Program Officer at Pathfinder International – Katsina

Pathfinder International is recruiting a Program Officer in Katsina to lead state-level delivery of routine immunisation and HPV vaccination initiatives. The role supports government coordination, financing accountability, community demand, partner management and project reporting.

Location: Katsina

Job Purpose

• The Program Officer will provide operational and technical leadership for project implementation at the state level, with a focus on strengthening routine immunisation and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
• The successful candidates will work with state government institutions, health agencies, local government authorities, civil society organisations, and community stakeholders to improve immunisation coverage, strengthen domestic financing, promote accountability, and increase community demand for vaccination.
• The role involves coordinating project activities, translating evidence into policy and action, monitoring implementation, managing local partners, and supporting the integration of routine immunisation and HPV vaccination into state health systems.

Key Responsibilities

State Leadership and Coordination

• Lead project implementation at the state level and coordinate with the State Ministry of Health, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Ministry of Finance, immunisation coordination committees, local government authorities, and other relevant government institutions.

Evidence-Based Policy and Decision-Making

• Support the preparation and review of immunisation and HPV performance scorecards using health data, logistics information, supervision findings, financing records, and community feedback. Coordinate performance reviews and track agreed actions to address implementation gaps.

Political Engagement and Domestic Financing

• Provide technical support and evidence to government leaders and decision-makers. Monitor budget approvals, fund releases, and expenditure for routine immunisation and HPV vaccination, including resources for human resources, logistics, cold-chain systems, and outreach activities.

Community Engagement and Demand Generation

• Oversee community engagement activities, household dialogues, school-based vaccination awareness, and initiatives to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. Support engagement with Almajiri and Islamic school networks, youth vaccine champions, and other community groups.

Civil Society Partner Management

• Manage and monitor the performance of the state’s civil society organisation partner. Review deliverables, conduct spot checks, ensure quality standards, and identify potential compliance concerns.

HPV Vaccination Integration

• Support the integration of HPV vaccination into routine health services through implementation plans, monitoring tools, continuity reviews, and strategies to address service readiness, vaccine availability, and community access barriers.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning:

• Collect and verify project data, conduct data quality assessments, participate in baseline and endline assessments, and document lessons learned, promising practices, and programme outcomes.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual project reporting inputs. Maintain accurate records and communicate implementation progress, achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

Minimum Education and Work Experience

Applicants must possess the following qualifications and experience.

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health, Health Policy, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. A Master’s degree, such as an MPH or Master’s in Health Policy, is an advantage.
• Professional Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible experience in public health programme management in Nigeria.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated experience in immunisation, primary health care, or health systems strengthening.
• Government Engagement: Experience working with state government institutions, including health agencies, ministries of finance or budget, and relevant coordination platforms.
• Partner Management: Experience managing, mentoring, and monitoring local partners or subgrantees, including milestone verification and compliance.
• Data Analysis: Strong ability to analyse routine health data, including DHIS2 or equivalent systems, budget documents, and programme performance information.
• Communication: Excellent written and spoken English.
• Language Requirement: Fluency in Hausa is required.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong project planning, coordination, implementation, and management skills.
• Knowledge of public health systems, immunisation, primary health care, and health service delivery.
• Ability to translate research findings and routine data into practical recommendations and policy briefs.
• Strong financial monitoring, budget tracking, and programme accountability skills.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, leadership, presentation, and communication abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Commitment to sexual and reproductive health and rights, family planning, maternal and child health, gender equality, and the elimination of harmful traditional practices.
• Willingness to travel as required, with travel estimated at up to 10 percent.