Senior Program Officer - Child Survival

Role: Full Time

Contract Duration: 2 Years (with potential for renewal)

Location: Abuja, Nigeria

Deadline for submission: 24th August 2026

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

About Us

Founded in 1992, Nutrition International is a global organization dedicated to delivering proven nutrition interventions to those who need them most. Working in partnership with countries, donors and implementers, our experts conduct cutting-edge nutrition research, support critical policy formulation, and integrate nutrition into broader development programs. In more than 60 countries, primarily in Asia and Africa, Nutrition International nourishes people to nourish life.

For more than 30 years now, Nutrition International has focused on delivering low-cost, high-impact, nutrition interventions to people in need, driven by our mission to achieve a world where everyone, everywhere, is free from malnutrition and able to reach their full potential. Nutrition International’s work is guided by a dedicated and talented team of experts working globally, regionally and within countries to end malnutrition worldwide.

About the Role

Nutrition International Nigeria will support the Nigerian government in target states through implementation of the following project: "VAS for Boosting Child Survival in Northern Nigeria". The project will provide financial and technical support in the planning and delivery of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW) activities. It will focus on coordinating MNCHW campaigns to increase access to essential services for mothers and children, while also ensuring follow-up and post-campaign support to sustain impact. Through these efforts, we will strengthen state-level health delivery and improve community uptake of key health interventions.

In line with Nutrition International's strategic objectives in Africa, and, in partnership with key stakeholders in Nigeria, Nutrition International is seeking a qualified Senior Program Officer (SPO) who will provide technical support and other assistance to the national and state governments in Kebbi and Sokoto, and/or other stakeholders, to help provide, on a sustainable basis, improved child survival interventions particularly vitamin A supplementation for children under-5. The position holder will be responsible for planning, implementation, and monitoring of the program to ensure vitamin A supplementation activities are implemented every six months and high coverage is achieved and sustained in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

This position is conditional upon receipt of funding. While the organization is proceeding with recruitment in anticipation of project implementation, appointment to the role will only be confirmed once funding has been secured. The organization reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the recruitment process if funding is not finalized.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development

• With the support and guidance of relevant members of the NI technical team, the Deputy Country Director, the Country Director, and in collaboration with the other Nigeria Child Survival SPOs:
• Ensure a regularly updated landscape analysis is available on Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) programs in Northern Nigeria states, in particular, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
• Develop and plan projects in collaboration with key stakeholders and partners that respond to programming gaps and bottlenecks identified throughout the implementation of the project.
• Develop project budgets and agree on financial commitments with Country Director and ensure appropriate inputs are made and updated in NI's NICOR system.
• Be alert to opportunities for NI engagement in child survival.

Project Implementation and Management

• Coordinating with the Deputy Country Director, lead the management of "VAS for Boosting Child Survival in Northern Nigeria Project" in Sokoto and Kebbi states and any other child survival projects that may be assigned.
• Manage a team of LGA level Coordinators, including overseeing the development of their workplans, engaging them in regular check-ins, and monitoring progress, performance and provide regular feedback and guidance.
• Troubleshoot and recommend corrective actions drawing on internal NI expertise in the Nigeria and Regional Offices and beyond as necessary.
• Ensure regular coordination for VAS programming with key government and community stakeholders to ensure NI funding for these interventions are being used cost-effectively.
• Ensure the NICOR system is regularly updated, in line with NI contract management procedures.
• Participate in regular coordination meetings with NI team members, to make sure that guidance to the State is cohesive and contribute technical guidance, capacity building and support as relevant.
• Ensure close monitoring and tracking of the implementation of the planned project activities and results for GW funded VAS projects through regular online check-ins and field visits with LGA and State levels NI staff to ensure value for money.
• Prepare and share high quality periodic and annual project updates and reports as necessary.

Program Research and Evaluation

• Participate in the design of research and evaluation activities and work closely with researchers and external evaluators to ensure research and evaluations exercises are feasible, responds to NI, stakeholders and government needs and is effectively disseminated in timely fashion.
• In collaboration with NI child Survival support team and researchers, facilitate engagement with key stakeholders including relevant State and LGA level government entities for facilitating relevant clearances and authorizations for research and evaluation activities when necessary.
• Support the dissemination of research and program evaluation findings in Nigeria and elsewhere with the view to inform available new information and improved practices.

External Relations

• Build and maintain good collaborative relations with Ministry of Health, other government agencies, UN agencies, and NGOs, as appropriate at national and state levels.
• Contribute to knowledge translation documents such as policy briefs, summary briefs, blogs, and case studies relevant to child survival.
• Participate in national and sub-national fora relevant to child survival to share lessons learnt with other stakeholders.
• Keep up to date with developments in child survival intervention areas.

Requirements

Education

• Postgraduate level degree, masters (at a minimum), from a recognized university in nutrition or public health (with emphasis on nutrition). Other relevant disciplines will be considered with significant relevant experience.
• Training in epidemiology, data analysis and research methodologies is desirable.
• Post graduate certificate in project management is an added advantage.

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in programs relating to child survival, health and nutrition, and/or in low- and middle-income countries or low resource settings, including at least 3 years of field experience.
• Experience with gender responsive (nutrition or public health) program design and implementation is an asset.
• Significant experience managing grant funded health and nutrition programs especially in northern Nigeria.
• Relevant experience working with local community actors.
• Good understanding of the health systems and local community structures in northwestern Nigeria is required.
• Experience and sound understanding of health systems.
• Proven experience in leading, motivating, and managing cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals.
• Past experience working within the national and/or state government health system is an added advantage.
• Relevant experience working in conflict or hard to reach communities is desired.

Language Skills

• Superior communication skills (verbal and written).
• Fluent written and spoken English essential. Knowledge of Hausa and the local language is an added advantage.

This position is open to Nigerian nationals only

Benefits

A competitive market pay, health benefits, pension plan, flexible work hours, vacation, support for learning and development opportunities and health and wellness. We offer a collaborative and engaging work environment.

Safeguarding Commitment

Nutrition International upholds a zero-tolerance policy on safeguarding concerns and sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH). Following the principles of the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, reference checks will include safeguarding verifications with previous employers. By applying to this position, candidates acknowledge and consent to these reference checks being conducted with previous employers. 

Please note that all our offers are conditional subject to appropriate screening checks and satisfactory reference checks.

How to Apply

Please click on the Apply button to submit your application.