Project Officer – Integrated Health

Job Posting Organization:
The CORE Group Partnership Project (CGPP) is an international initiative aimed at providing both financial and technical support to host countries in their efforts to eradicate polio. Established to enhance global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, CGPP operates through a network of global and local NGOs that focus on promoting child survival in high-risk regions. The organization coordinates its efforts through a country-level Secretariat, ensuring that all project activities align with national polio eradication plans, five-year health strategies, and the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). CGPP's mission is to facilitate coordination at national, state, and local levels, with specific programs implemented by CRS in Kaduna and Yobe states, focusing on life-saving health initiatives. The organization is committed to increasing access to essential health services, strengthening outbreak response mechanisms, and promoting child and family health, particularly in conflict-affected and remote areas.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer – Integrated Health plays a crucial role in supporting the planning, implementation, and monitoring of integrated health interventions, which encompass Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health, Global Health Security, and Polio initiatives. This position is vital for ensuring that all health interventions are conducted in accordance with CRS program standards and national health guidelines. Under the supervision of the Senior Project Officer, the Project Officer collaborates with state teams, partners, and community organizations to deliver high-quality, community-centered health services in areas with significant health needs. The role contributes to routine immunization efforts, supplemental health activities, disease surveillance, and program reporting. Additionally, the Project Officer assists in capacity building, supervision, and engagement with partners to improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. This position is based in Kaduna, Kaduna State, and requires a proactive approach to addressing health challenges in the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer is responsible for coordinating and implementing assigned project activities in line with the detailed implementation plan, CRS program quality standards, donor requirements, and established best practices. Key responsibilities include monitoring project progress, identifying challenges or gaps, and reporting findings to enable timely adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. The Project Officer will support partners in reflecting on project experiences to improve outcomes and facilitate project evaluation activities in collaboration with partners, ensuring data collection and analysis are conducted using specified mechanisms and tools. The role also involves assessing the capacity needs of staff and partner organizations, monitoring the delivery of technical support and capacity-building activities, and maintaining documentation to ensure effective impact. The Project Officer will consolidate project documentation, including case studies, best practices, lessons learned, success stories, and challenges from the field for assigned activities. Furthermore, the Project Officer will support the rollout and implementation of integrated health interventions, including health communication and social and behavior change communication (SBCC) activities at both community and facility levels, ensuring alignment with project work plans. Building the capacity of community health workers (CHWs), volunteers, and facility staff through training and technical support on integrated health messaging, maternal and child health, reproductive health, immunization, nutrition, and surveillance for vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) is also a key responsibility. The Project Officer will facilitate feedback sessions, referral pathways, and follow-up mechanisms for vulnerable populations to support effective service delivery and foster community engagement. Regular field visits will be conducted to monitor program quality, service delivery, and adherence to national health protocols, organizational policies, and donor requirements. Additionally, the Project Officer will support community-based organization (CBO) partners in developing workplans and detailed implementation plans, utilizing SIA calendars and REW micro plans under the guidance of the Senior Project Officer.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to public health, Nursing, Nutrition, Midwifery, or a related discipline. Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, including at least 3 years of experience supporting development projects. A background in participatory action planning, health programming, and community engagement is essential. Proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is required, along with strong observation, active listening, and analytical skills. Effective relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members are crucial. Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities are also important attributes for candidates.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as public health, Nursing, Nutrition, Midwifery, or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of health interventions and the necessary skills to implement them effectively in the community.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, with progressive responsibilities ideally within an international NGO context. Candidates should have at least 3 years of experience specifically supporting development projects, demonstrating a strong understanding of health programming and community engagement practices. Experience in project monitoring and relevant data collection is preferred, along with familiarity with Nutrition, Maternal and Child Health, Immunization/Polio programs, and work within an NGO setting.

Languages:
English is required for this position, and knowledge of Hausa is considered an added advantage. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with community members and partners, ensuring that health messages are conveyed accurately and understood by the target populations.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kaduna, Kaduna State, and requires the candidate to be willing and able to travel up to 70%. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff, and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS’ Code of Conduct. This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to change as needed.