Program Officer - Health Systems Strengthening and Primary Healthcare (PHC)

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 the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the global 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 funded by the foundation, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The workplace culture is designed to foster personal and professional growth for all employees.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer (PO) will play a crucial role in supporting the design, development, and implementation of Primary Health Care (PHC) reforms at both federal and sub-national levels in Nigeria. This includes working on foundational reforms and innovation agenda pillars, such as the Nigeria Integrated Health (NIH) Model and State Delivery and Intelligence Units (SDIU). The PO will be responsible for ensuring that PHC reforms are effectively implemented, enabling countries to optimize their spending on PHC by reforming financing structures and delivery platforms. The role requires a strong focus on operationalizing PHC functionality and utilizing data for decision-making and accountability. The PO will manage portfolios of grants and contracts, develop partnerships to enhance health impact, and engage with country teams to ensure alignment on goals and vision. This position is pivotal in championing the PHC strategy and fostering collaboration across various health sub-teams and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties including supporting the design and implementation of PHC reforms, managing grant portfolios, developing partnerships, and ensuring effective communication with government stakeholders. Specific responsibilities include:

• Supporting the operationalization of PHC reforms and ensuring effective use of data for decision-making.
• Developing and managing grant portfolios that require high-level grant management skills.
• Building and maintaining partnerships with key stakeholders, including government officials and other organizations.
• Facilitating the development of annual investment plans and budgets.
• Identifying and assessing portfolio risks and developing mitigation plans.
• Providing technical support in areas of innovation in PHC systems strengthening.
• Measuring results and return on investments to create impact.
• Advising on the disbursement of funds to PHC facilities and supporting the strengthening of platforms for data analysis.
• Engaging with non-Gates Foundation partners to scale health impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a deep understanding of health systems strengthening and PHC service delivery, particularly in developing economies. They should have experience working with multiple partners, including government entities and donors, to create a common vision for health impact. Strong strategic thinking skills and the ability to develop evidence-based operational plans are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent program and project management capabilities, with a focus on achieving clear results within specified timelines. Additionally, candidates must exhibit strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work independently while knowing when to seek assistance.

Educational Background:
A degree in Public Health, Health Systems and Administration, Health Financing, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of health systems and the necessary reforms to improve health outcomes.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in health systems strengthening, PHC, or public health, particularly in African settings. Ideally, candidates will have at least 5 years of experience in a low-income country context, working directly with ministries of health and other stakeholders to shape health systems and PHC reforms. A proven track record of conducting analytical work and preparing high-quality technical reports is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, given the need for clear communication with various stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Nigerian context may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and requires the ability to travel up to 30% domestically and internationally. The hiring process will include a background check, and candidates must be legally eligible to work in Nigeria without visa sponsorship. The organization is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience and will accommodate candidates with disabilities or medical conditions as needed. The foundation values diversity and inclusion in its workforce and strives to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants.