Program Officer, Polio Outbreaks

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity globally. Founded on the principle that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the foundation emphasizes diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, family leave, retirement contributions, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The foundation is committed to fostering a supportive work environment that promotes both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The position of Program Officer, Outbreak Response is crucial in supporting the foundation's mission to eliminate Type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks in Africa, particularly in Nigeria. The role involves managing a portfolio of investments and executing outbreak response strategies while collaborating closely with partners to enhance coordination and delivery of services. The officer will track progress related to the foundation's investments in integrated service delivery within high-risk polio areas. This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and reports to the Polio Senior Manager, requiring significant collaboration with the Polio, Immunization, and Nigeria Country Office teams. The role is fast-paced and mission-driven, focusing on translating global strategies into effective actions at the country level, especially in complex and high-risk settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will contribute to the implementation of outbreak response strategies, particularly concerning Type 2 circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus in Nigeria. Responsibilities include serving as the foundation's polio focal point for high-priority states in northern Nigeria, utilizing data analysis to maintain a comprehensive understanding of state-level performance, risks, and local dynamics, and driving targeted actions to improve outcomes. The officer will support enhancements in State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) performance, focusing on coordination, data utilization, and execution discipline. Additionally, the officer will analyze program performance across partners, grantees, and government entities, identifying gaps, escalating critical issues, and facilitating rapid problem-solving to enhance results. Strengthening accountability at all levels by promoting clear expectations, supporting follow-up, and identifying risks related to underperformance is also a key responsibility. The officer will manage a portfolio of grants and contracts, ensuring strong performance management and alignment with program priorities, review letters of inquiry and grant proposals, and prepare high-quality briefs that translate data into actionable insights for leadership. Contributing to a high-performance team culture with a focus on results, ownership, and continuous improvement is essential.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree or equivalent demonstrated experience, preferably in public health or international development. Some experience managing public health or development projects, including field experience in developing countries, is required. Experience in polio eradication, outbreak response, vaccine delivery, or health emergency programs in low and middle-income countries is preferred. Familiarity with disease control and polio eradication fields is essential. Strong written and oral communication skills, data synthesis, analysis, and presentation skills are necessary, along with attention to detail in proofing materials and tracking projects and grants. Strong program management skills and the ability to work independently while effectively contributing to a team are also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in public health, international development, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent demonstrated experience in relevant areas may also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires some experience in managing public health or development projects, particularly in developing countries. Familiarity with polio eradication efforts and outbreak response is highly desirable, along with experience in vaccine delivery and health emergency programs in low and middle-income countries.

Languages:
While the job does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential due to the nature of the work and the need for effective communication. Knowledge of local languages may be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Abuja, Nigeria. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Nigeria without requiring current or future visa sponsorship. The role may involve domestic and international travel of up to 30-40% to support business needs. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring experience for all candidates, offering accommodations for those with disabilities or medical conditions during the application or interview process. The foundation values diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce and practices.