State Team Lead

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, aiming to improve the lives of the poor throughout the world. The organization also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding program participants and community members from all forms of exploitation and abuse, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment.

Job Overview:
The State Team Lead will manage programming for the CORE Group Partners Project (CGPP) in Bauchi State, focusing on malaria prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance interventions across 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs). This role involves providing overall leadership, coordination, and management of the malaria program, ensuring alignment with the National Malaria Strategic Plan and CGPP objectives. The State Team Lead will work closely with the State Ministry of Health and other partners to strengthen health systems and improve the quality of malaria service delivery. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying issues and making necessary adjustments to project plans and implementation schedules, ensuring high-quality programming that continuously seeks to improve impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The State Team Lead will lead technical, budget management, monitoring, and reporting activities throughout the project cycle, from start-up to close-out. Responsibilities include managing team dynamics, providing coaching, and contributing to the recruitment process of project staff. The role also involves ensuring that learning accompanies project activities, supporting accountability through project evaluation, and fostering partnerships relevant to the CGPP malaria program. The State Team Lead will conduct periodic budget reviews, coordinate with health authorities, represent the project in technical working groups, and oversee the implementation of malaria interventions. Additionally, the position requires promoting adherence to national malaria guidelines, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring compliance with donor and organizational policies. The State Team Lead will also support staff capacity development and ensure effective coordination among project team members to achieve objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in public health or related disciplines, with a minimum of 7-10 years of work experience in project management, ideally in public health program implementation for an NGO. At least 5 years of experience managing donor-funded health programs, preferably malaria programs, is required. Demonstrated experience working with government health systems in Nigeria and coordinating with national and sub-national health ministries is essential. The candidate should also have experience analyzing data and contributing to evaluation reports, as well as strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with local stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in public health or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to manage complex health programs effectively, particularly in the context of malaria prevention and treatment.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7-10 years of work experience in project management, with at least 5 years specifically in managing donor-funded health programs, ideally in the area of malaria. Candidates should have experience working with government health systems in Nigeria and coordinating with various health authorities and partners at both national and sub-national levels. Prior experience in Bauchi State or similar terrains is preferred, as it will provide valuable insights into the local health landscape and challenges.

Languages:
English is required for this position. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication with stakeholders, reporting, and documentation. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position involves supervisory responsibilities and requires the candidate to be willing and able to travel up to 75%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For successful candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults, and the successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.