Program Officer, Health Advocacy

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating 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 without premiums, generous paid time off, family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The organization is committed to fostering a thriving work environment for personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer, Health Advocacy will play a crucial role in supporting the Nigeria Country Office's health advocacy priorities. This position focuses on advancing policy, financing, implementation, and accountability outcomes across various health sectors, including primary health care, immunization, polio, malaria, family planning, maternal, newborn, and child health, and nutrition. The ideal candidate will possess a robust background in public health advocacy, a deep understanding of Nigeria's health policy landscape, and experience working with government and partner ecosystems. The role requires a proactive approach to advocacy that leads to tangible outcomes, such as policy adoption, financial allocations, and enhanced accountability mechanisms. The successful candidate will be expected to translate complex public health priorities into actionable strategies, manage high-stakes engagements, and ensure that advocacy efforts are aligned with the foundation's goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will manage a portfolio of health advocacy initiatives aimed at advancing the Nigeria Country Office and PGRP objectives. Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the development and execution of health advocacy strategies that align with Nigeria Country Office priorities and relevant program goals.
• Translating public health priorities into clear advocacy objectives and measurable results.
• Strengthening political commitment for priority health issues and improving resource mobilization and budget execution.
• Managing advocacy grants and contracts, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and performance tracking.
• Translating technical public health evidence into compelling advocacy messages and materials.
• Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure advocacy efforts are connected to implementation and measurable outcomes.
• Supporting cross-foundation coordination and leadership engagement to maintain focus on advocacy priorities and expected results.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in public health, health policy, international development, public policy, political science, communications, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in public health advocacy, policy advocacy, strategic communications, or government relations is required. Candidates should demonstrate a successful track record of delivering advocacy outcomes in public health, including influencing policy decisions and strengthening political commitment. Strong analytical, writing, and synthesis skills are essential, along with the ability to translate complex information into clear, practical products. Candidates must also exhibit strong judgment, diplomacy, collaboration, and relationship management skills.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in public health, health policy, international development, public policy, political science, communications, or a related field is required. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 6 years of relevant experience in public health advocacy, policy advocacy, strategic communications, or government relations, preferably within Nigeria or similar African contexts. Experience in managing grants, contracts, and complex partner-led projects is strongly preferred, along with a demonstrated ability to work effectively in politically sensitive environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in local languages or dialects would be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and requires valid work authorization in Nigeria, as visa sponsorship is not available. The role may involve domestic and international travel (30-40%). The position is full-time and is designed for a practical, execution-oriented advocacy professional. The successful candidate will be expected to support the foundation's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of their work.