Senior Program Officer (SPO), Strategic Partnerships and Country Engagement

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, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. The organization 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 foundation is committed to fostering an environment conducive to both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will play a crucial role within the Africa Regional Office and the Malaria Program Strategy Team (PST). This position is designed to support the Director and the team in achieving their impact goals through several key functions. The SPO will be responsible for translating the foundation's strategic objectives into actionable country-specific engagement plans, particularly for Nigeria. This involves developing a tailored approach that aligns with national malaria priorities and drives measurable outcomes. The role also includes supporting the adoption of innovative solutions in malaria programs, engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, and driving impactful investments that align with strategic objectives. The SPO will work to optimize project impact and promote learning, leveraging cross-sector opportunities to enhance the malaria response program. This position requires a deep understanding of the malaria landscape and the ability to navigate complex partnerships to achieve the foundation's goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Program Officer include: 1) Developing tailored country-specific engagement strategies that align with Nigeria's national malaria priorities and drive measurable outcomes. 2) Identifying and supporting the adoption of innovative solutions in malaria programs to improve health outcomes. 3) Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including donors, implementing partners, and government entities such as the National Malaria Elimination Program and the Ministry of Health. 4) Collaborating with global and national partners to conceptualize and manage high-impact investments that align with strategic objectives. 5) Partnering with grantees and stakeholders to enhance project impact and promote knowledge sharing through established learning agendas and platforms. 6) Identifying cross-sector grant-making opportunities that can enhance the malaria response program, including collaborations in related health areas.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master of Public Health (MPH), Medical Doctor (MD), or a Master's degree in a related field. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of experience in malaria program implementation is required. Candidates should have regional multi-country experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a strong preference for those who have worked with or for national malaria control programs. A thorough understanding of malaria epidemiology, WHO policies, and implementation guidance is essential. Experience with global institutions, including malaria donors, is highly valued. Candidates should demonstrate a consistent track record of leadership and influence, proficiency in strategy development and implementation, and a high level of detail orientation and data affinity.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master of Public Health (MPH), Medical Doctor (MD), or a Master's degree in a related field. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of malaria programs and the public health landscape.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 10 years of experience in malaria program implementation, with a strong emphasis on evidence generation and innovative delivery at both national and global levels. Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa and with national malaria control programs is highly desirable. Candidates should also have a proven track record of leading and influencing others positively in complex organizational settings.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, given the need for effective communication with diverse stakeholders. Additional language skills relevant to the regions of operation may be considered advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and may require travel up to 30% domestically and internationally. The role is full-time and involves collaboration within a highly matrixed organization. The hiring process will include a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities. The foundation is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants.