program logistics to ensure that all tasks are executed smoothly and efficiently. The PA will also provide administrative support to other programmatic teams as necessary, facilitating the effective delivery of the foundation's objectives in Nigeria. This position is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring that the foundation's priorities are met in a timely manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Assistant will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: providing direct administrative and coordination support to the Health Team, managing complex calendars, handling travel and visa applications, and scheduling events across multiple time zones. The PA will support the planning and execution of high-level meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements, ensuring that all action items are followed up on promptly to prevent any bottlenecks. Additionally, the PA will draft, edit, and prepare high-quality correspondence, reports, and briefing materials, while maintaining organized systems for tracking and prioritizing tasks and projects. Building and managing relationships with government stakeholders, grantees, and partners is also a key responsibility, along with handling confidential information with discretion and professionalism. The PA will provide logistical support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, Administration, or a related field, with a strong preference for those with a medical or public health background. A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in administration, program support, project coordination, or similar roles is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a proven ability to multitask, manage complexities, and follow through on commitments in a fast-paced environment. Strong stakeholder management skills are essential, along with experience engaging senior officials, partners, and multi-sectoral teams. Excellent writing and communication skills are necessary, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear outputs. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required, and the candidate should be culturally sensitive, resourceful, and capable of working both independently and collaboratively across diverse teams.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position includes a Master’s degree in Public Health, Health Sciences, Administration, or a related field. A background in medical or public health is strongly preferred, indicating that candidates with relevant educational qualifications will be prioritized during the selection process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience. This experience should be in administration, program support, project coordination, or similar roles, demonstrating the candidate's ability to handle the responsibilities of the Program Assistant effectively. The candidate should have a track record of managing multiple priorities and complexities in a fast-paced environment, showcasing their capability to follow through on commitments and deliver results.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role and the location in Nigeria. Additional language skills may be considered beneficial, particularly in local languages or languages relevant to the foundation's work in health initiatives.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and requires the candidate to be legally authorized to work in Nigeria without the need for visa sponsorship. The role may involve domestic and international travel of up to 25%. As part of the hiring process, employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and equitably, regardless of their background.