Program Manager Partnership and Community Immunization Services

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Position Title: Program Manager Partnership and Community Immunization Services
Location: Kebbi
Country: Nigeria
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's processes and policies reflect its dedication to integrity and accountability, ensuring that all staff adhere to a strict Code of Conduct. Furthermore, CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where it operates, emphasizing its commitment to local engagement and community empowerment.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager Partnership and Community Immunization Services will lead a CDC-funded global childhood immunization project aimed at reaching zero- and under-immunized children in Northern Nigeria, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. The role involves providing leadership and coordination for routine immunization (RI), Polio and non-Polio Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs), and disease surveillance. The STL will implement strategies to reduce the number of zero-dose children and will be responsible for planning, capacity building, supportive supervision, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement to enhance immunization coverage and health performance. The position requires a proactive approach to building relationships with various stakeholders, ensuring that project objectives are met, and participating in all related events and activities. The STL will also be responsible for reviewing and sharing program-related reports on the POISED project in Kebbi state, ensuring transparency and accountability in project implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Program Manager include acting as the primary liaison between CRS and various health authorities, coordinating the planning and implementation of immunization strategies, leading the execution of RI and SIAs, and ensuring the timely delivery of vaccines. The STL will conduct regular supportive supervision visits to monitor program activities, provide mentoring to health workers, and identify gaps in service delivery. Additionally, the role involves strengthening disease surveillance systems, engaging with community leaders to promote immunization services, and supporting the development of monitoring and evaluation systems to track program progress. The STL will also organize training sessions for health workers and facilitate learning exchanges among program teams, ensuring that best practices are shared and implemented effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of 5–7 years of experience in immunization, disease surveillance, or public health program management is required. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in RI, SIAs, supportive supervision, and disease surveillance systems, as well as experience in implementing zero-dose reduction strategies and IEV approaches. Familiarity with government health systems and collaboration with development partners is essential. Strong leadership, mentoring, and team-building skills are also necessary, along with proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools such as DHIS2, Excel, and GIS mapping.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Public Health, Health Sciences, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in public health and immunization practices. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of health systems and the implementation of effective immunization strategies.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5–7 years of relevant experience in immunization, disease surveillance, or public health program management. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing public health programs, particularly in the areas of routine immunization and disease surveillance. Experience in implementing strategies to reduce zero-dose children and familiarity with government health systems are also critical for this role.

Languages:
A high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, knowledge of local languages, particularly Hausa, is considered an advantage, as it can facilitate communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position involves significant travel, approximately 75%, including visits to communities with difficult terrain. The role is expected to be full-time and may involve working in challenging environments. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff, and the successful candidate will be required to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The agency's talent acquisition procedures reflect its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.