Senior Program Officer (SPO), Strategic Partnerships and Country Engagement

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Position Title: Senior Program Officer (SPO), Strategic Partnerships and Country Engagement
Location: Abuja
Country: Nigeria
Deadline Date: 5/3/2025

Job Details

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, should have the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives, the organization emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees to reflect the populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions, regional holidays, and opportunities for employee engagement in various communities. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth.

Job Overview:
The Senior Program Officer (SPO) will play a crucial role in the Africa Regional Office and the Malaria Program Strategy Team (PST) by supporting the Director and team in achieving their impact goals. The SPO will be responsible for translating the foundation's strategy into country-specific engagement, supporting the adoption of innovative solutions, engaging with diverse stakeholders, driving impactful investments aligned with strategic objectives, optimizing project impact, and promoting learning. The role requires a tailored approach for Nigeria, ensuring alignment with national malaria priorities and measurable outcomes. The SPO will also identify opportunities for innovation in malaria programs and build collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including donors and government entities, to enhance the effectiveness of malaria interventions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Translate Strategy into Country-Specific Engagement: Develop tailored approaches for Nigeria that incorporate a clear technical vision and detailed investment plans aligned with national malaria priorities.
• Support Innovation Adoption: Identify and nurture opportunities for innovation in malaria programs to achieve better health outcomes.
• Engage with Diverse Stakeholders: Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders such as donors, implementing partners, and government agencies, providing strategic and technical support.
• Drive Impactful Investments: Collaborate with partners to conceptualize and manage investments that align with Nigeria's malaria strategic objectives.
• Optimize Project Impact: Partner with grantees to improve project outcomes and promote knowledge sharing through learning agendas and platforms.
• Leverage Cross-Sector Opportunities: Identify and pursue grant-making opportunities that enhance the malaria response program, collaborating with related health program areas.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a Master of Public Health (MPH), Medical Doctor (MD), or a Master's degree in a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in malaria program implementation is required, along with regional multi-country experience in Sub-Saharan Africa. Familiarity with national malaria control programs is a strong asset. Candidates should have thorough knowledge of malaria epidemiology, WHO policies, and implementation guidance, as well as experience working with global institutions and malaria donors. A proven track record of leadership, strategy development, and effective communication is essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a complex organizational environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have an MPH, MD, or a Master's degree in a relevant field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of public health and malaria program management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in malaria program implementation, with a preference for candidates who have worked in Sub-Saharan Africa. Experience with national malaria control programs and global health institutions is highly desirable, as is a consistent record of leading and influencing others positively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, given the nature of the role and the stakeholders involved. Additional language skills relevant to the region may be considered advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, and may require travel up to 30% domestically and internationally. The role is full-time and involves collaboration across various teams and stakeholders. The hiring process will include a background check, and accommodations are available for candidates with disabilities. The organization is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring practices, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants.